In our series, we have moved on to chapter 3 and it seems like James takes an awkward turn as he dives right into the power and use of the tongue. Though he may seem to be jumping subjects too quickly, the connection between our faith and the use of our speech is strong. So strong, in fact, that James declares we would know perfection if we could avoid stumbling in what we say.

This week’s text is probably the signature passage of James. It would be difficult to find another portion of the bible that is more controversial or misunderstood. Yet, as followers of Christ and believers in the inerrancy of His word, it is our duty not to shy away from such passages; but to dig in and apply them. And what we end up finding doesn’t contradict the gospel as we know it, but gives us a richer understanding of the nature of saving faith.

We have now entered into Chapter 2 in our ‘Real Faith’ series in James and are beginning to examine some of the passages that are quickly identifiable with the epistle. Chapter 2 begins with James getting very specific with his concerns over how the body of Christ treats one another; particularly in the area of giving preference to some and denying it to others based on worldly measures. As we come to understand the passage, it is necessary that we honestly examine our own hearts and apply the questions that it raises to ourselves and to Grace Church as a whole.

As we continue on in our series in James, we approach the end of chapter 1. This passage explicitly gets to the heart of the main thrust of the letter. Real faith is not of faith that merely hears and mentally agrees with what is written. It is one that activates and makes us into a ‘doer of the word’.

In James 1:12-18, he continues on with the theme of faith in the midst of trials. In this section, we see what a grounded faith looks like as well as the nature of temptation when the heat gets turned up. It is in the hardships of life that the firmness of the object of our faith gets tested. And so only the unchanging, giver of good gifts, will suffice.

This week we begin a new 12 week sermon series through James. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith. James is concerned about examining the nature of faith, answering the question, What does real faith look like? In this opening passage, we see that real faith is joyful faith that lasts.

In the last sermon in this summer series, we focus in on the holiness of God as a theme throughout the story of the Bible. God’s ‘otherness’ is something that is often downplayed or overlooked in society as a whole and even within the church. But it is essential for us to understand it and embrace it in order that we worship him in truth.

This week we covered an issue which lies at the heart of God’s design for people but exists as a source of confusion in the world today: The creation of man and woman as equal but different. Though God’s design for gender is something that we naturally rebel against, through Christ we see its redemption and the ultimate fulfillment of its purpose.

This week’s sermon focused in on God’s ultimate mission throughout history which is for him to receive glory through making himself known to people of all nations. It is a purpose that we see which remains consistent from the moment he first created human beings in Genesis 1 until the culmination of all time in the book of Revelation. It is a truth that can fuel our worship, direct our prayers, and move our feet to go.

This week we look at the story of the revelation of God, through His word, to His people. From creation to the end, the response that people have to God’s word is indicative of their relationship to him. For this reason, it is essential that we uphold His word as central in our lives.