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.

This Sunday Andrew Runnels shared a word, encouraging us all to look at Jesus. And after we’re done with that, look again and again.

This Graduation/Mother’s Day message highlights the legacy that sincere faith leaves in the lives of our children and grandchildren. It’s within this context that Paul declares, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” The message also includes a few spontaneous testimonies of God’s redemption and answers to a mother’s prayers.

James begins to address the definition of faith in this section of his letter. From our perspective here in 2025, we have a well-rounded understanding of faith drawn from all the New Testament writers, most notably Paul. Yet James was laying some of the very first groundwork for defining faith to an infant church—well before Paul came on the scene. So, hear James’ teaching on faith as some of the earliest instructions given to the New Testament Church.

This Easter message focuses on the type and shadow found in Numbers 21, where the people of Israel are bitten by venomous snakes—a representation of judgment and curse. In response, God provides a way of deliverance: by looking upon a bronze serpent lifted on a pole, they would live. This Old Testament account points us to the cross of Calvary and to our Savior, who took our judgment upon Himself.