Join us each week as we take a journey to grow in our faith and learn to live out our faith. For we live by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) Paul said, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17 Jesus said, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." 
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Beginning in September...A New Sermon Series
One of the most practical books in the Bible is the book of James. James has a lot to teach us about how to live out our faith. We will walk through the whole book and learn many practical things that will help us grow in our Christian walk. Some of the topics we will cover are:
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Sermon #1: Trials and Joy (James 1:2)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”
James does not say, IF you encounter various trials, but WHEN. Trials are going to come your way. You can expect it. Even Jesus said we will have trials and tribulations (John 16:33). None of us can escape them. It's part of our faith journey. So expect trials to come your way.
We experience trials because we are human and we live in a sinful world. Trials force us to fall on our knees and run to God.
In midst of trials and tribulations, we are to count it joy as we get to share in Christ's suffering. One of the marks of a true believer is that he or she has joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. God gives to you and me his Spirit when we are born again. We can have joy because of HOPE. Hope is the confidence that God has everything under control. It's not the end. Trials will only last a season.
If you have going through trial and difficulty right now, know that it's part of the journey. God is with you, and you can live with joy even in midst of hardship and suffering.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”
James does not say, IF you encounter various trials, but WHEN. Trials are going to come your way. You can expect it. Even Jesus said we will have trials and tribulations (John 16:33). None of us can escape them. It's part of our faith journey. So expect trials to come your way.
We experience trials because we are human and we live in a sinful world. Trials force us to fall on our knees and run to God.
In midst of trials and tribulations, we are to count it joy as we get to share in Christ's suffering. One of the marks of a true believer is that he or she has joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. God gives to you and me his Spirit when we are born again. We can have joy because of HOPE. Hope is the confidence that God has everything under control. It's not the end. Trials will only last a season.
If you have going through trial and difficulty right now, know that it's part of the journey. God is with you, and you can live with joy even in midst of hardship and suffering.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
Sermon #5: "Slaying the Giant of Temptation"
Temptation is man’s oldest problem. By definition, temptation is the enticement of our natural desires to sin or to do the wrong thing. Temptation in itself is not sinful. It is sin when we give in to temptation.
All of us face temptations, and they come at us in different ways. NBC News anchor Brian Williams is under suspension for 6 months without pay. During the Iraq War, Williams told the nation that a helicopter he had been traveling in during the invasion of Iraq had been forced down by a rocket-propelled grenade. After this report, Williams achieved rock-star status. His nightly broadcast was No. 1. He went on every talk shows and gave speeches all over the country. He was ranked one of the most trusted people in America. As everyone now knows, Williams exaggerated the truth in order to appear heroic and historic. For over 10 years, he got away with his story until some soldiers came forward and questioned his experience. The temptation to exaggerate a story was too great for Brian Williams.
Some principles to learn about temptation based on James 1:12-18:
1. Be Realistic. James says “When you are tempted” not “if you are tempted.” Temptations are inevitable.
2. Be Responsible. V. 13 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me. ’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” We should accept responsibility for our sin. We cannot make bad choices and blame God or others.
3. Be Ready. V. 14, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Don’t be deceived.” Temptation will come. You need to be ready.
4. Be Refocused. V. 17, "every good and perfect gift come from above." If temptation begins with our mind and our thought, then changing what we think about and not putting ourselves in a situation is the key to overcoming it.
Ways to starve off temptation:
1. Get into God’s Word. Psalm 119:11 say, “Thy word I treasure in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” God’s Word is your weapon. Fill your mind with God’s Word, and the devil don’t stand a chance.
2. Pray for God’s help. If you’re not talking to God regularly, you have no protection. Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.”
3. Fellowship with others and have someone to help you and hold you accountable. You will not make it if you don’t have fellowship with other Christians.
God intends for us to live happily and victoriously. With his power and grace, we can live pure before God.
"How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" ~Joseph in Gen. 39:9
Reflection song: Take My Life/Holiness
Temptation is man’s oldest problem. By definition, temptation is the enticement of our natural desires to sin or to do the wrong thing. Temptation in itself is not sinful. It is sin when we give in to temptation.
