James

‘Joy in trials’ (James 1:1-8)

AudioPhilip

In this message, Ryan Smith applies James 1:1-8 to our daily experience of the ‘trials of life’ which always bring to the surface our most desperate need for wisdom!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Standing on the Promises
00:18 Introduction
00:31 Prayer
08:09 Bible reading: Romans 8:26-39
Song: Be Unto Your Name
10:42 Bible reading: James 1:1-8
Song: Grace Unmeasured
Sermon: James 1:1-8
Song: Teach Me Your Way
11:51 Closing

Outline

Introduction: An extended season of trials

  1. How to think about trials (v2-4)
    Count it joy (v2)
    Because they’re ‘perfecting’ us (v3-4)
  2. What to do in the midst of trials (5-8)
    Ask God for wisdom (v5)
    NOT doubting? (v6)
    Double-minded and unstable?? (v8)
    God gives generously! (v5)
  3. Joy and wisdom in God’s most generous gift
    Wisdom in Christ (Col 2:1-3)
    Jesus’ joy in the cross (Heb 12:2)
    God’s most generous gift (Romans 8:31-39)

‘Reformation Celebration 2016’ message by Rev Dr Jared Hood

AudioPhilip

jared-hood

In this message on James 2:14-26, preached at our Reformation Celebration held at Eaglehawk PC on October 30th, 2016, Rev Dr Jared Hood explores the topic of the believer’s justification and whether it is by faith (as taught by Paul) or by works (as taught by James). Is there a conflict or do the two fit together? Or is something else the basis of our justification? And if so, where do works fit in?

‘Taming your tongue’ (James 3:1-12)

AudioPhilip

In tackling these verses from James 3, Joel Thomas reminds us that what we say is a big deal. Words can hurt and destroy when they should encourage and uplift.  And the problem is our all at the tip of our tongues!  It’s not enough to just keep our tongues from ‘speaking evil’. They should also ‘do good’ to others and promote the gospel.

‘Faith: the real and the not so real’ (James 2:14-26)

AudioPhilip

Faith is a concept that both unbelievers and believers can struggle with. This part of the book of James tackles the question of faith head on, showing that genuine faith will be seen and shown by deeds. No deeds will mean that there is no faith present or even that we have the faith of demons (whose belief in God leads them to do no more than quake in their boots!).  So how do faith and deeds sit together? James points to the examples of  Abraham and Rahab so that we might know!

‘Breaking the law of God without knowing it’ (James 2:8-13)

AudioPhilip

Following on from James’ practical warnings about showing favouritism (2:1-7) comes this Scriptural foundation. While we may think that showing favouritism ‘hardly’ breaks God’s law, James reminds us that in God’s sight sin is sin and all sin deserves His judgement, yet (thankfully) that He also acts mercifully to those who show mercy. By these James challenges those who claim to love God and keep His law, if we would pass His test.