CCW Podcast

We all know that churches are not perfect places. It only makes sense because they are filled with very imperfect people. But when we participate in the ways of the world, we invite conflict into the church. Why? Because the things of the world are not the things of God and these polar opposites create conflict and division. Remember last week in James 3:17-18, where James described the wisdom of the world and its by-products which are earthly, sensual, and demonic? It follows that when this kind of thinking and actions are set loose in the church, it will bring about all the evil results that James tells us about in James 4:1-12. Don't be caught off guard by the strategies of the devil. If he can't beat us, he wants to join us by bringing his mischief into the church. Don't miss the message this Sunday, "What Causes Conflict in The Church".

As we continue in the book of James, we are reminded that though there is a lot of information about how to be wise, from books and videos on leadership and wealth-building to being a better parent, there is a better, more reliable source of wisdom. All of this other supposedly good information doesn't come from God, but from man. Unfortunately, man's wisdom is at best a passing folly, and looks like foolishness from God's point of view. When God talks about wisdom, He talks about wisdom that endures eternally. This Sunday we will compare and contrast the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.

In my previous message, we saw that when it comes to faith, actions speak louder than words. But that is not to diminish the power of the words that come out of our mouths. The words we speak carry great weight too. We can destroy lives or restore them with the flick of the tongue. As believers, how cautious we must be then about the things we say each day. Isn't it incredible? The kind of trouble our tongues can create for us? That little muscle, called the tongue, can start wars and stop them. It can create stress and relieve it. It can express love and renounce it. It can build up friendships and then tear them down again. With our tongues we can praise and worship God, and with that same tongue we can curse God and deny His existence. Proverbs 18:21 says it best: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." This Sunday we examine this powerful force.

This week is the grand finale of our Forward series, and it’s a beautiful closing statement on Joshua’s service as well as a charge to us all. Joshua 24:15 says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” It’s unique when you think about how Deuteronomy closes and then how Joshua completes. They both end with a choice. Life and death, blessing and curse in Deuteronomy. Here, serve all these false, foreign gods that do not fulfill or serve the Lord God who alone is satisfaction.

Have you heard, "Actions speak louder than words"? Believe it or not Christianity shares this sentiment. Simple declarations of faith mean nothing if your actions undermine the faith you profess. Faith is better seen than spoken. James, in chapter two, calls us to a faith that is visible, one that is acted out. This Sunday we will be diving into James 2:14-26, "Faith Is More Than Just Profession". We will look at James' declaration when he said,"Faith without works is dead".

This Sunday we will move to the second chapter of James where we will learn that "Everybody Is Somebody in God's House." James continues a discussion of various temptations and trails that are common to all believers. One of the strongest temptations we face is that of showing partiality or favoritism, of discriminating against people. How would you like it if people based their friendship with you on what clothes you
wore, or how much money you had, or how much power or popularity you had in the community? Do we shun those that might be poor or less popular? In James' day, some
folks did this. I expect that we will all learn something as we see how James dealt with this serious problem in the Church.

We sometimes fit our Bible reading into our daily schedule with little thought. It is there alongside our morning coffee, workout at the gym, and our favorite TV show. But our time with the word of God should be more than small bits. It should be the most anticipated moment of our day, when we pause and read and consider God's truth for our lives. This Sunday we will continue in the book of James, specifically James 1:19-27, The Believer and The Bible. This passage focuses on the importance and priority of God's Word. James takes us through a five-step process that begins with the necessary preparation for study and ends with a powerful illustration of the difference the Bible makes in our lives. You don't want to miss this exciting, life-changing message!

In a special appearance for Mother's Day, the five mothers in the linage of Christ have graciously agreed to step out of the pages of the Bible and join us to share their stories. Can God use prostitutes, widows, adulteresses, and a virgin? Apparently He can! God is able to bring cleansing and healing to broken lives and use their every day duties of motherhood to change the world. You don't want to miss these priceless interviews, as Susan talks with our special guests. Their stories may surprise you!

The book of James is the letter written to the church about how to practice our faith. Last Sunday, we began by learning "How to Respond to the Trials of Life". James challenged us to celebrate the reasons for our trials to consider the results of our trials and to call upon God's resources during our trials. This Sunday, James will teach us that trials come from Satan and though we should count it all joy when trials come our way, we should run away and renounce temptation to sin. Temptation to sin is nothing new. It started all the way back in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve desired the fruit which God had forbidden and then succumbed to the temptation and ate it. Ever since then we have continued to struggle to keep God's law. But God has not left us helpless. God in His mercy and grace has given us His Word so that we can combat the devil and the temptation that he has laid before us. This Sunday, James will show us "How To Be Victorious Over Temptation". You don't want to miss one of these practical lessons in this walk through the book of James.