Sermons on James 1:19-26:19:

True Religion James 1:26-27 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 31, 2021

James 1:26 speaks of "true religion." We know about caring for orphans and widows, but what about the other part?

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Playing Favorites (James 2:1-4) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 19, 2021

Are you more likely to be friendly toward someone at church who is attractive than someone who is repulsive in some way? Do you look with more favor on wealthy people than homeless people? This passage teaches us how to look at people the way God looks at them.

Command: No Favoritism One of the most unsettling things that can happen when I read the Bible is when I discover that something is especially important to God, and it is not really a big deal in my thinking. For whatever reason, there are certain sins that we are all very aware of, and there are ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-4

04 - James 1:26-2:13 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 22, 2021

This is the 4th of 11 Studies in the Book of James and talks about the need to control the use of our tongues, defines pure and undefiled religion and the warns against discrimination against the poor in the church.

James 1:26 26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. After speaking about trials, seeking wisdom, money, temptations and obeying the word of God, James now turns his attention to what it means to be ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 2:1-13, James 1:18, Matthew 6:24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Royal Law - James 2:8-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 28, 2021

We tend to disguise our sinful favoritism under the guise of loving our neighbor. Favoritism seems like love towards those we favor, but James shows that it’s really a violation of the royal law of love.

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. The Importance of the Command Is anybody here interested in seeing the most important ...read more

Scripture: James 2:8-9

To Judge Or Not To Judge - James 4:11,12

Contributed by Vernon Risner on Jan 23, 2022

Jesus says in Matthew 7:1 that we aren't to judge. Then in John 7:24 Jesus says to "judge correctly". So which is it? Are we to judge or not to judge? Today we look at this topic and it's far-reaching implications on the Christian life.

To Judge or Not to Judge - James 4:11,12 When I was in high school, there was this guy in my class that was on the rough side. He smoked, cussed, had long hair. Later we became good friends but before that – I remember a day a Christian student approached him sharing a judgmental comment. This ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-12, John 7:24, 1 Corinthians 5:9-12, Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Conception By Deception - James 1:13-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 22, 2021

Why do some temptations strike a chord in our desires while others don’t?

James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-15

The Sin Of Partiality - James 2:1-13 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 15, 2015

Why is showing preference to the rich a sin? And, is it really as much of a sin as murder or adultery?

Today we are back into the book of James, the half-brother of Jesus, who is writing to Jews who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus, the Messiah, for salvation. These Christian Jews are scattered among the nations but the message is for us as well. We are gentiles, redeemed by the blood of ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Nazarene

The Power Activator - James 2:14-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

How can you have assurance of your salvation? And how can a deceived person avoid having false assurance? James makes the answers clear by giving a clear definition of the one aspect of the gospel that is all too often left vague: exactly what you have to do to be saved.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-19

The Friend Of God - James 2:20-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

We are often told to trust God. But this passage makes trust seem more desirable by casting it in the context of friendship. This message defines friendship and explores what it means to have that with God.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:20-24

Portrait Of A Peacemaker - James 3:17-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This message shows how several of the elements of human wisdom have been dressed up and have found their way into the church. We must beware of those. The message also gives insights into how to convert incidents of conflict into peace in the church and restore broken relationships.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Introduction God will call us His children, if and only if… How ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18

The Book Of James: A Gut Punch For Christian Hypocrisy

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Sep 24, 2021

I’ve heard the book of James described as a gut punch to Christians. I like that. The book of James, written by Jesus’ brother, somebody who grew up with Jesus, and saw Jesus’ during his whole ministry, writes to us, challenging us to really practice what we believe.

I’ve heard the book of James described as a gut punch to Christians. I like that. The book of James, written by Jesus’ brother, somebody who grew up with Jesus, and saw Jesus’ during his whole ministry, writes to us, challenging us to really practice what we believe. That is one of the main themes ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1, James 1:22-25, James 2:1-4, James 2:12-13, James 4:4-10, James 5:7-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

Hostile Desires - James 4:1-3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 3, 2021

If you struggle with anger or are having conflicts with people, this is an important message for you. It shows how good desires become hostile desires and how to fix the problem.

James 4:1 What causes wars and battles among you? Don’t they come from your desires that wage war within you? 2 You covet something but don’t get it – you murder. And you envy, but you cannot have [what you want] - you battle and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 When you ask, you do ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-3

The Gospel Makes Us Family: Intro To James Series

Contributed by Michael Larsen on Nov 15, 2019

The gospel makes us family: Intro to James

Open your bibles to 1 Corinthians 15 We are going to spend our time today introducing you to James half-brother of Jesus. As we begin our new series from the Book of James entitled Faith That Works. In his commentary R. Kent Hughes says “one thing is clear about the book of James—the dominant ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Yes Means Yes - James 5:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 17, 2022

Let your yes be yes, otherwise you will be condemned? Is James saying you will go to hell if you tell a lie? Haven't all people told lies?

James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. Introduction Fraud According to one criminologist, the #1 crime in America today is fraud. I don’t know how many convictions there ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Matthew 5:37

Personal Communion With God - James 5:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 17, 2022

How to draw near to God in times of trouble - and in times of joy.

James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Introduction Charles Vaughan once said: “If I wished to humble anyone I should question him about his prayers. I know nothing to compare with this topic for its sorrowful self confessions.” ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13