Faith
Crossroads of Faith: You Want Me to Do What?
11/07/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 28:19-20
What comes to mind when you hear the word “witnessing” or “evangelism”? Many Christians break out in a cold sweat. Some might prefer a root canal over having to go out and witness. Could it be because Christians have gotten some bad information about what it means to witness”?
Jesus is speaking to those who had been with Him for a while. They saw Him heal people, forgive sins and show unconditional love to people that society had thrown away. Now they are being instructed to go and tell others the good news about Jesus.
The word “gospel” comes from Old English which literally means to tell the “good story.” Your relationship with Jesus is unique to you. How you knew you needed Christ to forgive your sin, who helped you come to trust Jesus, and how Jesus has worked in your life is your good story. Our Lord simply says as you go through your day share the good story of what Jesus Christ is doing in your life. He will draw others to Himself through you.
Podcast
What comes to mind when you hear the word “witnessing” or “evangelism”? Many Christians break out in a cold sweat. Some might prefer a root canal over having to go out and witness. Could it be because Christians have gotten some bad information about what it means to witness”?
Jesus is speaking to those who had been with Him for a while. They saw Him heal people, forgive sins and show unconditional love to people that society had thrown away. Now they are being instructed to go and tell others the good news about Jesus.
The word “gospel” comes from Old English which literally means to tell the “good story.” Your relationship with Jesus is unique to you. How you knew you needed Christ to forgive your sin, who helped you come to trust Jesus, and how Jesus has worked in your life is your good story. Our Lord simply says as you go through your day share the good story of what Jesus Christ is doing in your life. He will draw others to Himself through you.
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: Does Church Matter?
10/31/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hebrews 10:23-25
Is church still relevant in our time? The author of Hebrews writes to Christians who were tempted to return to old ways of living. Some were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. He implores Christians to continue to gather together to worship God, build each other up, encourage one another, and care for one another.
The church today is the body of Christ. Every part is important and necessary. The Apostle Paul tells us that God places each of us in the body where he wants us to be. The church is not a building but the people who gather together to worship the Lord.
We need each other. Life is difficult and challenging. It can quickly become overwhelming. This message encourages you to reflect on the importance of being connected to God’s people in a local church. Yes, the church matters to God because the church is made up of people that Christ died for.
Podcast
Is church still relevant in our time? The author of Hebrews writes to Christians who were tempted to return to old ways of living. Some were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. He implores Christians to continue to gather together to worship God, build each other up, encourage one another, and care for one another.
The church today is the body of Christ. Every part is important and necessary. The Apostle Paul tells us that God places each of us in the body where he wants us to be. The church is not a building but the people who gather together to worship the Lord.
We need each other. Life is difficult and challenging. It can quickly become overwhelming. This message encourages you to reflect on the importance of being connected to God’s people in a local church. Yes, the church matters to God because the church is made up of people that Christ died for.
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: No Fair
10/24/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hebrews 12:1-4
Urban legends make the rounds on the internet regularly. Even among Christians there are urban legends about faith that can confuse and distract. Often when a Christian experiences hardships you might hear something like, “God is not being fair to me.” The question is, “do we really want God to be fair with us?”
This message encourages you to keep your focus on Jesus and be reminded of his presence, his help and his power for your life. I am so glad that God does not give us what we deserve but instead offers us forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Podcast
Urban legends make the rounds on the internet regularly. Even among Christians there are urban legends about faith that can confuse and distract. Often when a Christian experiences hardships you might hear something like, “God is not being fair to me.” The question is, “do we really want God to be fair with us?”
This message encourages you to keep your focus on Jesus and be reminded of his presence, his help and his power for your life. I am so glad that God does not give us what we deserve but instead offers us forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: A Detour to Worry
10/17/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 6:25-34
It is easy to say but not so easy to do. What is it? It is worry. One author suggests that more people are addicted to worry than all other addictions combined. Not sure if that is true or not but worry is a traveling companion of too many people. Jesus speaks in Matthew about how to be free from worry. In this message you will learn what worry can do and you will also consider what Jesus has to say to you. You can be free through Christ to experience life as God intends and worry has no role to play in that life.
