Sermons from The Crossing Church (TCCJAX) Jacksonville, FL

In the midst of a turbulent world, the Gospel shines forth as truly good news. The Father sent Jesus to this world to conquer it or our benefit and for His glory. He overcame this world and provides us with peace to endure and a hope of eternity in His presence.

James 5:13-20 shows us that we are not meant to be independent people. We weren't meant to live life alone. Through the Gospel of Jesus, we depend on God and the community of God's people as found in the church. This life of dependence on God produces a life marked by acts of prayer, praise, fellowship, confession, and action.

We spend the hours of our lives waiting for the next thing in this world to bring us satisfaction. God tells us that we should be waiting for the return of His Son Jesus Christ. We should be looking toward this day when our very own existence is given meaning and the single answer to all our prayers will come in a blink of an eye.

We have been deceived. We pursue the things of the world thinking that we will satisfy the desires of our hearts. James reminds us that these pursuits are deceptive and meaningless. But the Good News of Jesus is that God has given us a pursuit that promises joy and peace

James describes two types of wisdom; Earthly wisdom and Heavenly wisdom. Having true wisdom allows us to have a faith that is humble.

"Why do we say the things we do? James 3:1-12 shows us that we have a problem with our words because we have a problem with our heart. Because of the Gospel, Jesus died for our hurtful words, and made our hearts alive in faith to speak grace to everyone. In fact, when you speak with grace, God is speaking through you to produce heavenly notes tied together that create a Gospel melody."

When was the last time you took a risk? Why is risk taking so scary to us? Yet, James says that taking risks is an essential component of faith. It actually demonstrates that our faith is real. Are you willing to risk for God?

Why do we prefer to hang out with certain people and not others? Why do we spend our time judging others instead of overflowing with mercy toward those who need it most? James tells us that partiality/favoritism is a pervasive sin that creeps into our lives. When we value what the world values, we set aside mercy for our own preferences.

When God speaks to us, through His word, in prayer, in conversation, in trials and temptations...do we respond with obedience or do we simply forget? How can we live lives that are responsive to God?

Temptation is the battle arena between your desires and God's desires. However, Jesus Christ has already won the battle and empowers you with His victory to overcome any temptation in your life, especially when it comes to your identity.