James 2:1-13Naturally, we all have people that we just love being around. People that we identify with, people that we think highly of or look up to. We all have "my kind of people." If that's the case then we all have "not my kind of people." People we disagree with, people that grind our gears, people that in our flesh we look down on. In this passage, James is about to confront us with a hard truth: Playing favorites has no place in the life of a follower of Jesus. This isn't a side issue, it's a Gospel issue. The main point being that the Gospel should be the lens in which we view all other people.1.Playing Favorites James opens bluntly, favoritism and faith in Jesus do not mix. James gives us the scenario of a rich man and a poor man who come to a church service appearing as polar opposites in how they are clothed. The rich man receives the best seat and the poor man sits at the feet of the church leaders. The problem isn't in noticing the difference in appearance, it's treating them differently because of it. James calls this "making distinctions among yourselves and becoming judges with evil thoughts." It's placing value on people based on externals. James says the gospel gives us no right to treat them differently. 2.Royal LawJames roots this in what he calls the "royal law" which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." When we play favorites we aren't just being impolite, we're breaking God's law of love. James reminds us if we break this law we're guilty as if we breaking all of the law. Favoritism isn't a "lesser sin" - It's rebellion against the God who commands us to love.3.Sowing and Reaping The way we treat people will be the measure God uses when he evaluates our lives. That's the sowing and reaping principle: plant mercy, reap mercy; plant judgement, reap judgement. (James 2:12-13) "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

James 2:1-13Naturally, we all have people that we just love being around. People that we identify with, people that we think highly of or look up to. We all have "my kind of people." If that's the case then we all have "not my kind of people." People we disagree with, people that grind our gears, people that in our flesh we look down on. In this passage, James is about to confront us with a hard truth: Playing favorites has no place in the life of a follower of Jesus. This isn't a side issue, it's a Gospel issue. The main point being that the Gospel should be the lens in which we view all other people.1.Playing Favorites James opens bluntly, favoritism and faith in Jesus do not mix. James gives us the scenario of a rich man and a poor man who come to a church service appearing as polar opposites in how they are clothed. The rich man receives the best seat and the poor man sits at the feet of the church leaders. The problem isn't in noticing the difference in appearance, it's treating them differently because of it. James calls this "making distinctions among yourselves and becoming judges with evil thoughts." It's placing value on people based on externals. James says the gospel gives us no right to treat them differently. 2.Royal LawJames roots this in what he calls the "royal law" which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." When we play favorites we aren't just being impolite, we're breaking God's law of love. James reminds us if we break this law we're guilty as if we breaking all of the law. Favoritism isn't a "lesser sin" - It's rebellion against the God who commands us to love.3.Sowing and Reaping The way we treat people will be the measure God uses when he evaluates our lives. That's the sowing and reaping principle: plant mercy, reap mercy; plant judgement, reap judgement. (James 2:12-13) "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

James 1:19-27Pastor Falyn ministers the Word of God as we continue our GRIT & GRACE series in the book of James. This passage (1:19-27) is titled "Hearing and Doing the Word" in our modern Bibles, and it's just that. James is not holding back any punches. He calls us to walk out our faith and to be doers of the Word. 1.The Posture (of true faith)James says everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.. If we're honest, not many of us can claim to fully live with this posture of humility. We're human. Our patience runs out, we speak our mind, we say things we don't mean. Our posture says everything about our hearts attitude toward God. This is where real faith begins - not with how loud we are, but how humbly we walk. 2.The Proof (of true faith)Next in the passage James tells us to not just. listen to the Word and so deceive ourselves. But to do what it says. Our talk is cheap. Proof is in the practice, and hearing alone doesn't change you - obeying does. What is a small act of obedience you can give to God this week? Start there.3.The Purity (of true faith)James says religion that is acceptable to God is one that serves others. One that keeps oneself from being polluted by the world. Your speech. Your compassion. Your purity. Not in an effort to win God's love, but in response to it. Holiness is not just about discipline, it's about surrender. Whole hearted surrender to the will of God. It's the result of the Holy Spirit's work in us to respond to the mirror that is God's Word. This is the "Grace" side of "GRIT & GRACE". Your grit is empowered by His grace. So live from there. Walk out your everyday life from His grace and let the Holy Spirt into your every decision. Thanks for joining us church! We love ya! See ya next time.