Podcast
It is easy to say but not so easy to do. What is it? It is worry. One author suggests that more people are addicted to worry than all other addictions combined. Not sure if that is true or not but worry is a traveling companion of too many people. Jesus speaks in Matthew about how to be free from worry. In this message you will learn what worry can do and you will also consider what Jesus has to say to you. You can be free through Christ to experience life as God intends and worry has no role to play in that life.
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: Letting Go
10/10/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 18:21-35
It’s something that we all want and yet it is something that often we are unwilling to give. Forgiveness is what we want when we offend God or someone else. Yet when others hurt us it isn’t always given.
Peter asks Jesus how many times you are to forgive someone. The common answer was 3 times but on the fourth occasion you did not have to forgive. Jesus answer points to forgiving without limits. He gives a parable to illustrate how forgiveness should happen with those who follow Christ.
If we are going to call ourselves disciples of Jesus then we will have to allow Jesus words in this parable become alive in us. As Christ followers we do not have the luxury to pick and choose the parts of scripture we want to follow. We do not have the freedom to ignore the parts which call for commitment, sacrifice or endurance.
Paul says in Ephesians 4:32 that Christians are to be kind to one another, forgiving each other just as Jesus has forgiven you. Is there someone you need to forgive today?
Podcast
It’s something that we all want and yet it is something that often we are unwilling to give. Forgiveness is what we want when we offend God or someone else. Yet when others hurt us it isn’t always given.
Peter asks Jesus how many times you are to forgive someone. The common answer was 3 times but on the fourth occasion you did not have to forgive. Jesus answer points to forgiving without limits. He gives a parable to illustrate how forgiveness should happen with those who follow Christ.
If we are going to call ourselves disciples of Jesus then we will have to allow Jesus words in this parable become alive in us. As Christ followers we do not have the luxury to pick and choose the parts of scripture we want to follow. We do not have the freedom to ignore the parts which call for commitment, sacrifice or endurance.
Paul says in Ephesians 4:32 that Christians are to be kind to one another, forgiving each other just as Jesus has forgiven you. Is there someone you need to forgive today?
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: Do You Hear Me Now?
09/26/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 6:5-14
This message examines the importance and priority of prayer. Jesus shares with us how to talk with God in the “Lord’s Prayer” The early church was birthed out of God’s people gathering together to pray regularly. Throughout history times of spiritual revival have occurred as the direct result of God’s people spending time together as well as alone to pray for God to change hearts. We have the privilege of coming into God’s presence every day to intercede for others and ourselves. We can gather with other Christians to intercede for others before the Lord. As in history, we will see God moving in mighty ways to bring people to Christ, to heal broken relationships, to restore friendships and set people free from addictions as we make the commitment to pray together as well as individually.
Podcast
This message examines the importance and priority of prayer. Jesus shares with us how to talk with God in the “Lord’s Prayer” The early church was birthed out of God’s people gathering together to pray regularly. Throughout history times of spiritual revival have occurred as the direct result of God’s people spending time together as well as alone to pray for God to change hearts. We have the privilege of coming into God’s presence every day to intercede for others and ourselves. We can gather with other Christians to intercede for others before the Lord. As in history, we will see God moving in mighty ways to bring people to Christ, to heal broken relationships, to restore friendships and set people free from addictions as we make the commitment to pray together as well as individually.
Podcast
Crossroads of Faith: Let The Past Be The Past
09/19/10
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Psalm 51
What do you do when you have done things you know are wrong? Some try to ignore them but on the inside they are consumed with guilt. Others try to cover over the guilt with hobbies, a relationship, work, success or something else. All the while you are still empty, frustrated and cannot find peace.
King David discovered when he was silent about his adultery with Bathsheeba the guilt overwhelmed him. He also experienced what can happen when you ask God to forgive you. God forgave David and removed his guilt. The Lord gave him peace and joy where there had been guilt and sadness. David didn’t pretend he was innocent. He didn’t try to blame others for his own sin. He took responsibility for it. Once he did, he discovered the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Your past does not have to paralyze you. You don’t have to remain a prisoner to things you did wrong. Christ can forgive you and renew you. He can give you freedom to experience life to the full. You don’t have to live another day as a prisoner to your past. Let Christ give you freedom.
Podcast
What do you do when you have done things you know are wrong? Some try to ignore them but on the inside they are consumed with guilt. Others try to cover over the guilt with hobbies, a relationship, work, success or something else. All the while you are still empty, frustrated and cannot find peace.
