JOIN US FOR EASTER SUNDAY THIS SUNDAY AT 7:45AM, 9AM, OR 10:45AM OR WATCH LIVE AT 10:45AM. DOWNLOAD WORSHIP RESOURCES HERE.

X Close Menu

Sermons

Life is Hard but God is Good

June 19, 2022 Speaker: The Rev. Mike McDonald Series: Living Your Faith Inside Out: The Wisdom of James

Topic: Living Your Faith Inside Out - The Wisdom of James Passage: James 1:1–18

This Sunday we kicked off our new sermon series, Living your Faith Inside Out: The Wisdom of James. While nobody gets out of this life alive, life in God’s hands is secure. The first chapter of James articulates that life is a test of faith filled with opportunities to grow.

Life is hard but God is good.

James dives right into the deep end telling us to “count it all joy” when we meet trials of various kinds (v. 2). As we consider our own various trials, we are compelled to examine how we respond in the midst of hardships. We are drawn towards fear, anger, self-pity, envy, and confusion but James sees an opportunity for faith. When we turn towards God, our testing produces greater character and hope within us for eternal things.

Enduring trials can also be an opportunity to experience God’s grace. We do not earn our faith through good works. Good works result as an expression of the grace God has extended to us (v. 5). James notes that while God does not tempt us, even temptation can be useful to grow in our ability to trust God (v. 13).

Through trials and temptations, we can become single-minded people who are focused on God in all aspects of life. Once you’ve tasted His goodness, you’ll trust Him even in hard things.

Taking It Home: Consider a trial you’re experiencing right now, large or small.  Seek God in the midst of it by asking him how he wants you to grow. Look beyond the temporary and instead keep in mind the promised crown of life that awaits all Christians.

More in Living Your Faith Inside Out: The Wisdom of James

August 21, 2022

Prayer Corrects Our Perspective and Connects Us With God’s Power

August 7, 2022

Be Patient With Others Like Jesus is Patient With You

July 31, 2022

In God We Trust