Life is a Test Series – James 5:12-20

Intro: “It’s for your own good!” How many times have you heard that? How many times have you heard someone say it is for your own good that you do that? Brush your teeth, wash your hands, sit up right at the table, take your elbows off the table, don’t stare, chew with your mouth close, cover your mouth when you cough, don’t talk back to your mother. As we come to a close in the book of James he takes serous the importance of “Praying with...

Life is a Test Series - James 5:7-11

Intro: Some years ago a speedboat driver who had survived a racing accident described what had happened. He said he had been at near top speeds when his boat veered slightly and hit a wave at a dangerous angle. The combined force of his speed and the size and angle of the wave sent the boat spinning crazily into the air. He was thrown from his seat and propelled deeply into the water—so deep, in fact, that he had no idea which direction the surface wa...

Life is a Test Series – James 5:16

Intro: Materialism

The story is told of a prosperous, young investment banker who was driving a new BMW sedan on a mountain road during a snowstorm. As he veered around one sharp turn, he lost control and began sliding off the road toward a deep cliff. At the last moment he unbuckled his seat belt, flung open his door, and leaped from the car, which then tumbled down the ravine and burst into a ball of flames.

Though he had escaped with his life, the man s...

Life is a Test Series – James 4:13-17

Intro: Every one of us has an opinion or a viewpoint on what a true Christian is, or what they should be doing. I would even go to the extent to say most of us here might think we’re doing a decent job on being that Christian. Correct? James in the content of the text in discussion today reiterates the character of a genuine believer. This should be, to do the will of God. We have learned the importance of loving God, repenting of our sins, displayi...

Life is a Test Series - James 4:11-12

Intro: If I got a dollar every time someone said; let me give you my opinion on that matter. I would have a nice chunk of change by now. It seems everybody has an opinion and advice to freely give; sadly enough judgement is usually included. We (believers) are out of our jurisdiction when we attempt to be the jury, lawyer and the judge, and assume we can give a verdict in these cases of life were a part of!

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymo...

Life is a Test Series – James 4:7-12

Intro: It happens often, a storm, a flood, a devastating situation and it is in all the local news reports. Someone was in need of a rescue; they were stuck in a tree, entrapped in a vehicle, their house was destroyed while they were still in it. Report after report someone was in need of being rescued and they knew it, they accepted that condition. Is it possible that there are some people in this church, they need rescuing and they don’t even know i...

Life is a Test Series - James 4:1-6

Intro: “What the Christian should Do!” Is the test question for this week. You might not believe this but I often wonder what the Christian would do if: After he or she is done with the Grocery shopping and pushes the cart to the car, and after loading everything into the car, what do What would you do with the cart? Do you leave it next to the car? Or do you find a cart stall somewhere and put it away? What would you do if you were in a Walmart or Kma...

Life is a Test Series – James 3:13-18

Intro: If we were to recall our upbringing and all the great statement’s that our parents instilled within us, I believe one that would be on the top ten list, would be: DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING? Interestingly enough this is exactly what James wants; he wants the Christian to really understand the wisdom that comes from God and not to depend on man’s wisdom.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, ...

Life is a Test Series - James 3:1-12

Intro: It is one of the hardest tests you will ever take. The use of this real small body part can make or break, can destroy a marriage, split a church, ruin relationships. It’s nothing but a little tongue: But in might as well be a stick of dynamite, because it can blowup, might as well be a stick or stone, because it can break you bones. It might as well be a knife, because it can stab you right thru the center of your heart and stop you from moving....

Life is a Test Series - James 2:14-24

Intro: The greatest tragedy of the church today is people who profess Christ and yet do not live for Christ. Millions profess Christ and they are baptized and confirmed and made members of the church, but they do not follow nor live for Christ. They do not live pure and righteous lives, nor do they give all they are and have to reach the lost and needy of the world. Are they saved? Do they have a genuine faith? This is the discussion of this passage. Th...

Life is a Test Series – James 2:9-13

Intro: HAPPY BIRTHDAY America! 239 years ago on the 4th of July. This Country celebrated its independence. It was now a Nation where its citizens were free of tyranny and persecution, a Country where their inalienable rights where imbedded in the doctrine of a sovereign being. He was worshipped as Jehovah (God). To experience this freedom, thousands of men and woman paid the ultimate price; they died so that we could be free! They suffered much and even...

Life is a Test Series – James 2:5-8

Intro: “It is well with my soul!”

One of my favorite hymns, one you hear often with funerals, written by Author Horatio G. Spafford and composed by Philip P. Bliss is “It is well with my soul!” When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like the sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.’ Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Chr...

Father's Day

Life is a Test Series – James 2:1-4

Intro: “Father testimony” You may believe you’re not one of those who have partiality issues; I didn’t, so I thought. My son thought different. You’re often the last to believe the scriptures are talking about you! I must believe through my own experiences that partiality is a sin and an action that plagues the church. It must stop for the church to grow.

Text: James 2:1-4

“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Chr...

Life is a Test Series – James 1:26-27

Intro: How often have you heard that? Watch your mouth! There was a time in history when a child that didn’t do what he was supposed to do, or say something he was taught not to say could end up eating soap to clean his or her mouth up! Well times have changed and I don’t think soap is as popular as it used to be. But rest assured the Bible hasn’t changed; the Word of God is still telling the child of God to watch your mouth! In my last week’s...

Life is a Test Series – James 1:21-25

Intro: The Nike Product Motto: “Just Do It!” The equipment can make all the difference. This is exactly what James is offering the church, the right equipment! “For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.” Romans 2:13 (NLT)

“Swift to hear” reminds us of how the Christian should hear and obey God’s Word! Text: James 1:21-25 (NKJV)

“Therefore lay aside all filt...

Life is a Test Series – James 1:13-17

Intro: "I didn't do it, it's not my fault!” How often have you heard or said that? I came from a rather large family of 7 brothers and sisters and a mom and dad. For 10 years I was the middle child. I can recall the blame game that was often played amongst the siblings! And of course I was also the perfect child never needing attention or at fault for anything that might be done. It is not only with brothers or sisters that many of us can recall bei...