Sermons on James Black:

Life Happens Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

James is encouraging his readers to pray. In fact, James’ concluding remarks consistently take the reader back to the need to pray. The first thing we should do is frequently the last thing done.

JAMES 5:13, 14 LIFE HAPPENS “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James is drawing his brief, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

You Have To Be Kidding

Contributed by John Raulerson on Oct 6, 2005

James’readers must have been amazed when he told them to count it all joy when they fall into trials. James was not kidding and explained how trials can be a friend and not a foe.

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING! James 1:2-11 There are times in life when you hear something that sounds so outlandish that your first remark is "You have to be kidding!" You think that what the person is telling you has to be a joke or a lie, but certainly not the truth. This had to be the thoughts of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Practical Christianity Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Oct 11, 2022

The book of James is written by Jesus’ brother. James speaks to the practical side of Christianity. Christianity is doctrine, but it is more than doctrine. His point was to influence believers to a practical Christianity. It is written to Hebrew Christians.

A man leaves his business in the hands of someone to look after things while he is gone. When he returns, he asked the one he left in charge, did you get my letters and read my instructions? Yes, he replied I received them, and I read them. How could it be that this man received the letters and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

Ask For Wisdom Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 16, 2021

James is not the James who was one of the 12 apostles and killed by Herod Agrippa I in the YEAR AD 44. Instead, James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55), the one who was a leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Gal. 1:19), the one Paul called a pillar in the church (Gal. 2:9).

I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 3. Ask for wisdom -- 1:5. Text – James 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Anarchy

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Apr 13, 2011

This sermon uses spiritual math: one person with no spiritual compass plus another person with no spiritual compass is greater than the sum of the two... it is actually multiplied until they become a black hole of sin sucking in other persons.

Spiritual Anarchy Judges 17 & 18 READ: “(Judges is) one of the most difficult books to deal with in all of the Old Testament is the book of Judges. It contains the stories of men and women who lived during the “dark ages” of Israel’s spiritual history. These people lived in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Why Should The Work Stop? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 17, 2008

For Lent and for Black History Month: Those who are threatened by progress will always ask us not to go too far. But this church must not stop reaching all people, serving all needs, touching all children and youth.

In the fall of 1955 I sat in the auditorium of the Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville, one of about 300 newly admitted engineering students. The dean welcomed us, and yet also warned us. He instructed us, “Look at the person on your right. Now look at the person on your ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Waiting For Full Joy

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 22, 2010

Delivered 1989, on the 25th anniversary of the reception of the church's first black member. We wait for full joy and unity, which come from embracing all people and from being the agents of redemption for all needs.

Exactly twenty-five years ago, two things happened which were destined to have a profound effect on my life, and I want to share them with you this morning. These two unrelated happenings took place without the people involved in either one being aware of the other one, but, as I have said, both ...read more

Scripture: John 17:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Splash Of Colour -A Night To Remember Christmas Eve...2

Contributed by John Gullick on Dec 23, 2015

2nd sermon of this title by me ten years apart. This one is for Christmas 2015 - uses a metaphor that Christmas eve is a splash of colour on a black backdrop of history. I will probably do a painting as I preach it.

Christmas eve. A night to remember LK 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Big Ears Series

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Apr 27, 2004

Message series in book of James: “Extreme Makeover: What Really Looks Good to God” - A church that is in hard times gets a lesson through James on how to grow together as a community of faith with big ears.

Big Ears Message series in book of James: “Extreme Makeover: What Really Looks Good to God” Big word, an in word, in our culture these days is “makeover.” Tummy tucks, lipo-suction, nose jobs, home renos, remodelling of gardens, they are all the rage. Many TV shows that have this theme are ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Let's Be Practical Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Aug 19, 2005

First message on James. James’ letter is more a practical paper on corrrect conduct, than a doctrinal discourse. He assumes a knowledge of doctrine (dangerous assumption today!) and urges us to live out the truth.

“It is a bewildering paradox that one-third of all American adults claim to be born again and yet fail to impact our society which becomes sicker and more corrupt by the day. Religion is up but morality is down,” says Chuck Colson. George Gallup reached the same conclusion when he polled the nation ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17

Quick, Get The Umbrella Series

Contributed by Roger Nelmes on Jan 29, 2008

Tonight we are going to look at the first 18 verses of James chapter 1. We’ve called it, “Quick, go get the umbrella” because James is trying to get them prepared for the storm.

The Perfect Storm: Quick, get the Umbrella Opening Illustration: In October of 1991, the "Andrea Gail" left Gloucester, Mass. and headed for the fishing grounds of the North Atlantic. Two weeks later, an event took place that had never occurred in recorded history. A storm stronger than any in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are You Religious? (Part Two)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 16, 2017

In the beginning of James 1:27, James highlights that part of pure religion in the eyes of God is looking after orphans and widows in their distress. Let's take a look at why this would be an indicator of being truly religious.

ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? (part two) Recap: James 1:26, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." We looked at chapter three and realized why James highlighted the tongue-because it's the hardest to tame. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, James 24:17-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Defeating Temptation Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jul 2, 2018

Temptation is everyone's battle, James gives some very practical advice on how to defeat it.

Defeating Temptation #makingitreal (3) Real Faith is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus and it results in a new life, a new purpose and a new identity (as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ)! Real Faith turns trials into triumphs. When tempted, no one should say, “God is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dealing With Temptation

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Introductory Consideration From Temptation to Death James 1:12-17 1.

Introductory Consideration From Temptation to Death James 1:12-17 1. "I try so hard not to talk about others, but before I realize it, the words are out of my mouth". "I believe I am a Christian, but I sure wonder when I act theway I do." " I feel like giving up. I just cannot overcome the evil ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Life's Dimensions

Contributed by Bruce Howell on May 15, 2001

An attempt to answer the question posed by James in 4:14, "What is your life?"

Life’s Dimensions 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 little while and ...read more

Scripture: James 4:14-18

Denomination: Wesleyan