Faith Works
BIG IDEA
You might have heard about Jesus and even believe in him. But how does our faith in Jesus inform our lives? James, the Lord’s brother, says that faith works. Our belief in Jesus leads to acts of love and service to our neighbor.
Being a believer in Jesus is not just some theoretical idea, but a way of life. We believe and so we live, act, serve, and give based on those beliefs. James will show us exactly what that looks like in our day to day lives.
SERIES BREAKDOWN
OCTOBER 23, 2022: Faith Perseveres
Everyone experiences times of testing and suffering. The book of James opens with an unexpected theme – the idea of maturity through trials and tribulations. James tells us that challenges can be good because they result in greater maturity and a stronger faith. James will teach us of perseverance through trials.
Sermon Text: James 1:1-8;13-18
Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
OCTOBER 30, 2022: Faith has no Favorites
It is common to categorize people based on their finances or influence. We might evaluate what such people can do for us. James 2 teaches us to put our faith in to action and love others without showing favoritism. All people were made by God and Jesus died for them all, therefore we ought not play favorites.
Sermon Text: James 2:1-13
Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
NOVEMBER 6, 2022: Faith does Good Works
We believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart from works. But true faith in Jesus will lead to good works. Our faith in not just some intellectual knowledge of God but the action of living it out. James 2 teaches us that it is the work of the Holy Spirit leading us to know that we are loved so that we can love.
Sermon Text: James 2:14-26
Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
NOVEMBER 13, 2022: Faith Speaks Wisely
Our tongue is one of the smallest parts of our bodies, and yet it can cause the most trouble. The first two chapters of James teach us about growth through trials, putting knowledge into action, and letting go of worldly biases. James 3 adds another level to understanding Christian maturity as it teaches us the importance of speaking wisely with our words. Our words ought to flow from faith. Out of the same mouth should not come praising and cursing.
Sermon Text: James 3:1-12
Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
NOVEMBER 20, 2022: Faith Submits to God
Our selfish desires lead us to quarrel to get our own way. James 4 teaches us to put our faith into action by changing our hearts through submission to God’s Word. When we humble ourselves in such a way, God will lift us up.
Sermon Text: James 4:1-10
Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
November 27, 2022: Faith Prays for Blessing
As it says in James 1:16, every good and perfect gift comes from God. Therefore, God wants us to call on him in prayer. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving in times of blessing, and we call out to God for help in times of trial. James 5 tells us that prayer that flows from faith is powerful and effective.
Sermon Text: James 5:13-20
Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler