Sermon Central
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James: Faith In Action
Contributed by Mark Opperman on Feb 11, 2010 (message contributor)
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1. Growing Pains
Contributed on Feb 11, 2010
As we face various trials in life we must learn to respond appropriately to the work God is doing in us: Embrace your trials and ask for God's help.
Growing Pains James 1:1-8 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 ...read more
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2. Trading Places
Contributed on Feb 22, 2010
This life gives us a temporary opportunity to trade our old life for a new one in Christ - all because He traded places with us by dying on the cross.
Trading Places James 1:9-11 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its ...read more
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3. Holding On, Not Out
Contributed on Mar 1, 2010
God wants us to keep holding on to Him while trusting that He is not holding out on us!
Holding On, not Out James 1:12-18 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor ...read more
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4. Relational Religion
Contributed on Mar 9, 2010
God wants your religion to be characterized by love, compassion, and holy living.
Relational Religion James 1:19-27 Intro: The word “religion” has really gotten a bad rap in modern history. It is almost a dirty word to some. Maybe you’ve heard some of these phrases before: “Oh, you got religion!” “Don’t shove your religion on ...read more
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5. The Triumph Of Mercy
Contributed on Mar 15, 2010
God wants us to extend His love and mercy to everyone, regardless of their status in life.
The Triumph of Mercy James 2:1-13 Intro: Our country was founded on principles of equality and justice. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable ...read more
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6. The Vitality Of Faith
Contributed on Mar 29, 2010
Actions are vital signs of real faith. Faith that moves is faith that is alive. Faith that pleases God must find expression in actions that please God.
The Vitality of Faith James 2:14-26 Intro: If you’ve studied Romans or Galatians recently, you might come to this particular passage in James and wonder if Paul and James believed the same thing about what it meant to be saved or to be a Christian. Martin Luther was impacted very ...read more
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7. Watching Your Words
Contributed on Apr 13, 2010
God wants our words to be a source of blessing to Him and to those around us.
Watching Your Words James 3:1-12 Intro: James has already mentioned the need to watch what we say. In the first chapter of James he said James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Also, James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself ...read more
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8. Living The Foolproof Life
Contributed on Apr 19, 2010
With God’s help, we can live wisely! “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” James 3:18 (MSG)
Living the Foolproof Life James 3:13-18 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such ...read more
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9. When Dreams Come True
Contributed on Apr 27, 2010
Our greatest dreams will come true when we get close to God and give our hearts completely to Him. How to get prayers answered and how not to.
When Dreams Come True James 4:1-10 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask ...read more
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10. The Tragedy Of Trash Talk
Contributed on May 3, 2010
The real tragedy of talking trash is that it hurts people and damages our relationship with God. How we treat (speak of) others not only affects them, but it affects our own closeness with God.
The Tragedy of Trash Talk James 4:11-12 11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the ...read more
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11. The Mist That Made A Difference
Contributed on May 17, 2010
Our temporary lives can make a lasting difference if we will surrender our plans to God.
The Mist that Made a Difference James 4:13-17 13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a ...read more
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12. If Money Could Talk…
Contributed on Jun 2, 2010
Selfish and dishonest gain invites God’s judgment and leaves a person in ultimate poverty.
If Money Could Talk… James 5:1-6 -Most of us have probably heard the saying, “Money talks.” Words are one thing, but when someone slaps down their money or writes the check, their words take on new meaning. Sometimes money produces results that seemed slow in coming with any ...read more
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13. Patience: It’s A Matter Of Time
Contributed on Jun 8, 2010
Patience is a virtue of love that every believer needs to make it through this life.
Patience: It’s a Matter of Time James 5:7-12 7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is ...read more
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14. The Power Of Praying People
Contributed on Jun 14, 2010
We’re to look to God… 1. When we’re suffering. (13a) 2. When we have success and are happy. (13b) 3. When we have sickness. (14-15a) 4. And, when we’re in sin. (15b-16)
The Power of Praying People It’s amazing how many bad things can happen to people. Here are some stories from a few years back… —Paul Stiller, 47, was hospitalized when a quarter stick of dynamite blew up in his car. While driving around with his wife at 2AM, the bored couple ...read more
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15. Restoration
Contributed on Jun 30, 2010
God has a plan for healing and restoration, and He chooses to use imperfect people like you and me to help restore those who fall away.
Restoration James 5:17-20 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! 18 Then he prayed for rain, and down it poured. The grass turned green, and the crops began to grow again. 19 My dear brothers and ...read more