Crossroads - Weekend Messages

Unfortunately, our world is full of conflict. Whether it be between nations, races, political parties, neighbors or friends, conflict seems to be an inevitable part of life. But why is our world so filled with conflict? Simply stated, James tells us it happens because we are self-focused on fulfilling our own desires. This desire-seeking leads us to make unholy friendships and ultimately leads us away from God. But the Lord is inviting all of us back home.

We live in an information age. Through technology, we have access to enormous amounts of information. But if you have ever researched any topic, you will find much disagreement on what is real and how we should respond. There are many different viewpoints and perspectives. James wants to help us understand that we need to look at the origin of different ideas and perspectives. Some ideas are heavenly. Others are earthly. And we must choose heavenly wisdom at all cost.

Words are powerful and creative. They shape our thoughts, actions, feelings, and the way we treat others. Words can make people feel like they're understood in a world where everyone is always on edge and chaotic; but it's also true that words can wound when used carelessly. They can be incredibly damaging and wounding. We know our God is a God of redemption...join us this Sunday and explore the many ways God can redeem our speech and set us on a path to build up and enrich other people’s lives.

Theologian and reformer Martin Luther wanted the Book of James to be thrown out of the canon of Scripture, specifically because of the text we are studying this Sunday. Why is that? He felt that it contradicted the Apostle Paul’s teaching on justification by faith without works. But history has shown that James was absolutely on point with his insights...he was getting at something that’s absolutely essential for our Christian life: we are saved by the grace of God, not our own works. And the flipside of that coin is that the very faith that saves us is demonstrated through our transformed life! The question is how all that works itself out in real life, here and now. Don’t miss this powerful study on one of the most foundational sections of scripture for our lives today.

The old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Although words may express our thoughts and feelings, they have no power without actions to back them up. And that is why the book of James is so practical for our daily life! James is passionate about how we ought to live in light of who Jesus is and everything He has done for us. James points out that how we treat people from different socio-economic backgrounds either reinforces barriers, OR breaks them down. He exposes our true motivations, and questions how bias and prejudice fit into God’s plan for humanity. We have never been a community of believers who have shied away from the difficult discussions of our walk with God...And now more than ever, the topics we will tackle on Sunday are absolutely vital to following the Lord in today’s world.

Spirituality is a buzz-word in our culture, but what does true spirituality really mean to someone who follows Jesus? James gives us a concrete answer to the question of essential spirituality: when we hear the truth, our response should be obedience. But that is easier said than done! Get the important tools you need to truly live your life in the Spirit, so God's voice is not just heard, but felt in every fiber of your being.