Sermon Central
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James: Wisdom For Believers (Exiles)
Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 12, 2024 (message contributor)
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1. Tribes, Trials, Trust
Contributed on Aug 12, 2024
In this sermon, we consider James' opening remarks to believers as they face trials and persecution.
How do you respond when your rights as a citizen or resident of the United States collides with the life that God has called you to live as a follower of Christ? Can there be a conflict? This week, one of the the guys who came through for training was a man named Stephen. Story: malfunctioning ...read more
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2. Content With God's Good Gifts
Contributed on Aug 12, 2024
Many of the trials that we face come from outside of us. Some of those trials come from within as temptations. James urges us to be content in our station, because our station and the trials that accompany it are good gifts from God.
In 2016, Rosario Butterfield was speaking at university. After her talk, she met a young woman who was struggling. To Rosario and this lady went to visit the campus chaplain, who was also a counselor over the course of their conversation they found out that this young woman had been listening to a ...read more
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3. Quick, Slow, Slow
Contributed on Aug 12, 2024
As James continues to provide wisdom to exiles, he begins to discuss our interactions with other people - especially our reactions.
Today, as we return to our study in the book of James, we are confronted with some helpful and convicting words that relate to how we interact with other people and even respond to sticky situations. Even as he presents this information - James does so with a specific outcome in mind: James ...read more
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4. How Bad Is Favoritism Really?
Contributed on Aug 12, 2024
On the topic of pure religion and our interactions with other people, James addresses the topic of favoritism.
Mean Girls and Bullies Are a common theme in the movies and entertainment in part because… It is a part of human nature - to be accepted and to be close to people who can help us get ahead. In school that might look like working your way into the crowd of cool kids - even if that means ...read more
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5. A Tale Of Two Kinds Of Wisdom
Contributed on Sep 3, 2024
James focuses on the leaders of the church as he calls into question the source of wisdom - essentially noting that wisdom from God is drastically different than wisdom of the world.
There are decisions that all of us make on a daily basis. Some of those are minor and relatively inconsequential, others are major and potentially life altering. Some impact only us (or so we think), where others reap ramifications on our families, church, workplaces, school, community, and more. ...read more
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6. This Is War
Contributed on Sep 9, 2024
As we continue to pursue the "true religion" that James encourages us to embody, we come face to face with a war that we face. Sure, there are battles with culture, but this war is within.
One of my favorite bands is the group “Switchfoot.” While I like their sound (it is unique and often very easily identifiable), what I like most is their lyrics. Switchfoot is a band that is made up of Christians. Their lyrics and songs have made their way onto both Christian and secular charts ...read more
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7. Hubris Or Humility
Contributed on Sep 16, 2024
There are so many factors that come into play when we make plans, but how often does the Sovereign will of God affect our plan making? In this passage, James challenges us to avoid hubris and embrace humility by submitting to God’s sovereignty in making plans.
Mistakes along the way? In February of 1995, nearly 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a clear way that has impacted the course of my life - and yet it has not been without mistakes and missteps. He urged me to go to the church the Danielle grew up at and help out with the youth ...read more
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8. Partiality, Patience, Presence
Contributed on Sep 23, 2024
Jesus could return at any time, therefore we should be just in our dealings and patiently endure injustice.
On the night before Jesus was crucified, He told his disciples John 14:3 ESV And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Jesus went to the cross, leaving them hope beyond the cross, hinting at the resurrection and eternal ...read more
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9. A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly
Contributed on Sep 30, 2024
As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.
In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more
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10. A Covenant Community Prays Fervently
Contributed on Oct 7, 2024
One of James' final instructions to the exiled believers is on the topic of prayer.
Introduction In his profound book on the importance of prayer in the life of a congregation, John Onwuchekwa shares this quote - which is attributed to several different people including Martin Luther: To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin ...read more
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11. A Covenant Community Cares Faithfully
Contributed on Oct 22, 2024
As James concludes his letter to exiles, he does so with one final exhortation regarding how a Christian community should care for those who have fallen away from the faith.
Paul Confronts Peter approx. AD 40 Peter was eating with a group of Gentile believers - maybe a church picnic. He had shared the gospel with Gentiles and had received confirmation from the Holy Spirit that salvation is for them too. Some guys from James came to the same picnic - these guys where ...read more