King David discovered when he was silent about his adultery with Bathsheeba the guilt overwhelmed him. He also experienced what can happen when you ask God to forgive you. God forgave David and removed his guilt. The Lord gave him peace and joy where there had been guilt and sadness. David didn’t pretend he was innocent. He didn’t try to blame others for his own sin. He took responsibility for it. Once he did, he discovered the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Your past does not have to paralyze you. You don’t have to remain a prisoner to things you did wrong. Christ can forgive you and renew you. He can give you freedom to experience life to the full. You don’t have to live another day as a prisoner to your past. Let Christ give you freedom.
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Do Good People Really Go to Heaven?
10/11/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 14:6; John 3:16-17
Do good people really go to heaven. If so, then how good is good enough? How do you know when you have met the threshold of “good”? When do you reach the point of having enough good deeds that you qualify for eternal life and spending eternity in heaven with a Holy, Righteous God? Yes, God loves every one of us. The answer to this dilemma is found in what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. Tragically, according to a George Barna survey, only 47% of “born again” Christians believe that you cannot earn your way into heaven by being a good person. 53% of Christians really believe good people are somehow going to get into heaven. This message asks and seeks to find an answer to the question of who really can get into heaven and live with God.
Podcast
Do good people really go to heaven. If so, then how good is good enough? How do you know when you have met the threshold of “good”? When do you reach the point of having enough good deeds that you qualify for eternal life and spending eternity in heaven with a Holy, Righteous God? Yes, God loves every one of us. The answer to this dilemma is found in what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. Tragically, according to a George Barna survey, only 47% of “born again” Christians believe that you cannot earn your way into heaven by being a good person. 53% of Christians really believe good people are somehow going to get into heaven. This message asks and seeks to find an answer to the question of who really can get into heaven and live with God.
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Who Are You Listening To?
10/04/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Romans 7:18-19, 1 Corinthians 4:4
How do you choose which way to go in life? Some suggest just let your conscience be your guide. Is your conscience really that dependable? In this message we will examine whether or not you can always trust your conscience when you have decisions to make. If your conscience is not dependable as an absolute guide for life then what or who do you trust? We will examine another spiritual urban legend that says “let your conscience be your guide.”
Podcast
How do you choose which way to go in life? Some suggest just let your conscience be your guide. Is your conscience really that dependable? In this message we will examine whether or not you can always trust your conscience when you have decisions to make. If your conscience is not dependable as an absolute guide for life then what or who do you trust? We will examine another spiritual urban legend that says “let your conscience be your guide.”
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Get in the Game II
09/20/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 10-1-4
There are some Christians who still believe that God only speaks to certain people. While God may choose to deal directly with a pastor or teach, some believe God doesn’t communicate directly with them.
In this passage Jesus declares that those who know Him will hear his voice. When Christ is the center of your life, the Shepherd will speak to you. The decision of how you respond to the shepherd is left to you. You can choose to follow Christ or go your own way. Following Jesus means you will have to make some adjustments in your life. Obedience to obeying Christ is not cheap. But there is no better place to be than right where the Shepherd is leading you.
Podcast
There are some Christians who still believe that God only speaks to certain people. While God may choose to deal directly with a pastor or teach, some believe God doesn’t communicate directly with them.
In this passage Jesus declares that those who know Him will hear his voice. When Christ is the center of your life, the Shepherd will speak to you. The decision of how you respond to the shepherd is left to you. You can choose to follow Christ or go your own way. Following Jesus means you will have to make some adjustments in your life. Obedience to obeying Christ is not cheap. But there is no better place to be than right where the Shepherd is leading you.
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Did God Cause That?
09/27/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 is a great promise but has often been misapplied and badly misused. Paul is not saying that God is the direct cause of everything that happens in your life nor is everything that happens to you good. This verse is also for a very specific person. Paul says it is for those who love God and have been called according to his purpose. This message explores what God is doing in your life but also what this verse does not say.
Podcast
Romans 8:28 is a great promise but has often been misapplied and badly misused. Paul is not saying that God is the direct cause of everything that happens in your life nor is everything that happens to you good. This verse is also for a very specific person. Paul says it is for those who love God and have been called according to his purpose. This message explores what God is doing in your life but also what this verse does not say.