James 1:19-27Pastor Falyn ministers the Word of God as we continue our GRIT & GRACE series in the book of James. This passage (1:19-27) is titled "Hearing and Doing the Word" in our modern Bibles, and it's just that. James is not holding back any punches. He calls us to walk out our faith and to be doers of the Word. 1.The Posture (of true faith)James says everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.. If we're honest, not many of us can claim to fully live with this posture of humility. We're human. Our patience runs out, we speak our mind, we say things we don't mean. Our posture says everything about our hearts attitude toward God. This is where real faith begins - not with how loud we are, but how humbly we walk. 2.The Proof (of true faith)Next in the passage James tells us to not just. listen to the Word and so deceive ourselves. But to do what it says. Our talk is cheap. Proof is in the practice, and hearing alone doesn't change you - obeying does. What is a small act of obedience you can give to God this week? Start there.3.The Purity (of true faith)James says religion that is acceptable to God is one that serves others. One that keeps oneself from being polluted by the world. Your speech. Your compassion. Your purity. Not in an effort to win God's love, but in response to it. Holiness is not just about discipline, it's about surrender. Whole hearted surrender to the will of God. It's the result of the Holy Spirit's work in us to respond to the mirror that is God's Word. This is the "Grace" side of "GRIT & GRACE". Your grit is empowered by His grace. So live from there. Walk out your everyday life from His grace and let the Holy Spirt into your every decision. Thanks for joining us church! We love ya! See ya next time.

From our Series GRIT & GRACE in the book of James.

James 1:1-12 ESVWe are kicking off our GRIT & GRACE sermon series in the book of James. If you've ever felt like life just keeps coming at you- one wave after another- this book is for you. If you've ever wondered, "What is God doing in this trial?" or "Why is faith so hard sometimes?" - James doesn't give us clichés. He gives us clarity. In no way do we mean to make light of or belittle the trauma, the pain or the suffering that you have experienced or are experiencing. God is near to you and He is for you. 1. Identity MattersJames 1:1 "James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.."James doesn't open his letter quite like we might start a letter today. He could have said,"Hey it's me James the brother of Jesus, or this is the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Rather, he identifies himself as a a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ." That's humility, that's true identity. James knew a deep truth - Before we can talk about a faith that works, we need to know who we are and who we serve. You can only develop grit and hold onto grace when your identity is firmly rooted in Christ. When trials come, what identity rises in you? is it "I'm a victim." or "I've got to fix this myself." or is it "I'm a servant of Jesus, and He's got this."?2. Trials Make Your Faith StrongerJames 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds..." This verse sounds crazy and even slightly unsympathetic on the surface." It's not quite what you want to hear someone say to you when you're mourning or grieving. But James doesn't stop there. He's not saying we should try to enjoy our pain or suffering. But in our suffering remembering the goodness of God. If He's allowing for us to endure this there must be a bigger and better end. If we are to press in and pray harder and trust deeper than we can be assured our faith is growing stronger. In trials we are faced with resistance and resistance if endured strengthens our faith. 3.Seek Wisdom, Not Relief James 1:5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God..." When facing adversity our first instinct is usually to pray to God for an out. "Get us out, Lord, save us Lord." "Calm the storm". But James tells us to have a different approach. "God, give me wisdom in this." Wisdom is better than escape. Wisdom asks: What is God doing in me? What can I learn? What fruit can grow here? 4. Circumstances Will Change, Stay FocusedJames1:9-12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life...." We are all in different situations, physically, emotionally, financially, but trials come for all of us. It's true. But James says those who endure will receive the crown of life - God's reward for those who hold on. It's not about how fast you run - It's that you finish, with Jesus. The world rewards earthly success. God rewards faithfullness.Some if you are in the middle of a trial. You're tired. You're stretched. You may even feel like you're failing. Hear this: God is not testing you to punish you - He's growing your faith to prepare you. You don't have to have it all together. Just hold on. Have grit. Trust the grace of Jesus. We love you church, see ya next time!

