Cary Cox, from Romans 15:7-12. God is building his unified, multi-ethnic church through the humble sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of the praise and glory of God! This is why we work through problems, disagreements, and issues in our messy, imperfect, and beautiful local churches.

Cary Cox, from James 2:8-13. The Lord really does expect Christians to love people, and to show mercy to the weak, the poor, the unlovable, the unpopular; to be kind and gracious. We show mercy toward others in this life because we have received mercy from God in Christ, and our merciful actions serve as … Continue reading The Nature of Saving Faith (Merciful) – James Study 10

Cary Cox, from Romans 15:7. As Paul calls the Roman believers to not quit on each other in their time of disagreement, he continues to weave into his message three big matters of importance for the church to rally around in agreement. There are some matters that Christians in every age must rally around together … Continue reading Rallying Points of the Church – Romans Study 90

Cary Cox, from Romans 15:1-7. Paul prays for unity in the local church, using vivid musical language to paint a picture of the church as a big choir, not a bunch of solo acts, all singing together in harmony with lives that amount to one unified voice of praise to God!

Cary Cox, from Romans 15:1-7. Paul calls Christians to look away from self in order to serve others in the church – even those with whom we disagree. This is just what Christ did for us!

Cary Cox, from James 2:1-9. As we hold the faith together as the church, we must not show partiality against people. God has chosen those the world rejects for his own glory in the church!

Cary Cox, from Romans 14. Paul addresses a disagreement in the Roman church. Christians lay down their opinions on secondary issues in order to prioritize the pursuit of peace, love, and unity in the church around the matters of first importance. We walk in love, willingly give up our personal freedoms in Christ, and seek … Continue reading Christians Work Through Disagreements – Romans Study 87

Cary Cox, from James 1:26-27. Worthless Religion Vs. Pure Religion. James gives helpful and practical examples of what hearing and doing the word looks like in everyday life.

Cary Cox, from Romans 13:11-14. Christians not only live in love, but Scripture also calls us to walk in the light, to pursue holiness. We are not darkness, but light in Christ, and must live accordingly. A call to throw off works of darkness – things not compatible with Christianity – and put on the … Continue reading Christians Walk in the Light – Romans Study 86

Cary Cox, from James 1:22-25. Although hearing God’s word is of utmost importance, it matters how we hear! It is possible to hear without obeying, which is false religion and completely worthless. James calls us to hear and do God’s word. Biblical, saving faith always goes on to obedience/works. But what does this look like … Continue reading Doers of the Word – James Study 7