Sermon Of The Week

James discloses the source of evils within the Christian church as ongoing corruption within her members. Those which are devoted to the Lord should renew their minds after heavenly wisdom and purity of heart.

James warns his hearers against the evils of the human tongue running wild, showing it to be a spark which sets the whole world ablaze. Those who claim to know God yet curse their brother should look more closely to their speech, lest it betray them as liars.

James' dispute with those who claim faith in Christ but have no evidence of that faith through their obedience to God's law reveals a deception which comes through a perversion of the Gospel.

James' warning against judging between rich and poor shows demonstrates the appropriate use of the Law for those renewed by the Gospel.

James warns against religious self-deception, contrasting hypocritical anger and spiritual sloth with the true effects of the benevolent Father's grace.

James' letter demonstrates the beautiful harmony between faith and works, demonstrating that works are the outflowing, proof, and goal of faith.

Paul's command to the Corinthians to walk in unity is established by the facts of the Gospel; if none chose Christ from their own wisdom, none should boast of their brother.

Paul warns the Roman church of slumbering even while claiming to be alive. His words being written to Christians shows us the danger of self-deception.

Paul's defense of the authenticity of his apostolic ministry, confirmed by sufferings not the praise of men, reveals his true treasure; the grace of Christ, not his own self.

Directing their hearts and minds upon the sure and steady excellencies of Christ, Paul's testimony of God's grace in the midst of lack and plenty demonstrates a heart and mind set upon the bountiful richness of Christ Jesus.

Paul's exhortation of the Philippian church reminds us of the source of our obedience - Christ Himself.

Paul's closing instructions demonstrate the unique quality of love, grace, and charity that is found only among Christians, as they are the authentic witness of God's love in the earth.

Paul shows that looking to circumcision to justify is a looking away from Christ. But the Galatians were called to walk after the Spirit, not to neglect the law, but to keep it from the heart.

Those who turn back to trusting in good works subtly, but fully, renounce their adoption as sons of God.

Paul reasons with the Galatians to return to reliance upon Christ, showing them how Christ satisfied the demands of the law, becoming a curse in our place, to unleash the promised Spirit upon even the Gentiles.

Paul's opposition to Peter's sin shows the severity of his error, revealing the foundation for our identity as the people of God, not based in our ethnicity, nor social standing, but in the blood of Christ alone.

Paul's opposition of those who entertained the Judaizing teaching shows us the vitality of clinging to the pure gospel of repentance from sins unto forgiveness through Christ.

Paul's appeal to the Roman Christians seeks to encourage the fruits of the grace of God in the life of the Church. Through the imitation of Christ, the community shines forth with His same light and love.

Following Christ's and His apostles' teaching, the Church is to walk in purity and love, guarding her members from attacks from her adversaries. In this way, Christ fights for her.

Biblical teachings on prayer and how to pursue the Kingdom work of prayer