All of us face temptations, and they come at us in different ways. NBC News anchor Brian Williams is under suspension for 6 months without pay. During the Iraq War, Williams told the nation that a helicopter he had been traveling in during the invasion of Iraq had been forced down by a rocket-propelled grenade. After this report, Williams achieved rock-star status. His nightly broadcast was No. 1. He went on every talk shows and gave speeches all over the country. He was ranked one of the most trusted people in America. As everyone now knows, Williams exaggerated the truth in order to appear heroic and historic. For over 10 years, he got away with his story until some soldiers came forward and questioned his experience. The temptation to exaggerate a story was too great for Brian Williams.
Some principles to learn about temptation based on James 1:12-18:
1. Be Realistic. James says “When you are tempted” not “if you are tempted.” Temptations are inevitable.
2. Be Responsible. V. 13 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me. ’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” We should accept responsibility for our sin. We cannot make bad choices and blame God or others.
3. Be Ready. V. 14, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Don’t be deceived.” Temptation will come. You need to be ready.
4. Be Refocused. V. 17, "every good and perfect gift come from above." If temptation begins with our mind and our thought, then changing what we think about and not putting ourselves in a situation is the key to overcoming it.
Ways to starve off temptation:
1. Get into God’s Word. Psalm 119:11 say, “Thy word I treasure in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” God’s Word is your weapon. Fill your mind with God’s Word, and the devil don’t stand a chance.
2. Pray for God’s help. If you’re not talking to God regularly, you have no protection. Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.”
3. Fellowship with others and have someone to help you and hold you accountable. You will not make it if you don’t have fellowship with other Christians.
God intends for us to live happily and victoriously. With his power and grace, we can live pure before God.
"How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" ~Joseph in Gen. 39:9
Reflection song: Take My Life/Holiness
Sermon #4: "Slaying the Giant of Jealousy"
Jealousy is a deadly sin that most of us don't ever deal with it. It's a sin that most of us seldom admit and confess having.
William Shakespeare has called it the green-eyed monster. The color green has been associated with jealousy. Because jealousy isn’t content with what it has, it always wants more. And jealousy can destroy you and your relationships with others. Jealousy is one of the most destructive enemies facing Christians today.
After David killed Goliath, news of his victory spread throughout the land. The women came out to meet King Saul with singing and dancing. They sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” This made Saul very angry. And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. Saul felt threatened and was jealous over David's success. From that day on Saul spent the rest of his life chasing David down in order to kill him.
Jealousy is nothing new. It has been around since the beginning. Cain killed Abel because of jealousy. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him because of jealousy. The religious leaders had Jesus killed because of jealousy.
Jealousy travels in circle. We are not jealous of people we don't know, but of people we know, people close to us and around us…people in our circle...a family member, friends, co-workers, and even church members.
How can we slay this giant?
1. Admit jealousy is sinful, renounce it and resist it.
2. Pray about it and turn your focus on God.
3. Don't go around bragging what you have and incite jealousy in others.
4. Count your blessings. Look at how good God is to you.
5. Remember how much God loves you and let his love fills your heart.
When love enters your heart, jealousy will leave your thought.
When you know how much God loves you and how he cares for you and provides for you, you begin to see that your cup is not half empty or half full. It is overflowing. There will be no room for jealousy.
Jealousy is a deadly disease. When we are consumed with how we live in comparison to others, we live in anger, frustration and in pain. God does not want you to live that way. God wants you to live in peace, contentment and satisfaction. And you do that by putting your hope and your trust in Him.
Reflection song: God is Good All the Time
Jealousy is a deadly sin that most of us don't ever deal with it. It's a sin that most of us seldom admit and confess having.
William Shakespeare has called it the green-eyed monster. The color green has been associated with jealousy. Because jealousy isn’t content with what it has, it always wants more. And jealousy can destroy you and your relationships with others. Jealousy is one of the most destructive enemies facing Christians today.
After David killed Goliath, news of his victory spread throughout the land. The women came out to meet King Saul with singing and dancing. They sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” This made Saul very angry. And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. Saul felt threatened and was jealous over David's success. From that day on Saul spent the rest of his life chasing David down in order to kill him.
