In a modern age where church has often become a spectator event, we must recapture the biblical mandate that “each one” brings something to the gathering. Being used by the Spirit and building up the body is not optional—it is essential. This message is a verse-by-verse exposition of that reality, as found in 1 Corinthians 14.

Insecurity is choking the life and purpose out of believers. This message explores how God sees us and what that means for our role as those who desire to do His will. When we gain His perspective, we can't help but be empowered to do what He has called us to do.

One of the challenging questions in our Christian faith is the issue of judging others. Are we supposed to judge others? Or are we not? If we are, when should we do it, how should we go about it, and by what standard? There are so many questions—and people seem able to find Scripture to support a wide range of answers. This sermon seeks to bring clarity to the confusion surrounding this important topic.

James sets his sights on the sin of pride and instructs the church on how God views it, as well as how we are to humble ourselves. This section of James is essential for all Christians, regardless of spiritual maturity. We must take seriously the issue of pride within the church.

In chapter four, James begins with a discussion on the root causes of the “fights and quarrels among you.” I believe he is drawing from the lessons of the first murder—the story of Cain and Abel. He concludes this section with a bold statement about God’s jealousy for a people who have grown too friendly with the world.

Scripture tells us that “blind Bartimaeus” followed Jesus after he was healed. This occurred just days before the crucifixion of Christ. Bartimaeus saw Jesus one day—and His death only a few days later. Incredible beauty was followed by indescribable brutality. Yet Bartimaeus’ reason for following Jesus wasn’t based on what he could see, but simply that he could see. This sermon challenges us not to let what we see around us dictate how faithfully we follow the One who made us see.

This Father’s Day message, given by Andrew Runnels, challenges men in four essential areas of godly masculinity. These principles—taken from a book by Robert Lewis—are: rejecting passivity, accepting responsibility, leading courageously, and investing eternally. Each of these can be seen in the creation story and the fall of man. As fathers and men, may we continue to grow in these areas.

James lays out two kinds of wisdom: one that is from heaven and one that is earthly. The evidence of which kind of wisdom is operating in our lives is revealed not just by what we say, but by the deeds that define how we live. In other words, our actions reflect the kind of wisdom we follow. This sermon explores both types of wisdom and warns of the dangers of living without heavenly wisdom.

Immediately after discussing faith, James shifts to our words and how they shape our lives. In some of his bluntest and most direct writing, he treats the believer’s speech far more seriously than many Christians do today.

James uses Abraham, the father of faith, to demonstrate that faith must be accompanied by action to be complete. Belief is good and necessary, but by itself it is incomplete. Belief must be expressed through action in order to mature into genuine faith. Remember, even demons believe—but they do not have faith.