In the world of preaching, this weeks passage is theological gold! It is a deep vein of truth that was spot on 2000 years ago, and is so amazingly relevant today. We live in a world of ever-increasing conflict and cyber courage has only made it worse. There are times that we have been wronged that cause us to cry out for justice, but honestly most of what I see is conflict generated by selfishness; someone not getting what they wanted. Everywhere I go people are angry and they are trying to solve it by yelling at people. How's that working out for us? I was so naive when I first got into ministry, I thought that marriage counseling was just a matter of helping people understand what is at stake and helping them unite to face the world together. Surely reasonable people, who at one time claimed "Love" as the reason for their marriage, would easily capitulate to reason. Some of you are laughing right now! Seriously I discovered that marriage counseling is like a UFC octagon and that people are looking for a referee. Honestly, I was shocked at how deeply we could hurt other people. I've never been a big fan of the word "compromise", as it feels like everyone loses. It's like irrational optimism. I prefer "unified tension", which identifies the goal for the greater good of all and then moves towards it sacrificially. Georgianna has proven what we can accomplish when we are clear about the destination. Under the command of Jesus, everyone sets down their agendas and pulls together to achieve feeding hungry kids, loving orphans, building churches, and many other ways to serve. Sunday our passage will demonstrate the 4 C's of Conflict: the Condition, the Cause, the Cure, and the Cautions. Join us Sunday as again James speaks right to us today!

Wisdom is the virtue that everyone is sure they have, and no one seems to realize is actually missing until you are buried under foolishness. Every decision we make has an attached destination, and wisdom is the map. I believe Wisdom is a combination of Intentionality (looking or seeking), Patience (waiting) and Influence of others (learning). I believe we are a by-product of all our choices, why is it we are always surprised when we wake up one day and we don't like where we are, and even more confused about how we got there? Wisdom is a big deal because every choice pre-decides our future. I have said to people of all ages, show me the people you hang out with, the books you're reading, the songs you're singing, the person who has your ear and I will show you the person you will become in 5 years. James makes it clear there is earthly wisdom and then there is Heavenly wisdom. One leads to death the other leads to life. I believe there are many times throughout our life that Wisdom is critical; when it relates to God, when it relates to marriage, when it relates to having children, when it relates to choosing a vocation, when it relates to our time management. These are a few areas where I see a lack of wisdom have long term consequential impact. The fact is there aren't many areas of life that Wisdom, or the lack thereof won't influence. I look forward to being back in the pulpit as we again hear a practical word for spiritual living from the guy who initially missed it.

Sermon by Community Care Pastor Janice Shepard

Words are powerful, they can bless, or they can curse; build up or burn down. James uses some powerful examples to illustrate the disproportionate influence the tongue has over the whole body. The tongue is tiny but powerful and can set the course
of individuals and nations.
James seems to be urging us to get control over our tongues. For an unguarded tongue can cause great destruction. Yet, he also speaks of the absolute human incapacity to tame the tongue. Isn't this a contradiction?
Join us Sunday as we dig deep to resolve this tension, connecting heart and tongue, faith and words.

Sermon by Youth Pastor, Nathan Walter

This week, we will be looking at a very controversial passage in the book of James. In this particular scripture, James talks about faith and deeds. Many people seem to think that this contradicts Paul's statement in Ephesians that we "are saved by grace alone." This argument over faith vs. works is still prevalent in the church today. Can these concepts coexist or are they opposing ideas? Using the entirety of scripture, we will look at this argument and see how both of these ideas can apply to us today.

Sermon by Youth Pastor Nathan Walter

As we continue through our BATTLE PLAN series through the book of James we will take a look at favoritism inside the church walls. Unfortunately, the problem that James was addressing centuries ago is still prevalent in the house of God. What James is addressing is our human tendency to treat people differently. We all have prejudices or preferences. We favor some, while dismissing others. We all are impressed by different things, and in the end, what impresses us rules us. This week we will take a hard look at what God says about favoritism in our lives and in our churches.

Sermon by Men's Ministry leader Tony Smith

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Sermon by Corky Calhoun

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Sermon by Community Care Pastor Janice Shepard