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Get In The Game
09/13/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 10-1-4
Some Christians have the idea that God only speaks to special people. In the Bible we read about God speaking to Moses, Abraham, and the prophets. In the New Testament we read about encounters people had with the Lord such as Paul and Peter. Today we know God speaks to great servants like Billy Graham. But God also speaks to every one of His children. Jesu tells us in John 10 that his sheep will hear his voice. Jesus Christ wants to speak to you and do an amazing work in your life. The question is how does God speak and what do you do when He does? This message will seek to help you learn how to hear God’s voice.
Podcast
Some Christians have the idea that God only speaks to special people. In the Bible we read about God speaking to Moses, Abraham, and the prophets. In the New Testament we read about encounters people had with the Lord such as Paul and Peter. Today we know God speaks to great servants like Billy Graham. But God also speaks to every one of His children. Jesu tells us in John 10 that his sheep will hear his voice. Jesus Christ wants to speak to you and do an amazing work in your life. The question is how does God speak and what do you do when He does? This message will seek to help you learn how to hear God’s voice.
Podcast
Developing A Healthy Faith: Faith Fixer-Uppers
09/06/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 16:33
This five week series will examine ideas Christians have adopted but really are not supported in scripture. The first of these is that when you follow Christ that you will be prosperous, successful and healthy. This message looks at what Jesus taught and how to develop a healthy faith in Christ.
Podcast
This five week series will examine ideas Christians have adopted but really are not supported in scripture. The first of these is that when you follow Christ that you will be prosperous, successful and healthy. This message looks at what Jesus taught and how to develop a healthy faith in Christ.
Podcast
Faith Works: You Make the Call
11/09/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 5:13-20
James finishes his letter the same way that he began it, with a focus on prayer. In chapter one he says if you are seeking wisdom, pray and ask God who will answer you. In chapter five he encourages believers to pray when times are good to give thanks, to seek help in times of trouble and to pray for those who are ill. It is important to note that the disciples of Jesus did not ask Him about how to share their faith or how to grow large house churches. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. When God’s people unite in prayer there is no limit to what God will do through his people.
Podcast
James finishes his letter the same way that he began it, with a focus on prayer. In chapter one he says if you are seeking wisdom, pray and ask God who will answer you. In chapter five he encourages believers to pray when times are good to give thanks, to seek help in times of trouble and to pray for those who are ill. It is important to note that the disciples of Jesus did not ask Him about how to share their faith or how to grow large house churches. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. When God’s people unite in prayer there is no limit to what God will do through his people.
Podcast
Faith Works: Be Patient
11/02/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 5:7-11
In our society we usually do not like to have to wait for anything. We have become accustomed to have what we want quickly and when it does not happen we can get irritated, frustrated or even angry.
James writes to Christians who are suffering and he encourages them to “be patient” until the Lord comes back. He reminds believers that we need each other in times of hardship and suffering. Therefore it is important that Christians build each other up instead of criticizing one another when tough times happen and suffering does not quickly end. He strengthens those who are suffering by reminding them that Christ has not forgotten them and He is at work in their lives in ways they may not see. Our hope comes from knowing Christ is with us and at work in us. One day the Lord will return and will bring all suffering to an end.
Podcast
In our society we usually do not like to have to wait for anything. We have become accustomed to have what we want quickly and when it does not happen we can get irritated, frustrated or even angry.
James writes to Christians who are suffering and he encourages them to “be patient” until the Lord comes back. He reminds believers that we need each other in times of hardship and suffering. Therefore it is important that Christians build each other up instead of criticizing one another when tough times happen and suffering does not quickly end. He strengthens those who are suffering by reminding them that Christ has not forgotten them and He is at work in their lives in ways they may not see. Our hope comes from knowing Christ is with us and at work in us. One day the Lord will return and will bring all suffering to an end.
Podcast
Faith Works: Wise Living
10/19/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 3:13-18
There is no podcast for this sermon.
In James 3 he makes a distinction between wisdom that comes from the world and wisdom that comes from God. What if you chose to purposely put into your mind something that could truly change your life? What if you could fill your mind with something that could shape how you live, how you react, that shapes your priorities, that gives you peace, that provides purpose to your life?
