Sermons from Seven Mile Road Church in Waltham

Faith Works || Pride / Humility - James 4:1-10

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks at James 4:1-10 and the juxtaposition of Pride and Humility. In this passage James is going to identify covetousness as the root of quarrels and fighting. Even deeper than that lies our pride, which ultimately gives us the false notion self-sufficiency with no felt need for God. James points to a God who draws near to us as we draw near him—a God who opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Faith Works || Wisdom / Righteousness - James 3:13-18

In this Sermon, Pastor Jeremy looks at James 3:13-18 and the juxtaposition of Wisdom and Righteousness. When we think of wisdom, we often think of making strategic choices that lead to our benefit. Wise people are successful. In this passage, James points to a wisdom that runs deeper than our daily decisions and supersedes our idea of success. James introduces us to a wisdom that comes from above and contrasts it with a false wisdom bent on self-gain.

Faith Works || Influence / Responsibility - James 3:1-12

In this sermon, Kevin looks at James 3:1-12 and the juxtaposition of Influence and Responsibility. Each of us has a sphere of influence—from small to large. No matter the size, within those spheres our words carry a heavy impact for others and for ourselves. James says our tongues have the power to set the entire course of our lives on fire. In this passage, James confronts our carelessness when it comes to our speech and calls us to a higher responsibility.

Faith Works || Faith / Works - James 2:14-26

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks at James 2:14-26 and the juxtaposition of Faith and Works. We talk a lot about how we're saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. We go to great lengths to make it clear that we are not saved by our own works, but by the work of Christ. Yet, James says that workless faith is dead. In this sermon, we look at how these seemingly contradictory statements can both be true and explore how faith produces good works.

Faith Works || Prejudice / Mercy - James 2:1-13

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks at James 2:1-13 and the juxtaposition of Prejudice and Mercy. Have you ever walked into a room full of people and felt judged by a standard you could never meet—whether it be income, personality, or talent? In this passage, James calls out the church for this very kind of prejudice. The truth is that as receivers of His mercy, God has called his people to walk in humility toward one another, avoiding the sin of partiality. James points to a God whose mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith Works || Hearer / Doer - James 1:19-27

In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy looks at James 1:19-27 and what it means to be a hearer and a doer of God's word. When we hear something of consequence, our natural response should be to take action. We evacuate when we hear a fire alarm. We implement tasks assigned to us in our workplaces. But what makes a person hear something of consequence and do nothing? How exactly does hearing translate to doing? James calls the people of God to be those who act on the word of God that they've received.

Faith Works || Trial / Joy - James 1:1-18

In this sermon, Pastor Clint asks the question: How do trials produce joy? Nobody enjoys trials. Much of wisdom is the practice of avoiding life's unnecessary difficulties. But what happens when we encounter the trials we can't or shouldn't avoid? James tells us that enduring adversity is ultimately for our joy.

Summer in the Psalms // Journey - Psalm 134

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks the last of our Psalms of Ascent, Psalm 134, and the theme of Journey. No one enjoys a long trip to a disappointing destination. The worth of any journey is weighed by the reward of the final destination. For the original pilgrims who sang these Psalms of Ascent, that destination was the presence of God, housed in the Temple of God. In this sermon, we ask what it looks like for us today to journey toward joy in the presence of God.

Summer in the Psalms // Community - Psalm 133

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks at Psalm 133 and the theme of Community. We're living in a lonely age. In a world where social connection is just a click away, true connection has been forfeited and we're often left with a feeling of isolation--missing the sweetness of friendship. Psalm 133 points to true friendships, marked by unity and joy, blessed and bonded by God himself.

Summer in the Psalms // Plans - Psalm 132

In this sermon, Kevin looks at Psalm 132 and the theme of Plans. We do our best to plan our lives, but our plans are never perfect. Conflicting desires and faulty information can lead us to make some pretty bad moves with pretty bad consequences. Psalm 132 points us to a perfect God who makes perfect plans for his people. Even when God's plan differs from ours, we can trust that what he has in store is his glory and our ultimate joy.