Our Grit & Grace series continues..

James 1:1GRIT & GRACEChurch we just want to say thank you for how you worshiped God with us yesterday!There is a lot of turmoil in our body and in our community presently. Fires and storms and trials of various kind. To say the least, people are hurting tremendously. While we didn't have the service we had quite planned, the Spirit of God moved powerfully and we followed His lead. What more can we ask for? Our dear friends Zach and Stacey Musick shared their powerful testimony of what God has been doing in their lives lately and it is miraculous. We are so moved by your response to their situation church. That is what it means to be the church. Thank you. The book of James is a fitting place for us to be spending our time in these days of uncertainty. This sermon series will be full of challenging teaching. But God is strengthening us. Be encouraged church. Maturing in the things of God is sure to involve growing pains. But God is not our "out", He is our "with". And He is working it all together for our good. We love ya, Have a blessed week.

1 Corinthians 14Wrapping up our PARACLETE series, we ended on a sobering note. The Corinthian church was very interested in the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit. in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides them with the proper boundaries and guidelines that they are to operate in. At the end of the chapter Paul sums up his teaching with "But all things should be done decently and in order." 1.Spiritual Gifts Are For The BodyPaul begins where we must always begin: love. Spiritual gifts without love are like noise - confusing, unhelpful, and even hurtful (1 Cor. 13) But love with the gifts? That's powerful. As we see in 1 Cor. 13, which gives us immediate context for chapter 14, love is not self seeking or self serving. The gifts of the Spirit are for the body. Not for individuals to build their platform. 2.Prophecy Builds Up The Church Tongues: Spirit-empowered language unknown to the speaker is a vertical expression directed to God. Great for private devotion, but in corporate settings it needs interpretation to edify others. Prophecy on the other hand is Spirit-inspired speech that builds up, encourages, and comforts. It's outward and horizontal, directed to people, understandable and helpful. Prophecy is a Spirit-empowered message spoken in human language that strengthens, encourages and reveals Gods heart in a specific moment. Paul makes it clear that prophecy is the preferred gift in a corporate church gathering. (Not that it is better than the other gifts.) It serves its purpose best in that space. (Unless tongues are interpreted.)3.Order Welcomes OutsidersGifts are for the body, but they also witness to the world. But if the church is chaotic, Pauls says, the outsider and unbeliever will think we are out of our minds. Clarity, humility and love must govern how we operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Think about what a guest might feel walking into Crossroads. Are we creating space for the Spirit to move and for people to understand what is happening? Or are we causing confusion? 4.Holy Spirit Brings Order, Not Confusion"The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophet." Operating in a gift is not to lose control. The Spirit's gifts are not involuntary. This allows for a Spirit led service to remain orderly. Order is not quenching the Spirit. It's the channel for His power to flow rightly. Heeding the appropriate time and place to operate in a gift is a gift in and of itself. It's part of the discernment the Spirit gives us. 5.Submission, Humility, and Hard ScripturesLet's not skip the hard stuff. But let's interpret with a Biblically holistic lens. Verses 33-38 have caused many to rethink their approach to women's role in ministry. Paul's point seems rather straight forward. However, in light of previous passages in Pauls own words (1 Cor 11:5) we cannot rightly interpret this as an absolute prohibition of their speaking in church meetings. Rather, this passage is addressing disruptive speech, like asking loud questions during a teaching. Paul calls all of us men and women to submit and learn in humility. Paul himself affirms Phoebe as a deacon of the church in Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. And also in Acts we see Priscilla bringing spiritual correction to Apollos and the daughters of Philip called prophetesses. This view is a holistic and Biblical approach that allows the Bible to speak for itself.