The truth is God has given a way to do all that. Through his word he offers us timeless wisdom that can absolutely change your life if...you are willing to not only hear or read it but to put His truth in your heart and practice it.
This message examines how you can shape your life by God’s wisdom and the difference that will make in your life.
There is no podcast for this sermon.
In James 3 he makes a distinction between wisdom that comes from the world and wisdom that comes from God. What if you chose to purposely put into your mind something that could truly change your life? What if you could fill your mind with something that could shape how you live, how you react, that shapes your priorities, that gives you peace, that provides purpose to your life?
The truth is God has given a way to do all that. Through his word he offers us timeless wisdom that can absolutely change your life if...you are willing to not only hear or read it but to put His truth in your heart and practice it.
This message examines how you can shape your life by God’s wisdom and the difference that will make in your life.
Faith Works: Investing 101
10/12/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 5:1-6
James issues a strong warning to those whom God has blessed and made wealthy. Some will hear this and immediately tune out because they do not believe they are rich. The average income in the United States is approximately 43,000 - $45,000. Those whose incomes exceed $50,000 are in the top 25% of incomes in the United States.
When you consider that the average annual income in some other nations, like Mali at $960, every person in America is rich. So James writes to give us some help in how to manage all God has given to us.
James wants us to understand that our wealth and resources are not to become a little god in life that is constantly pursued. Instead there is a call to repent from selfish indulgences and to once again understand why God entrusts his resources in your life.
If you have more than you need then it is not your need God is interested in. God puts more in your life than you need so you can share what God has given you with those around you. It is so you can invest in God’s Kingdom and help share the gospel around the world. It is so you can be the one who gives a cup of cold water in Jesus name to those who are hurting.
James reminds us that one day we will be held accountable to the Lord for how we use the resources God entrusts to our care. So how are you doing managing all of God’s resources that are on loan to you?
Podcast
James issues a strong warning to those whom God has blessed and made wealthy. Some will hear this and immediately tune out because they do not believe they are rich. The average income in the United States is approximately 43,000 - $45,000. Those whose incomes exceed $50,000 are in the top 25% of incomes in the United States.
When you consider that the average annual income in some other nations, like Mali at $960, every person in America is rich. So James writes to give us some help in how to manage all God has given to us.
James wants us to understand that our wealth and resources are not to become a little god in life that is constantly pursued. Instead there is a call to repent from selfish indulgences and to once again understand why God entrusts his resources in your life.
If you have more than you need then it is not your need God is interested in. God puts more in your life than you need so you can share what God has given you with those around you. It is so you can invest in God’s Kingdom and help share the gospel around the world. It is so you can be the one who gives a cup of cold water in Jesus name to those who are hurting.
James reminds us that one day we will be held accountable to the Lord for how we use the resources God entrusts to our care. So how are you doing managing all of God’s resources that are on loan to you?
Podcast
Faith Works: A Call From Home
10/05/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 4:4-10
James continues his focus on the source of our internal discontent and reason that we get into fights and quarrels with this passage. He uses strong language to describe one who chooses to live for themselves and try to also love God. Just as a husband who is unfaithful to his wife because of an affair with another woman is called an adulterer, James says that is how God looks at one of his children who is unfaithful to Him. It is powerful and strong language. The purpose is not to condemn but to call God’s people to repentance before God.
In this passage James outlines how one returns to God. There is a clear turning from living for oneself to again focusing your life on God. It is an intentional choice to no longer have one foot in God’s kingdom and one foot in the world. James urges Christians to return to their first love for God and by doing so experience the abundant life that is promised through Jesus Christ.
Podcast
James continues his focus on the source of our internal discontent and reason that we get into fights and quarrels with this passage. He uses strong language to describe one who chooses to live for themselves and try to also love God. Just as a husband who is unfaithful to his wife because of an affair with another woman is called an adulterer, James says that is how God looks at one of his children who is unfaithful to Him. It is powerful and strong language. The purpose is not to condemn but to call God’s people to repentance before God.
In this passage James outlines how one returns to God. There is a clear turning from living for oneself to again focusing your life on God. It is an intentional choice to no longer have one foot in God’s kingdom and one foot in the world. James urges Christians to return to their first love for God and by doing so experience the abundant life that is promised through Jesus Christ.
