St John's Wishart Sermons

This Sunday we continued our look into the Psalms of Ascent. In Psalm 125, we are reminded that in Christ we have security, stability, and a Lord who judges with integrity.

James closes his letter by urging believers to face trials with patience, prayer, and hope in the Lord’s return. In this sermon, we see how real faith steadies us through suffering, keeps us prayerful in all seasons, and calls us to care for one another as family in Christ.

What does it mean to trust God with our plans and our possessions? In this talk from St John’s Wishart, we explore James 4:13–5:6 and discover the danger of self-sufficiency, the emptiness of hoarded riches, and the call to radical generosity. Real faith surrenders all we are and all we have to our gracious God.

In this sermon from St John’s Wishart, we explore James 4 and what real faith looks like when it is humble. James doesn’t hold back—he shows how pride, selfish desires, and quarrels can tear the church apart and even make us “enemies of God.” But he also points us to the good news: God gives more grace. As we humble ourselves, submit to Him, and draw near, He draws near to us. 

In James 3, we’re reminded that real faith shows itself in both our speech and our wisdom. Our words may be small, but they carry enormous power—to build up or to destroy. James calls us to humility: humble speech that encourages and blesses, and humble wisdom that reflects the character of Christ. Earthly wisdom driven by pride and selfish ambition tears down, but wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. In this talk, we explore how following Jesus shapes our words and lives to reflect his gentleness and humility.

James 2:14–26 challenges believers with a simple but confronting truth: faith without works is dead. Scripture teaches that while we are saved by grace through faith alone, genuine faith always results in a changed life. This passage illustrates that action is the natural fruit of faith, and that faith and deeds work together to display a living, active trust in God. Through examples like Abraham and Rahab, we are reminded that real faith is visible, practical, and obedient. Listeners are encouraged to consider how their own lives reflect the faith they profess in Jesus.

This is the fourth sermon in our series in James where we saw that followers of Jesus must not show favouritism.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this message from St John’s Wishart 9AM, we explore James’ call to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” and to not just hear God’s word but live it out. Real faith is seen in humble obedience, practical care for those in need, and a life shaped by God’s implanted word.

In James 1:9–18, we see that real faith stays steadfast in every situation. Whether rich or poor, James reminds us to boast in our status before God, not in possessions. Earthly riches fade, but those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life. Temptation comes from our own desires, luring us into sin, which leads to death — but God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, bringing life through the word of truth.  Preacher: Michael Calder

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Psalms of Ascent. Preacher: Chris Boyce