God possesses both lavish extensions of grace and unwavering standards of holiness. These two seemingly competing principles find their peace at the cross, where Jesus takes the just punishment unjustly for our sins.
Tragedy struck when a Chinese policy to quarantine citizens who tested positive for Covid-19 killed 27 people on the midnight bus ride. It serves as a reminder that no matter how many precautions we take, we are never truly invincible.
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the world comments on her impressive accomplishments as well as her family’s unfortunate dramas. No matter how much protection any of us have from outside threats, no one can protect us from ourselves.
Plenty of people felt bad for the lady who lost her wedding ring in the ocean, but only one man did something about it. Our core beliefs ought to spring us into action rather than just cause us to comment.
While the world was shocked that Will Smith struck Chris Rock at the Oscars, we can’t overlook the fact that words led to that moment. Our speech has great power as well – how are we using it?
In 2022, Gallup reported that 81% of Americans believe in God. If you consider that majority number, do you notice that many people living their lives according to a biblical faith?
When robbers approached the puplit of a church one Sunday, they walked away with $1 millon worth of jewelry from the pastor and his wife. Prosperity often leads to partiality, and we must avoid it at all costs.
Most of the world had never heard of Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Why did an unknown leader become a cultural icon since the war began? Because he possessed something that we rarely see.
If I’m honest, I have an impatient attitude and unrealistic expectations for how people should respond to my preaching efforts. God has been extremely patient with me; I might better portray a patience with others as well.
It’s that glorious time of year as you are considering making new year resolutions that will most likely not last the week. Instead of making promises, what about making a plan?
In recent years, the rise of our social media interaction has caused us to communicate very differently than ever before. People who are reserved to share certain things in person become emboldened online to the detriment of us all. It’s time to go the second mile in reconsidering your comment.
Social media has given us a unique opportunity to know and to be known. As with any tool, it can be used for noble pursuits or nebulous purposes. We must determine if social media is using us or are we using it. And if we are using it, for what purpose?
As your small group gathers, your lesson plan can include robust theology, interactive questions, thought-provoking activities, and memorable illustrations, but if it doesn’t translate to application, you are missing out. It’s time to go the second mile in experiencing intentional accountability.
People have always maintained different opinions on world issues, but, due to the rise of social media, everyone has an opportunity to broadcast and amplify their voices more than ever before. How can we endure the next few weeks in a tense election season? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in learning to be slow when speaking.
James warns believers that certain prayers will not be answered by God. Regardless of how eloquent the words that are used or how passionate the pleas may be, God has promised not to give what has been requested from Him. Those prayers that are spoken out of wrong motives will not be granted.
The Word Doers of the Word (James 1:22-25) Learning biblical information does not guarantee biblical transformation. We must learn how to apply the Word of God into our lives. CONTEXT The early Church spread rapidly through the power of the gospel. The apostles wrote letters to clarify doctrine and practice to the growing Church. James, the brother of Jesus and …
Preached at North Greenville University – January 30, 2017 Sermon Notes Are you so worried about God’s will down the road that you are missing his will right in front of you? We can focus on the future so much that we neglect the present. You can be so concerned with God’s will then that you miss God’s will now. …
In the Book of James, the author teaches on the slippery slope concerning temptation and sin. At the end of that section, he reminds believers about the greater nature of gifts given by God compared to the lesser value of offerings given by the world. Read James 1:17 and look for key words or phrases. Every generous act and every perfect …
I had the privilege a couple of weekends ago to preach in Kentucky for a DNOW that united 17 churches in the area. After the main events for the group, I also got the privilege to preach at Northside Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, KY. The DNOW weekend focused on the Book of James, so I just decided to finish the …
I recorded this mini-sermon for a university team to watch while they were on the road. I pray it is a blessing to you. James 1:22-25 teaches that we are not to be merely hearers of the Word but doers of the Word.
Many people interpret circumstances in their lives believing that God does not care enough about them to get involved. Scripture paints a completely different picture of our Father. One of the greatest qualities someone can have is that of consistency. Children long to see that trait exhibited within their parents. You may or may not be able to say …
Our church has benefited so much from focusing on the Book of James over the last few months. It was a great day to finish up our “Faith Works” series. Today’s focus was James 5:19-20: 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save …
Week after week, our church is becoming more of a family. Today, the focus upon James 5:13-17 helped even more so. 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the …
Such a special time of being the church today. The entire service was built around James 5:12: But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Today’s service went like this: Reading …
It was so great to be led in worship by such a great team today. I missed leading with them again this week because we were celebrating Eli’s birthday on Wednesday (rehearsal time). We have had two birthdays on Wednesdays this month. So, I haven’t been kicked off the team…yet! I just needed some time to be dad this month. …
Today, I was hit by the joy of being able to be a part of this church family. God is doing so much around us and through this congregation, it is just humbling to watch. This service was prayed over and the passage was studied relentlessly to provide a good flow around the focal text of the day. 5:1 Come now, …
What a special day to worship Jesus. What a fantastic time with our church family committing ourselves to submitting ourselves to the will of God. I led worship today but in a different way. I wasn’t in the band, but I led people to focus upon God by introducing the focus for the day. I wasn’t in the band for …
I am just absolutely overwhelmed at all the Kingdom goodness happening with our North Side family right now! I tried some different things in our services today concerning order and elements. We had a lot going on but it was a powerful time. Reading Psalm 19:7-11 Song – “Your Word” [from “The Word”] Welcome and Intro to Service (I talked …
Powerful day at North Side. We focused our worship gathering on James 4:6-10. 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and …
One reason God does not answer our prayers is because we offer faithless requests. Sure we might pray to him but our faith in his ability to answer those prayers is tragically minimal.
What a fantastic day working through James 4:1-6: 4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.3 You ask and do not receive, because …
I absolutely love the passage that we focused on today as a church family: James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from …
I love celebrating on Palm Sunday. Actually, I love celebrating every Sunday. Can’t help it! James 3:1-12 guided our services today. It is all about taming the tongue. In putting the service together, I tried hard to fill our time with our mouths declaring God’s Word and his praise and therefore, we shouldn’t use our mouths after the service to …
What a powerful day of worship. Rainy day outside, joyful day inside! Both services have been growing as of late and it’s been so great to meet some new people and hear their stories. This week, we sang: Friend of God – North Side Worship (The Time Is Now) Enter His Gates – North Side Worship (The Word) You Alone …
Special, special day as we addressed the sin of favoritism found in James 2:1-13. We began our services with “The Word” Creation song entitled “Let There Be.” After a few announcements, we sang “Lay Me Down” and “No One Like Our God” (from “The Word”). Jeff then came up and led us in a prayer time for persecuted Christians around …
While I loved preaching in Kentucky this morning, I sure did miss being with my North Side family! I did get to check out things on Livestream for a bit though and I was worshiping along! So thankful that the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program joined us today to recruit some additional foster homes. The Peak band led us in …
We always desire to make the Word the center of our services, but it is especially helpful when the text leading us today focuses on the Word! 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear,slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting …
Today’s services were guided by James 1:16-18: 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind …
I love Jesus and his Word! He is using his Word to grow us up in Christ. We focused on “The Source of Temptation.” James 1:15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming …
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