Podcast
Faith Works: Loving Others
09/28/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 4:1-3
We all know that conflicts happen in relationships. James writes in this passage to address the source of our conflicts and how we can move beyond them. James says that the source of our conflicts is because of a battle within each of us. It isn’t because of what someone else did our because we were dealt a bad hand in life. Instead of always trying to blame someone else or our circumstances James tells us to examine our own hearts. Instead of manipulating, scheming and plotting how to get something out of somebody else James says it is time to do something totally radical. Why not start trusting God to meet your needs? It is time to become dependent upon God.
Podcast
We all know that conflicts happen in relationships. James writes in this passage to address the source of our conflicts and how we can move beyond them. James says that the source of our conflicts is because of a battle within each of us. It isn’t because of what someone else did our because we were dealt a bad hand in life. Instead of always trying to blame someone else or our circumstances James tells us to examine our own hearts. Instead of manipulating, scheming and plotting how to get something out of somebody else James says it is time to do something totally radical. Why not start trusting God to meet your needs? It is time to become dependent upon God.
Podcast
Faith Works: What Did You Say?
09/21/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 3:1-12
In James 3 he writes to describe the power of the tongue and how hard it is to control our speech. Today we have so many ways to communicate with each other and they can be used for good or for great evil. People today love to pass on information about others even though they do not know if it is accurate or true.
A man once wrote, “I overheard my mother passing along to my father a newsy tidbit, concerning a neighbor. ‘You know you shouldn’t repeat stories about others,’ I said. ‘That makes you a gossip.’
‘I’m not a gossip!’ she snapped back. ‘I’m a news analyst.’”
James tells us that the tongue has incredible power and is difficult to control. In fact, it has been used to tear down and burn others creating incredible pain. This ought not to be characteristic of those who claim to follow Jesus Christ. Christians are to be led by the Holy Spirit and submit themselves to the Lord each day.
James describes the inconsistencies of the tongue and concludes this ought not to happen among God’s people. Only through the control of the Holy Spirit can your speech be transformed into a tool that will build up others.
Perhaps there is someone you need to go to and apologize because your words have burned them severely. You may need to go to your spouse, your child, or your parent and tell them how sorry you are for the caustic things that have come out of your mouth. You are never more like Christ than when you seek to heal a broken relationship.
Podcast
In James 3 he writes to describe the power of the tongue and how hard it is to control our speech. Today we have so many ways to communicate with each other and they can be used for good or for great evil. People today love to pass on information about others even though they do not know if it is accurate or true.
A man once wrote, “I overheard my mother passing along to my father a newsy tidbit, concerning a neighbor. ‘You know you shouldn’t repeat stories about others,’ I said. ‘That makes you a gossip.’
‘I’m not a gossip!’ she snapped back. ‘I’m a news analyst.’”
James tells us that the tongue has incredible power and is difficult to control. In fact, it has been used to tear down and burn others creating incredible pain. This ought not to be characteristic of those who claim to follow Jesus Christ. Christians are to be led by the Holy Spirit and submit themselves to the Lord each day.
James describes the inconsistencies of the tongue and concludes this ought not to happen among God’s people. Only through the control of the Holy Spirit can your speech be transformed into a tool that will build up others.
Perhaps there is someone you need to go to and apologize because your words have burned them severely. You may need to go to your spouse, your child, or your parent and tell them how sorry you are for the caustic things that have come out of your mouth. You are never more like Christ than when you seek to heal a broken relationship.
Podcast
Faith Works: You Have A Choice To Make
09/14/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 2:1-13
We all have our favorites. Favorite foods, favorite ice cream, favorite restaurants, favorite clothes and on it goes. We play favorites with people we like based on very subjective criteria that we establish. Based on what we value we choose to like some people and to reject others.
James writes in this passage to address a problem occurring among Christians. They were playing favorites with those who came to church. They were choosing some over others because of how they might benefit from certain people. Using the same criteria they would also reject or ignore others that did not meet their standards or could not benefit them in some way. They were playing favorites.
James says that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are not to show favoritism towards some people while ignoring others. The solution is to live out the royal law found in God’s word to “love your neighbor as yourself. James even goes so far as to say when you show favoritism you sin before God (James 2:9) As you have experienced the mercy of Christ in your life you are to show that same mercy and love towards everyone you interact with.