Jealousy is nothing new. It has been around since the beginning. Cain killed Abel because of jealousy. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him because of jealousy. The religious leaders had Jesus killed because of jealousy.
Jealousy travels in circle. We are not jealous of people we don't know, but of people we know, people close to us and around us…people in our circle...a family member, friends, co-workers, and even church members.
How can we slay this giant?
1. Admit jealousy is sinful, renounce it and resist it.
2. Pray about it and turn your focus on God.
3. Don't go around bragging what you have and incite jealousy in others.
4. Count your blessings. Look at how good God is to you.
5. Remember how much God loves you and let his love fills your heart.
When love enters your heart, jealousy will leave your thought.
When you know how much God loves you and how he cares for you and provides for you, you begin to see that your cup is not half empty or half full. It is overflowing. There will be no room for jealousy.
Jealousy is a deadly disease. When we are consumed with how we live in comparison to others, we live in anger, frustration and in pain. God does not want you to live that way. God wants you to live in peace, contentment and satisfaction. And you do that by putting your hope and your trust in Him.
Reflection song: God is Good All the Time
Sermon #3: "Slaying the Giant of Anger"
Anger is a condition where the tongue works faster than the mind.
“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
Do not give the devil an opportunity.” Eph. 4:26-27
Two Types of Anger:
•Righteous Anger – anger you have when you see something is done to others. (injustice, unfairness, abuse)
•Sinful Anger – acting out your anger when something is done to you.
The anger that most of us face on a daily basis is called sinful anger. Many of us don’t have a problem with the righteous anger, but when it comes to the anger done to us, it’s unforgivable.
Understanding Anger:
1. Anger is a God-given emotion. "In your anger, do not sin." Anger is a normal emotion to have.
2. Anger is a secondary emotion. Something triggers or causes you to get angry (hurt, fear, frustration, shame).
3. Anger requires a response.
How do you respond to anger?
1. Delay your response - "do not sin," cool down, step away, change environment
2. Diffuse your anger - "don't go to bed angry" settle it and look for ways to resolve your anger
3. Don’t converse, but reverse - don't go around telling someone and venting only to regret; instead look for ways to minister to the one who has angered you, "be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Reflection song: God Will Make a Way
Anger is a condition where the tongue works faster than the mind.
“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
Do not give the devil an opportunity.” Eph. 4:26-27
Two Types of Anger:
•Righteous Anger – anger you have when you see something is done to others. (injustice, unfairness, abuse)
•Sinful Anger – acting out your anger when something is done to you.
The anger that most of us face on a daily basis is called sinful anger. Many of us don’t have a problem with the righteous anger, but when it comes to the anger done to us, it’s unforgivable.
Understanding Anger:
1. Anger is a God-given emotion. "In your anger, do not sin." Anger is a normal emotion to have.
2. Anger is a secondary emotion. Something triggers or causes you to get angry (hurt, fear, frustration, shame).
3. Anger requires a response.
How do you respond to anger?
1. Delay your response - "do not sin," cool down, step away, change environment
2. Diffuse your anger - "don't go to bed angry" settle it and look for ways to resolve your anger
3. Don’t converse, but reverse - don't go around telling someone and venting only to regret; instead look for ways to minister to the one who has angered you, "be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Reflection song: God Will Make a Way
Sermon #2: "Slaying the Giant of Worry"
Webster Dictionary defines worry as a state of anxiety or uneasiness; it is allowing one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.
The Bible defines "worry" with this Greek word MERIMNAO. It means “distracted” or “to divide the mind". To worry is to have your mind divided between legitimate thoughts and thoughts you shouldn’t be thinking.
In Middle Age English, the word "worry" comes from an old German word meaning "to strangle or to choke." When you worry, someone has you by your throat and is choking the life out of you. And when you’re choked or strangled, you cannot do anything.
Worry is a serious offense to God. Why? Because when we worry, we are taking matters into our own hand. We are not trusting in God's promise, provision and power.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
If you are a worrier wart, here are some helpful things you can do:
1. Pray about everything (Phil. 4:6)
2. Point your thought in the right direction (Phil. 4:8)
3. Put God first (Matt. 6:33)
"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Jesus in Matt. 6:31-33
If something that is really bothering you and it’s not worth praying about, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Reflection song: I Cast All My Cares
Webster Dictionary defines worry as a state of anxiety or uneasiness; it is allowing one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.
