The Fields Sermons
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Total Sermons: 182
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Faith in What?
No one likes to be judged and Jesus warns about judging others. But is James saying in this passage that we aren¹t supposed to comment on what is right or wrong when we see a friend blowing it because that is judging them? Clearly in the context of his rebuke about the quarrels and conflicts between these believers, James' warning stems from their conflict which leads them to slander, judge and criticize others. We do this because we desire to manipulate and control people instead of trusting in God and His sovereignty. This desire to control comes out in the way we attempt to plan for the future devoid of God. James reminds us that we really have no control over others, the future or our very lives. We are but vapors who pass away quickly. The real way to live is to realize God is sovereign and to humble ourselves in surrender to His will instead of our own.
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Ending the Affair
Fighting and quarreling among God’s people? It's nothing new. James diagnoses the problem as being rooted in spiritual adultery – carrying on an affair with the world. But he also gives his readers a prescription for ending the affair.
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James 3:13-18
Have you ever prayed for wisdom? In this passage James compares the wisdom from above with that which is earthly, natural and demonic. Wisdom from above is seen in our actions and is born out of a heart that is surrendered to Christ. James helps us recognize false wisdom in ourselves and challenges us to cultivate the character of our heart that will produce wise actions.
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Words Reflecting the Heart
Using the tangible example of what we say to others, James demonstrates how real biblical faith expresses itself in how we live. James says that one way to determine if someone is spiritually mature is to see if they have learned how to control what they say. However, according to Jesus, what we say is not the real issue, it is the reflection of what is going on in our hearts. That is the issue! God desires to work true heart transformation through the power of the gospel so that our speech is reflective of His work in our lives. It’s not mere outward conformance but inner transformation that is the goal.
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Faith and Works
This passage is the crux for the Letter of James. Just what is the relationship between faith and works? The apparent contradiction between James' message and that of Paul is cleared up when we see that the gospel Paul preached, salvation by grace through faith and not by works, was actually approved by James himself (Gal. 2, Acts 15). They don’t disagree. What we see here with James is that real biblical faith, the kind of faith that saves, will always show up in our actions. James shows what salvation looks like on the outside but he never claims that we can have it without faith. We need to examine our lives to see if there is the fruit related to salvation. If there isn’t we may be deceived, our faith is not genuine and we are not really saved.
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Playing Favorites
Do you have a favorite restaurant? A favorite movie? Playing favorites is fine in some areas, but not in others. James has some strong words about showing favoritism to the wealthy. Not a problem for you? But do you ever treat people differently based upon their ethnicity, appearance, education, talents, accomplishments or position in society? Because they’re part of your subculture? Then the message of James 2 is for you. Strong medicine for a serious illness.
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Faith to Hear and Do
When facing trials or temptations, God has called us to listen to His Word carefully which speaks truth into our lives. We start with the Word and faith, but Christianity is about more than just listening. It’s about acting on what we know to do. Those who hear and don’t act deceive themselves. How we live our lives will demonstrate what we truly believe.
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Faith That Overcomes Temptation
As James continues his teaching on trials, he addresses the financial trials of faith that these persecuted Jewish Christians are facing. The poor Christians must learn to trust that God will take care of them because they are His children. The rich Christians must learn to trust God and not their wealth because wealth will not last for eternity. Whether wealthy or poor, for those who persevere in their faith in God there awaits the reward of life with God. In the midst of the trials God sends, we will face temptations that come from within us. We must make a choice. Faith in God will lead us to obedience which leads to spiritual maturity. Disbelief in the goodness of God leads us to disobedience and sin which James says leads to death.
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Faith That's Been Tested
James writes to Jews who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, scattered throughout the Roman Empire, facing some incredibly difficult trials. Here we learn that we can experience joy in the middle of any difficult circumstance if our faith in God has been tested and proven to be sure. This kind of faith can handle the bumps, the big bumps, in the road. A mature faith realizes that God is in control and nothing escapes His attention or His plans. With this confidence, James encourages us to come to God in faith believing that God will give us what we need to navigate through the trials we encounter.
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Easter Sunrise Service 2008
In 1Cor. 15:12-21 we see the centrality of Christ's resurrection for Christian belief and the resulting ramifications. If Christ has not risen from the dead then we are still dead in our sins, we bear the consequences of our sin on ourselves, our faith is totally useless, Christianity is a sham and we are pitiful fools. However, because Christ rose from the dead we do have forgiveness of sins, death has been conquered, God's power is now at work in us to
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