6.Desire The Gifts, Steward Them WellHunger and Humility. This is how we should approach the gifts of the Spirit. Desire the gifts. Don't forbid tongues. Keep everything decent and in order. This is what the Bible teaches. This is our framework and it's beautiful. This is how we are to be in tune with the Spirit of God. This is how we partner with Him. This is how HE builds His church. What an amazing God we serve that He would include us in the process. Stay hungry. Stay humble.

1 Corinthians 14Wrapping up our PARACLETE series, we ended on a sobering note. The Corinthian church was very interested in the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit. in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides them with the proper boundaries and guidelines that they are to operate in. At the end of the chapter Paul sums up his teaching with "But all things should be done decently and in order." 1.Spiritual Gifts Are For The BodyPaul begins where we must always begin: love. Spiritual gifts without love are like noise - confusing, unhelpful, and even hurtful (1 Cor. 13) But love with the gifts? That's powerful. As we see in 1 Cor. 13, which gives us immediate context for chapter 14, love is not self seeking or self serving. The gifts of the Spirit are for the body. Not for individuals to build their platform. 2.Prophecy Builds Up The Church Tongues: Spirit-empowered language unknown to the speaker is a vertical expression directed to God. Great for private devotion, but in corporate settings it needs interpretation to edify others. Prophecy on the other hand is Spirit-inspired speech that builds up, encourages, and comforts. It's outward and horizontal, directed to people, understandable and helpful. Prophecy is a Spirit-empowered message spoken in human language that strengthens, encourages and reveals Gods heart in a specific moment. Paul makes it clear that prophecy is the preferred gift in a corporate church gathering. (Not that it is better than the other gifts.) It serves its purpose best in that space. (Unless tongues are interpreted.)3.Order Welcomes OutsidersGifts are for the body, but they also witness to the world. But if the church is chaotic, Pauls says, the outsider and unbeliever will think we are out of our minds. Clarity, humility and love must govern how we operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Think about what a guest might feel walking into Crossroads. Are we creating space for the Spirit to move and for people to understand what is happening? Or are we causing confusion? 4.Holy Spirit Brings Order, Not Confusion"The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophet." Operating in a gift is not to lose control. The Spirit's gifts are not involuntary. This allows for a Spirit led service to remain orderly. Order is not quenching the Spirit. It's the channel for His power to flow rightly. Heeding the appropriate time and place to operate in a gift is a gift in and of itself. It's part of the discernment the Spirit gives us. 5.Submission, Humility, and Hard ScripturesLet's not skip the hard stuff. But let's interpret with a Biblically holistic lens. Verses 33-38 have caused many to rethink their approach to women's role in ministry. Paul's point seems rather straight forward. However, in light of previous passages in Pauls own words (1 Cor 11:5) we cannot rightly interpret this as an absolute prohibition of their speaking in church meetings. Rather, this passage is addressing disruptive speech, like asking loud questions during a teaching. Paul calls all of us men and women to submit and learn in humility. Paul himself affirms Phoebe as a deacon of the church in Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. And also in Acts we see Priscilla bringing spiritual correction to Apollos and the daughters of Philip called prophetesses. This view is a holistic and Biblical approach that allows the Bible to speak for itself.

6.Desire The Gifts, Steward Them WellHunger and Humility. This is how we should approach the gifts of the Spirit. Desire the gifts. Don't forbid tongues. Keep everything decent and in order. This is what the Bible teaches. This is our framework and it's beautiful. This is how we are to be in tune with the Spirit of God. This is how we partner with Him. This is how HE builds His church. What an amazing God we serve that He would include us in the process. Stay hungry. Stay humble.