The Bible defines "worry" with this Greek word MERIMNAO. It means “distracted” or “to divide the mind". To worry is to have your mind divided between legitimate thoughts and thoughts you shouldn’t be thinking.
In Middle Age English, the word "worry" comes from an old German word meaning "to strangle or to choke." When you worry, someone has you by your throat and is choking the life out of you. And when you’re choked or strangled, you cannot do anything.
Worry is a serious offense to God. Why? Because when we worry, we are taking matters into our own hand. We are not trusting in God's promise, provision and power.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
If you are a worrier wart, here are some helpful things you can do:
1. Pray about everything (Phil. 4:6)
2. Point your thought in the right direction (Phil. 4:8)
3. Put God first (Matt. 6:33)
"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Jesus in Matt. 6:31-33
If something that is really bothering you and it’s not worth praying about, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Reflection song: I Cast All My Cares
Sermon #1: "Slaying the Giant of Fear"
All of us here are dealing with some sort of fear:
Fear is not always bad. Fear is a God-given emotion that helps from a dangerous situation.
King Saul and the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. A Philistine hero named Goliath came out and challenged them to a one-on-one battle. When Saul and his men saw Goliath, they were terrified. They became discouraged and lost all hope. Fear began to grip them, and they were paralyzed and couldn't do anything.
Giants won't go away until we learn to deal with it and confront it.
David volunteered to fight Goliath. He said, “The Lord will deliver you into my hand."
Ways to slay the giant of fear:
1. Put your faith and trust in God. David saw the battle belongs to God. He didn't need to be afraid. He took one good look at the size of his God and saw how good, how great, how bigger and stronger and more powerful He is comparing to Goliath. Like David:
2. Cultivate a close relationship with God. David was a man after God’s own heart. He stayed close to God. He knew that staying close to God was the safest place to be. And God would not let him be overcome by fear. I John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." When you know how much your heavenly Father loves you, you need not be afraid.
The greatest fear of all is the fear of loneliness and death We have Jesus' promise that he is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. And should God take us away from our family and friends on this earth, we are "absent from the body, and at home with the Lord." (2 Cor. 5:8). We have the hope that one day we will be reunited with those who are in Christ.
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the Stronghold of my Life
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Here's a song by Chris Tomlin that might minister to you: Whom Shall I Fear
All of us here are dealing with some sort of fear:
- losing job or losing everything
- an illness or health problems
- rejection or dealing with difficult people
- failure and defeat
- growing old (then getting fat and ugly)
- since Sept. 11, some people are afraid of flying and tall buildings.
Fear is not always bad. Fear is a God-given emotion that helps from a dangerous situation.
King Saul and the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. A Philistine hero named Goliath came out and challenged them to a one-on-one battle. When Saul and his men saw Goliath, they were terrified. They became discouraged and lost all hope. Fear began to grip them, and they were paralyzed and couldn't do anything.
Giants won't go away until we learn to deal with it and confront it.
David volunteered to fight Goliath. He said, “The Lord will deliver you into my hand."
Ways to slay the giant of fear:
1. Put your faith and trust in God. David saw the battle belongs to God. He didn't need to be afraid. He took one good look at the size of his God and saw how good, how great, how bigger and stronger and more powerful He is comparing to Goliath. Like David:
- We need to see the size of our God and not the size of the giant.
- We need to have faith in God and not be filled with fear.
- We need to pray and not panic.
2. Cultivate a close relationship with God. David was a man after God’s own heart. He stayed close to God. He knew that staying close to God was the safest place to be. And God would not let him be overcome by fear. I John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." When you know how much your heavenly Father loves you, you need not be afraid.
The greatest fear of all is the fear of loneliness and death We have Jesus' promise that he is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. And should God take us away from our family and friends on this earth, we are "absent from the body, and at home with the Lord." (2 Cor. 5:8). We have the hope that one day we will be reunited with those who are in Christ.
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the Stronghold of my Life
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Here's a song by Chris Tomlin that might minister to you: Whom Shall I Fear