Sermon Central
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Keep The Faith - Studies In James
Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 11, 2014 (message contributor)
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1. God's Ten Commands For Peaceful Living
Contributed on Jul 3, 2014
James 4:7-10 is a series of ten rapid-fire instructions that provide God’s Ten Commandments for restoring peace in your relationships.
Our study of James 4 has focused on the results of following worldly wisdom as opposed to godly wisdom. This theme of two kinds of wisdom was introduced in chapter 3. “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” (James ...read more
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2. Let God Be Judge
Contributed on Jul 7, 2014
One of the characteristics of a worldly minded Christian is a judgmental spirit. This sermon draws a distinction between speaking the truth about sin, and lifting ourselves up as the judge over other people's behavior.
If you have ever seen a court proceeding in England, you will have noticed that British judges and lawyers still wear Victorian era wigs at certain times in the proceedings. Most important, a judge will put on a long white wig prior to announcing the verdict to a defendant. There is a reason for ...read more
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3. Simple Speech
Contributed on Aug 18, 2014
In a world of complex communication, James reminds us to keep our words simple, trustworthy and positive!
Kim’s nephew came home from second grade in her Christian School and told his mom and dad that one of the kids got in trouble for saying the “F” word. Tom and Clara were quite surprised, and asked him, “Thomas, what exactly did the boy say?” Thomas whispered, ...read more
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4. Be Patient Because The Lord Is Near
Contributed on Aug 18, 2014
The imminency of Christ’s return should motivate us to remain steadfast in our faith.
The dictionary defines Imminent as “Coming or likely to happen very soon.” http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/imminent James teaches us that the imminency of Christ’s return should motivate us to remain steadfast in our faith. “Be patient, therefore, ...read more
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5. Investment Without Loss Of Principle
Contributed on Jul 25, 2014
James warns rich believers not to abuse their wealth but to use their wealth for future spiritual gains.
What is your investment strategy? Generally speaking, when it comes to financial investment, the greater the potential return, the greater the risk. So, financial planners may recommend a strategy that is focused on Preservation of Principal. But what about investing with the preservation of the ...read more
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6. Keep The Faith
Contributed on Jan 11, 2014
The theme of James is more than patience through trials. James is exhorting us to stay FAITHFUL in the face of PERSECUTION. He is exhorting us to KEEP the FAITH.
There’s a familiar story about the new bride who is cooking a big family dinner. As the ladies are gathered in the kitchen, the bride puts the roast in the pan and asks her mother why we always cut the end of the roast and put it in another pan? They ask grandma who says, “well honey, ...read more
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7. How To Know That Your Faith Is Real
Contributed on May 20, 2014
James warns us against False Faith and Faithless Works.
Sermon Notes May 4, 2014 How to Know that Your Faith is Real James 2:14-26 There is a tremendous difference between something that is REAL and something that is FAKE. When our children were young one of their favorite gifts for their mom was a bottle of knock-off perfume. Perhaps you ...read more
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8. Justified By Works - Does James Contradict Paul?
Contributed on May 20, 2014
James and Paul seem to be saying something different about faith. But their message is the same. True faith results in a changed life.
James’ teaching on Faith seem to contradict what Paul teaches about Faith. I want to answer this question as we our study of James brings us to James’ familiar statement in chapter 2. “Faith without works is dead.” Is James contradicting what Paul writes in Romans, ...read more
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9. The Power Of Our Words
Contributed on May 27, 2014
Our words reveal what our heart contains, so listen carefully to yourself to see whether or not your faith is real.
Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word may light the day A timely word may lessen ...read more
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10. The Peace That Comes From Heavenly Wisdom
Contributed on Jun 10, 2014
James describes how to identify counterfeit earthly wisdom and enjoy the inner peace that comes from heavenly wisdom.
There is a familiar picture of a man at the base of a lighthouse, standing in an open door. A giant wave smashing against the lighthouse, but the man seems oblivious to the danger around him. The picture is called“Lighthouse in the Storm” and was taken by French photographer Jean ...read more
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11. The Root Of Your Problem
Contributed on Jun 24, 2014
When we follow worldly wisdom, the evidence will be demonstrate in the quarrels and fights that occur in our churches and in our other relationships. The problem is solved when we humble ourselves before God and before others.
“A new movie, “Fight Church,” raises the unusual question: “Can you love your neighbor while kneeing him in the face?” (Source: ABC news, abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/church-fight-club-pits-pastor-pastor-23188184 The documentary, by directors Daniel Junge and Bryan ...read more