Podcast
We all have our favorites. Favorite foods, favorite ice cream, favorite restaurants, favorite clothes and on it goes. We play favorites with people we like based on very subjective criteria that we establish. Based on what we value we choose to like some people and to reject others.
James writes in this passage to address a problem occurring among Christians. They were playing favorites with those who came to church. They were choosing some over others because of how they might benefit from certain people. Using the same criteria they would also reject or ignore others that did not meet their standards or could not benefit them in some way. They were playing favorites.
James says that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are not to show favoritism towards some people while ignoring others. The solution is to live out the royal law found in God’s word to “love your neighbor as yourself. James even goes so far as to say when you show favoritism you sin before God (James 2:9) As you have experienced the mercy of Christ in your life you are to show that same mercy and love towards everyone you interact with.
Podcast
Faith Works: What Are You Waiting For?
09/07/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 1:19-27
In this passage James tells us to receive God’s word in our lives with humility. We are to embrace God’s truth and allow it to transform our lives. Once we embrace God’s truth we are to take action and live out what God reveals to us in his word. To only acquire knowledge and truth but do nothing with it is simply self deception. It does you no good. James says that faith without works is dead or useless. It cannot impact your marriage, heal broken relationships, help you in a crisis or deal with struggles. God’s truths are to be lived out each day. When you begin to apply God’s word in your life James says you will begin to experience the life God has designed for you.
Podcast
In this passage James tells us to receive God’s word in our lives with humility. We are to embrace God’s truth and allow it to transform our lives. Once we embrace God’s truth we are to take action and live out what God reveals to us in his word. To only acquire knowledge and truth but do nothing with it is simply self deception. It does you no good. James says that faith without works is dead or useless. It cannot impact your marriage, heal broken relationships, help you in a crisis or deal with struggles. God’s truths are to be lived out each day. When you begin to apply God’s word in your life James says you will begin to experience the life God has designed for you.
Podcast
Faith Works: Taking a Test
08/31/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 1:1-8
It doesn’t make sense to tell someone to rejoice when you face trials of various kinds. Yet that is exactly what James suggests to Christians in this passage. He goes on to explain how God can be at work in your life in the midst of the trials and storms. He says that the testing of your faith will develop perseverance in your life. Your faith is so important to God that He may allow some trials to come into your life in order to use those things to build and strengthen your faith. In the midst of the trials James reminds us that we have a loving Father who wants to help us. He tells us to ask God for wisdom and be willing to follow through on what God reveals to you. In the trials you face God is with you and He can in the midst of the difficulty do a good work in you.
Podcast
It doesn’t make sense to tell someone to rejoice when you face trials of various kinds. Yet that is exactly what James suggests to Christians in this passage. He goes on to explain how God can be at work in your life in the midst of the trials and storms. He says that the testing of your faith will develop perseverance in your life. Your faith is so important to God that He may allow some trials to come into your life in order to use those things to build and strengthen your faith. In the midst of the trials James reminds us that we have a loving Father who wants to help us. He tells us to ask God for wisdom and be willing to follow through on what God reveals to you. In the trials you face God is with you and He can in the midst of the difficulty do a good work in you.
Podcast
Faith Works: A Healthy Faith
08/24/08
Dr. Phil Wilkes, James 2:14-26
James is a book written to Jewish Christians to help them understand the necessity of living out their faith in Christ. This message takes a look at the importance of practicing one’s faith each day. James wants his readers to understand that simply having right doctrine, participating in religious services and even being baptized is not enough if a person is not living out the faith they profess. In fact, James will tell us that faith without works is a dead faith. Good works are the result of faith in Jesus Christ. They are the result of allowing Christ to work in your life. Works do not earn salvation but they are the evidence of one’s faith in Christ. Over the next several weeks we will take a look at how one lives out their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Podcast
James is a book written to Jewish Christians to help them understand the necessity of living out their faith in Christ. This message takes a look at the importance of practicing one’s faith each day. James wants his readers to understand that simply having right doctrine, participating in religious services and even being baptized is not enough if a person is not living out the faith they profess. In fact, James will tell us that faith without works is a dead faith. Good works are the result of faith in Jesus Christ. They are the result of allowing Christ to work in your life. Works do not earn salvation but they are the evidence of one’s faith in Christ. Over the next several weeks we will take a look at how one lives out their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Podcast