Tell Me More - A Southland Christian Church Podcast

In our final episode of Tell Me More, join our hosts as the revisit some of the most impactful moments of season 3 and what we’ve learned as we walked through the book of James this season. We’ll talk about accountability and the balance between the commands to live righteously and how those are balanced with God’s grace. We’ve enjoyed reading this book of scripture together and can’t wait for Season 4!

In this episode of Tell Me More, join us as we dive into the conclusion of James’ letter, focusing on James 5:13-20. James speaks directly to the heart of prayer, healing, and restoration within the community of believers. We’ll explore what it means to pray in times of trouble and joy, how our faith impacts our lives, and the importance of standing with each other in accountability. Join us as we unpack practical steps to live out these timeless truths, from bringing our needs before God to supporting each other with love and faith. 

Discussion Guide: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/199tYS3aC-VPDH-LkTFmxmtNvq_MW4duW?usp=drive_link 

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, we take a look at James 5:7-12, a passage that speaks to patience, perseverance, and trusting God through difficult times. We’ll explore how these verses encourage us as women to remain steadfast in our faith, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. We'll discuss what it looks like to wait patiently for God's timing, avoid grumbling, and hold on to the hope of His promises as well as live lives of integrity.

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Opening Question: Tell us about a personal experience where you had to exercise patience and endurance, especially in the midst ofsomething hard.

Read James 5:7-12 together and discuss.

1. Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
2. What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to betransparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more,etc.)
   1. Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
3. Have you witnessed examples of peoplein your life who have persevered through suffering well? Like Job and the prophets, who have you seen who has waited on the Lord and shown patience?
4. Read verse 8 together. What does it look likefor you to actually “be patient and stand firm?” Some versions translate this as “take courage” or “establish your hearts.” What resonates with you? How do you livethat out in theface of suf ering?
5. Read verse 12 together. What kind of words and language does suf ering or trials “squeeze” out of you? Can others trust what you say is true and reliable, even if you’re frustrated or being challenged?
6. What is something from this passagethat is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step:

You’ve almost studied the whole book of James! Get ready for episode 11 by reading the rest of the book (5:13-20). Write down any questions you have or whatstands out to you.

Want our recommendationsfor additional Bible Study Resources? Go here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view

In this episode of Tell Me More, we’ll explore James 4:13-5:6, where James warns us about the dangers of pride and planning without God. We’ll talk about what it means to live with humility, recognizing that our lives are in God’s hands and not our own. As we dive into this passage, we’ll also reflect on the warnings against living independently from God and neglecting to remember that He is in control instead of us. We’ll also be reminded of the importance of living generously as women of faith. Join us as we learn to surrender our plans to God, trust His will, and live with an eternal perspective!

Opening Question: Share a time when you had big plans that went wrong (or went a different direction that ended up being for your good, thanks to God’s will!).

Read James 4:13-5:6 together and discuss.

1. Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
2. What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)
   1. Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
3. Do you think that in this passage, James is teaching us that God doesn’t like planning?
4. Have you heard of sins of COmission versus sins of Omission? What does this passage tell us about that?
5. Why do you think James (and Jesus!) seem to have so many warnings for rich people?
6. What material things do you tend to put your hope and trust in? Money? A sense of security? Your plans? Your job? Abilities? Etc.? What does trusting God instead of those things look like in your life this week?
7. What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step: Get ready for episode 10 by reading James 5:7-12. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you.

Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources? Go here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view 

In today’s episode of Tell Me More, we’ll dig into James 4:1-12, where James challenges us to confront our pride and exchange it for humility. As women seeking to live out our faith, we’ll discuss the dangers of pride, selfish desires, and worldliness, and how they can lead us away from God's peace. More importantly, we’ll unpack the beauty of God's grace and His invitation to draw near to Him in humility. Tune in as we talk about surrendering our pride, resisting the enemy, and finding true freedom and closeness with God.

Opening Question:

Was there a desire that you had as a kid (like wanting a certain toy, or to go somewhere, or have some sort of experience) that you never ended up getting?

Read James 4:1-12 together and discuss.

Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?

What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)

                  Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?

How should this passage affect your prayer life and the things you desire?

What does it mean to “have friendship with the world” in the way that James uses that phrase? Why do you think he calls that adultery?

Verses 7-10 give us ten (ten!) commands of what we should do, but it also highlights how God responds to us. What does this tell us about ourselves? About God?

What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

BONUS QUESTION: Did you read the additional resource we linked last week? If not, you can find it here. If so, what did you learn? What helped your understanding of this passage?

Action Step:

Get ready for episode 9 by reading James 4:13-5:6. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you.

Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources? Go here.

In this episode, we’ll look at James 3:13-18, and explore what it means to live a life marked by true wisdom. Together, we’ll unpack how God calls us as women to cultivate humility, gentleness, and peace, contrasting it with the world's version of wisdom, which often leads to disorder and strife. Whether you’re navigating personal relationships, work, or ministry, this passage offers practical insights on embracing a life that reflects God’s heart. Join us as we discuss how to discern wisdom from above and apply it in our everyday lives.

Opening Question:

Share one or two “tidbits” of wisdom that someone passed along to you that have proven

true (or handy).

Read James 3:13-18 together and discuss.

1. Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
2. What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)
   1. Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
3. Based on what James teaches here, what are some “red flags” that are a sure sign of false wisdom? Where do you see that playing out around you?
4. Some of the characteristics of God's wisdom that James identifies are:

   1. pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

   2. What of these things seems the most counter-intuitive to you? How can you invite God’s wisdom to give you more “good fruit”?According to verse13 how does someone demonstrate wisdom and understanding?

5. What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step (read closely!):

Get ready for episode 8 by reading James 4:1-12. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you. In addition to reading the Bible verses for next week, HERE is an article that we recommend reading to provide some additional commentary and insight to next week’s passage.

In today’s episode of Tell Me More, we’ll explore James 3:1-12 and the profound impact our words can have. This passage highlights the power of the tongue—both to build each other up and to tear each other down. How can we learn to control our speech and reflect Christ in what we say? How can we use our speech to edify others and treat them as the image-bearers of Jesus that they are? Join us as we discuss the challenges this scripture issues, the importance of speaking life-giving things, and how our words can be used for good and to honor God.

Opening Question:

All of us can remember kind things and cruel things that were said to us. Share a time when a single word, phrase, or sentence had a significant impact on your life.

Read James 3:1-12 together and discuss.

Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?

What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)  Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?

How does our control over our tongues relate to our overall spiritual growth and relationship with God?

When is it appropriate to remain silent rather than speak? How can silence be a form of wisdom?

James paints six different pictures of the tongue in this passage: the bit, the rudder, the fire, a poisonous animal, a fountain, and a fig tree. Which of these metaphors sticks out to you, and why?

How can our words contribute to unity and harmony within the church and our communities?

What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step:

Get ready for episode 7 by reading James 3:13-18. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you.

Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view

In this episode, we dive deep into James 2:14-26, a passage that challenges us to examine the connection between faith and works. What does it mean for our faith to be alive? How do faith and works intertwine and what do they look like practically in our lives? Join us as we unpack these verses, exploring the balance between belief and behavior, and how our everyday choices can reflect a genuine, active faith. 

Opening Questions: What is a non-negotiable part of your morning routine?

What is one of the mostselfless acts you’ve everseen or heard ofsomeone doing?

1. Read James 2:14-26 together and discuss.
   • Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
2. What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to betransparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more,etc.)
   • Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
3. These verses from James havelong been controversial because of how they appear to contradict that we are “saved by gracethrough faith” in Eph 2:8. Paul’s major contention is that we are justified by faith, not works. How can wereconcilethese with James’ argument that “faith without works is dead”? If the Bible doesn’t contradict itself...what does this mean?
   • If you need help understanding this, check THIS out. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NQHGdRAUzf2GjrRb7-O_lSeBhXW9i-NH0jMegsdT0JI/edit 
4. Which iseasier for you: talking about your faith with others or demonstrating your love toward them?
5. What is something from this passagethat is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step: Get ready for episode 5 by reading James 3:1-12. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you. Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view 

In today’s episode, we’ll explore James 2:1-13, where James challenges us to confront favoritism and embrace a life marked by mercy and love. We’ll unpack what it means to treat others with the same grace God has shown us, regardless of their social status or appearance.

James reminds us that faith and partiality cannot coexist and that true faith is revealed through loving others as ourselves. Join us as we dig deep into this powerful passage and discover how to cultivate a heart that reflects God’s love for all people.

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Opening Question: Are you more of a rule follower or a rule breaker? Give an example of what you mean. Read James 2:1-13 together and discuss.

1. Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
2. What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)
   1. Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
3. In what ways have you seen favoritism displayed in your life, both personally and in the world around you?
4. What do you think it means to be "rich in faith" as described in verse 5?
5. How does the idea of being judged by the law contrast with being saved by grace?
6. Can you think of a time when you were shown mercy when you deserved judgment?
7. What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step: Get ready for episode 5 by reading James 2:14-26. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you.

Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources? Go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view

In this episode, we dive into James 1:19-27, where James gives us practical wisdom on how to live out our faith in everyday life. We'll talk about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—important keys to living in peace with others. We’ll also explore what it means to be "doers" of the Word, not just hearers, and how living out God’s Word leads to true freedom.

From taming our tongues to caring for the vulnerable, James shows us how our faith should be reflected in our actions. Tune in as we discuss aligning our hearts, words, and deeds with God's perfect will!

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Opener:

Optionally, play the game that Jess and Sarah played at the beginning of the podcast. If that doesn’t fit the vibe of your group, here’s some questions to get conversation flowing!

• What are the non-negotiable parts of your morning routine?
• When you get frustrated about something, do you tend to stuff down or speak up?

Read James 1:19-27 together and discuss.

• Was there a phrase or word that stood out to you?
• What questions does this bring up? (this is an opportunity for us to be transparent about what we don’t understand, or need to dig into some more, etc.)
  1. Did you do any research about those questions? What did you learn?
• In what areas of your life do you struggle with controlling your tongue? How can you seek God's help to improve?
• How does the definition of "pure religion" in this passage challenge your understanding of faith/spirituality?
• This passage really leans into the challenge of not just listening to the Word but applying it to our lives. So, let’s practice that now.
  1. What is something from this passage that is hard for you to obey? How can you grow in obedience of God’s Word (don’t be afraid to get specific!)?

Action Step:

Get ready for episode 4 by reading James 2:1-13. Write down any questions you have or what stands out to you.

Want our recommendations for additional Bible Study Resources? Go Here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMNi9lOjjRiosGgh30phWoUqck0dxTbB/view