The brief sermon during our 2022 Deacon Installation Service.

In the midst of suffering, trials, and persecution, James calls us to persevere, pray, and preserve one another.

No matter how arrogant and presumptuous we may be, His grace is more and is always in abundant supply. 

God gives grace to those who know they need it.  But his abundant grace doesn’t nullify our striving.  

While we are unable to tame our tongues, we are no less responsible, having been united to Christ, to try anyway by God’s grace and for His glory.

We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. True genuine faith is life-giving, and the life it gives is a life that is lived toward God.

Favoritism, partiality, or discrimination, has no place in the church.  There are no qualifiers.  Christians don't play favorites.

Because we are in Christ, His law is not burdensome.  Obedience is possible because the Word has brought us to life, has been implanted within us, and we have listened to and received it with humility.  Therefore, we are to be doers of the word and not hearers only.

When trials come it is possible to take responsibility for our active steadfastness and endure, but it is also possible to doubt and blame God.

Just as Christ's coming had marked the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New, His going would mark the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly one.