As we continue our series through James, we look at the call to “consider it great joy” when we face trials. James reminds us that God uses suffering to mature our faith, and when we lack wisdom in the midst of trials, we are invited to ask Him who gives generously. This passage challenges us to trust God’s purposes, cling less to what is temporary, and anchor our hope in what is eternal.

rlcsd.org

This week, we begin our series, James: Grace That Works, where we take an in depth look at the book of James and how Biblical grace is not opposed to obedience but transforms a believer's heart, life, and mind. As we see in the beginning of James, this transformative grace was at work in James' life as He transformed from a skeptic to a servant. We also see that this letter was not intended for just a narrow audience but even the church today as we live in the tension of our present world and the hope we have.

rlcsd.org

In the film industry, before everything was digital - an editors office would have its floor littered with short pieces of unused film that didn't make the final cut. Inevitably, when writing a sermon - your floor is also littered with things that were worth including, but that didn't make the final cut.

At the end of a series like we've just completed, talking about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit - we felt like some of what was still on the floor, was worth taking a few minutes to share with you. So we invite you to join a short discussion with Trevor & Clay, for some bonus material on the topic of the Gifts of the Spirit.

*As was mentioned in the show, here is a link to a very simple Spiritual Gifts assessment - https://giftstest.com

This week, we wrap up our series titled Better Because, where we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, God works through us by the spiritual gifts that we are all blessed with. We have the daily purpose to see how we can use the gifts and continue growing in the confidence that it is God given. We use these gifts to show the loving care of Jesus to those in need around us. Like any thoughtful gift we receive, we do not simply have admiration for the gift, but for the giver. And we in turn, can use our gift for His glory.

rlcsd.org

This week, we continue our series titled Better Because, where we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, God works through us by the spiritual gifts we are blessed with. These gifts serve a threefold purpose. They deepen our personal worship, edify the church, and draw unbelievers to Christ.

rlcsd.org

This week, we continue our series titled Better Because, where why we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. As humans, we may find a desire for significant life change but at the same time unable or unmotivated to do so. As Jesus said, He left so that the Holy Spirit could be with us. We benefit from this access to God, have a full assurance of our identity with Him, and have the power for change from the inside out.

rlcsd.org

This week, we are joined by guest speaker Mike Neglia of Calvary Chapel Cork Ireland as he shares with us a message of what it means to be a disciple. As Christians, this looks like an apprenticeship where we try to model our lives after Jesus. We are entrusted with the great commission but also importantly, we are accompanied by Jesus, the great companion.

rlcsd.org

This week, we continue our series titled Better Because, where why we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. While the disciples would have been sorrowful to hear that He would be leaving them, He ultimately had to leave to pave the way for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is at work in the world convicting sin and pointing to the need for a savior. The Spirit continues to guide the church understand and apply the Word. We can discern the Spirit at work as it is always glorifying to Christ, not any individual person.

rlcsd.org

This week, we begin our series titled Better Because, where we look at John 16 and why we are better off because Jesus came and departed. As humans, we think that we know best for ourselves, but many times giving in to those desires harms us. God knows what is needed for us to be made whole. As we see today, Jesus sacrificed Himself to pay the debt for our sins but also to become an advocate for us. We can live with a steady confidence that He will return to finish the work He started and that we live each day listening to His Spirit in us.

rlcsd.org

This week, we are joined by Jimmy O'Keefe who teaches us to set ourselves up for a wonderful new year as we do our part to be true examples of what it means to follow the heart of Jesus.