West Church Peabody

In James 2.1-13 8.2.26, we continue our series Practical Living for Jesus Followers by exploring James’ challenge to reject favoritism and love others the way Christ loves us. James warns against making judgments based on outward appearances and reminds believers that God calls us to show mercy rather than partiality. As recipients of God's grace, we are invited to extend that same mercy to others, allowing God's love to shape our relationships and transform how we see the people around us.

In James 1:21-27, we're challenged to move beyond simply hearing God's Word and begin living it. Using the illustration of a person who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they saw, James warns against self-deception and calls believers to respond to God's truth with faith, obedience, and action. True spiritual maturity is revealed not by what we know, but by transformed lives marked by controlled speech, compassion for those in need, and a commitment to live differently from the world around us. Join us as we continue our series, Practical Living for Jesus Followers, and discover the freedom and blessing that come from being doers of the Word, not hearers only.

As Vacation Bible School came to a close, we celebrated our Illumination Station theme by looking at one of Jesus’ most powerful statements: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Using the image of total darkness in a cave, this message reminds us that life without Christ can feel uncertain and confusing, but Jesus offers the light that guides, comforts, and transforms.

In this special VBS Sunday message, our pastor explores what Jesus meant when He promised that those who follow Him “will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Following Jesus is more than simply knowing about Him. It means trusting Him, walking with Him, and receiving the gift of His presence in every season of life. Through Christ, we are never alone, even in life’s darkest moments.

As we reflect on an incredible week of Illumination Station, this sermon invites children, families, and church members alike to remember that Jesus doesn’t just show us the light, He gives us the Light of Life. Listen as we celebrate what God has done during VBS and consider the invitation to follow Jesus, live in His light, and experience the hope He offers every day.

How do we deal with anger in a way that honors God? In this message from James 1:19-21, we explore James' practical wisdom for followers of Jesus: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Drawing from Scripture and helpful insights on communication, conflict, and emotional health, this sermon examines why our natural anger so often falls short of God's purposes and how we can develop healthier, Christ-centered responses.

Together we'll consider the dangers of reacting too quickly, the power of truly listening, and the transforming work God wants to do in our hearts. Whether you struggle with frustration, conflict, resentment, or simply want to grow in wisdom, this message offers practical guidance for navigating anger with grace, humility, and spiritual maturity.

Temptation is one of the most universal struggles for Jesus followers, and James 1:12–18 shows how endurance, honesty, and a greater love for God help us face it with courage. This message draws from the myth of the sirens in The Odyssey to illustrate two ways people resist destructive desires—by limiting their ability to give in, like Odysseus tied to the mast, or by cultivating a stronger, more beautiful desire, like Jason listening to Orpheus’ music. James teaches that God promises the crown of life to those who persevere, and that temptation doesn’t come from God but from our own desires. Confession, humility, community, and spiritual honesty interrupt the cycle before it matures into sin and death.

The passage also turns our attention to the goodness of God, the Father of heavenly lights, who gives every good and perfect gift and births new life within us. When we cultivate habits that help us savor God—Scripture, prayer, silence, worship, gratitude—our desire for Him grows stronger than the lesser desires that tempt us. Like catching the aroma of a delicious meal from the kitchen, the presence of God in our lives is a foretaste of the greater joy to come. This sermon invites listeners to endure temptation with honesty and hope, and to pursue the better desire that leads to life. Next week: dealing with anger.

Have you ever daydreamed about what your life would be like if you had more money? I'm sure we all have. Lack of finances seem to make things really hard sometimes. At the same time, chasing after money and possessions can be a trap as well. This week in our series "Practical Living for Jesus Followers," James warns us about the deception of riches. Always wanting more is like the air we breath. It is not necessarily healthy. It can actually threaten our faith. But James shows us how our faith in Jesus helps us to avoid being deceived by the lure of always wanting more. It is amazing that a "primitive" book like the Bible, that is more than 2000 years old, has such helpful wisdom for us in 2026. Let's get wise about wealth together this Sunday.

This Sunday we begin an all-new series called Practical Living for Jesus Followers. We will be going verse by verse through the letter from James. The first area of practical living he speaks to is "How do we handle hardships in life?" It's not like we don't have enough. He tells us some amazing things about God. God wants to help us, and he will always help us. God wants to give us what we need, in particular, a new perspective and a new insight. If you're struggling with something in your life this week, you will want to learn this. James is even so bold to suggest that we can experience joy no matter what.

Have you ever daydreamed about what your life would be like if you had more money? I'm sure we all have. Lack of finances seem to make things really hard sometimes. At the same time, chasing after money and possessions can be a trap as well. This week in our series "Practical Living for Jesus Followers," James warns us about the deception of riches. Always wanting more is like the air we breath. It is not necessarily healthy. It can actually threaten our faith. But James shows us how our faith in Jesus helps us to avoid being deceived by the lure of always wanting more. It is amazing that a "primitive" book like the Bible, that is more than 2000 years old, has such helpful wisdom for us in 2026. Let's get wise about wealth together this Sunday.

We're approaching the end of our series, "Rising from Shame." We will be looking at the story of Mary Magdalene who was set free from seven demons by the Lord Jesus. Shame is clearly one of the weapons that Satan would use to hinder us and keep us down. Sometimes we think the negative voices putting us down in our heads are our own negative selves. Sometimes they may be even more insidious. When we come to recognize the message of Jesus, we are better equipped to recognize the voice of Jesus over against other voices that trouble us. Jesus always brought God's freedom to those who came to him for help oppressed by unclean spirits. He overcame Satan when he rose from the dead. He wants us to experience freedom with him.

This Sunday we have the privilege of Lincoln and Jenny Fitch visiting with us. Lincoln will be giving a message focused on Romans 15:1-13, Harmonizing for God's Glory. Today’s sermon used the metaphor of a choir to show how God calls His people into deep unity. Though individually gifted, Christians often clash when preferences, personalities, and cultural backgrounds get in the way. Paul reminds us that glorifying God requires laying down our preferences and moving toward one another in love, even when it is inconvenient. Christ Himself did not please Himself but bore reproach for us, welcoming sinners and drawing near to those who were far from God. His welcome becomes the model for how we welcome one another. Through the Spirit, God empowers us to overcome distance, pursue deeper relationships, and reflect the diverse unity of His people. The call is simple but challenging: serve like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, and glorify God together with one voice.