2025-08-31 CELEBRATION SERVICE

Exploring the Book of James: A Journey of Faith and Action

Introduction

As we prepare to dive into our upcoming sermon series on the book of James, I invite you to join me on a journey of exploration through this powerful and practical portion of Scripture. The book of James, written by the half-brother of Jesus, emphasizes faith in action. It challenges us to live out our faith authentically in our everyday lives.

Theme of the Series

The central theme of James revolves around the idea that genuine faith will produce good works. James encourages believers to remain steadfast in trials, be doers of the word, and demonstrate their faith through their actions. This series aims to guide us not just to understand faith but to embody it in our lives.

Key Topics We Will Cover

1. Perseverance in Trials (James 1:2-4)
   We'll explore how trials are a part of our Christian journey and how they produce perseverance. What does it mean to count it all joy?

2. Faith and Works (James 2:14-26)
   Faith without works is dead. We’ll discuss how our actions reflect our beliefs and the call to serve others.

3. Controlling the Tongue (James 3:1-12)
   Our words hold power. We’ll examine the importance of speech in shaping our relationships and witness.

4. Humility Before God (James 4:6-10)
   Humility is a key aspect of our relationship with God. We’ll consider how submitting to God leads to true freedom.

5. Enduring the Last Days (James 5:7-11)
   As we look to the future, we’ll be reminded of our hope in Christ and how we are called to be patient and steadfast.

Personal Reflection

I encourage you to take time each week to meditate on the corresponding passages from James. Consider how these teachings apply to your life and how you can actively live out your faith in your home, work, and community.

Conclusion

I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with each of you. Together, let’s cultivate a vibrant faith that is evident in our actions and reflects Christ’s love to the world around us.

2025-08-24 THE GOSPEL - GOD'S GOOD NEWS

Discovering Hope: How to Share Your Faith

Through the Three Circles Method

Have you ever struggled to explain your faith to others? Many Christians feel uncertain about sharing the gospel in everyday conversations. In this powerful message, we explore a simple yet profound way to communicate God's story of redemption using three circles - a method that brings clarity to complex spiritual truths.

Understanding God's Original Design

At the heart of the Christian message is God's perfect design for humanity. From Genesis, we learn that God created everything "very good," with humans as the crown of His creation. We were made to walk in close relationship with Him, experiencing the fullness of His love and purpose. This first circle represents God's ideal plan - a life of meaning, purpose, and intimate fellowship with our Creator.

The Reality of Brokenness

Yet we all know something isn't right. The second circle represents the brokenness that entered when humanity chose to go their own way instead of God's way. This brokenness manifests in our relationships, emotions, and behaviors - through anxiety, depression, addiction, broken relationships, and countless other struggles. While painful, this brokenness often becomes God's way of getting our attention and showing us our need for Him.

The Gospel: God's Solution

The third circle brings hope - God's solution through Jesus Christ. From the very beginning, God had a plan to rescue us from our brokenness. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, He made a way for us to be restored to His original design. This isn't just about feeling better; it's about becoming a new creation through Christ.

Taking Action:

1. Practice drawing the three circles and explaining each one
2. Identify people in your life who need to hear this message
3. Download the "Life on Mission" app to have this tool readily available
4. Join a training group to learn more about sharing your faith effectively

The beauty of this method is its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you're talking with a colleague over coffee or a neighbor across the fence, these three circles provide a clear framework for sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

A Prayer for Boldness: Lord, thank you for making a way out of our brokenness through Jesus. Give us courage to share this hope with others. Help us see the opportunities You provide each day to tell others about Your love and redemption. Use us as Your ambassadors to bring healing to a broken world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[Note: Want to learn more about sharing your faith? Join our six-week training course by scanning the QR code in this Sunday's bulletin or visiting our website.]

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