March/April 2023
Your Faith is Still Showing! (Part 2)
April 30, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 2:12–26
Last week we discussed the need to have our “works” align with our “belief”. We also discussed the fact that we are saved by grace, through faith, not by works…however, when faith doesn’t produce works then it is no different than the faith of Satan. OUCH! By the way, who are you to judge me!? The call isn’t to judge anyone but yourself. Is your faith a living faith? Is it shown through action? Does it line up with the faith/salvation found in Scripture? Today we will see what it looks like in the Bible and see that our “Faith Better Be Showing”!
Your Faith is Showing! (Part 1)
April 23, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 2:12–26
My Youngest Daughter used to love to run around and tell people that “their epidermis is showing!” For those not familiar with the term, you can be sure that yours is also!!! It is a reference to your skin… While it is funny to play on our limited grasp of the English language, it is just a joke. But today I would like us to answer a similar spiritual question. Is your faith showing? For the Christian, it should be just as showing as your epidermis! Is it? Let’s spend the next two weeks making sure we know what it means and what God expects!
Especially Special
April 16, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 2:1–11
In the deeply theological drama, “VeggieTales”, we learn, “God made you special, and He loves you very much.” Surely, we cannot argue with such amazing theology – we are image-bearers! But, has God made some of us more special than others? Are you “especially special” in Christ? Being a special creation of God is wonderful – but as we will see today, there is truly only One that is Especially Special!
The Greatest Victory Ever Won
April 9, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • Matthew 28:1–10
Last Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday and remembered the cross of Jesus – where our Lord paid the greatest price ever paid for our sins and forgiveness. Thank God that isn’t the end of the story! Today we find out what happened on the first day of the week…Jesus wasn’t in the tomb! Jesus is Alive!!! In His resurrection the greatest victory ever won was completed. In Him we can have fellowship, peace, purpose, and life eternal! He is Victorious!
The Highest Price Ever Paid
April 2, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • Mark 15:1–32, Mark 11:1–10
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is perhaps one of the most memorable reactions to Jesus in the Bible. Amazing. They Cheer! They Shout! They cry out for salvation and acknowledge Him as the descendant of David the king. Several days later the crowds shouted a different message. It was heartbreaking. It was devastating. It was world-altering. This Palm Sunday we will see the most costly gift that has ever been given. His Name is Jesus.
It's a Duck
March 26, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 1:22–27
If it walks like a duck…If it talks like a duck…If it looks like a duck… You have heard the sayings, right? Generally speaking, we know if a duck is a duck – most of the time we only need one of the three to tell the difference! I have never seen a duck and said, “Wait a minute, that bird shaped object over there might be pretending. Let’s see how it walks…Well, sure it walks and looks like a duck, but don’t be fooled! Let’s see how it sounds.” That would be silly. Being a Christian should be obvious as well – the evidence should be overwhelming. Is it?
Learning to Overcome
March 19, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 1:19–21
Over the last two weeks we have heard the strong challenges of the Word of God to keep going, to realize that God is good, and to live for Jesus and not the world. Today, we will see that this challenge isn’t without power! Jesus has not left us empty – He has given us His Spirit, His life, and His message. We can overcome! Let’s do it as we strive for God’s righteousness! In Him, we will overcome the world (and our old selves too)!
How's The Fishing
March 12, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 1:13–18
Have you ever gone fishing and spent more time looking at the others fishing instead of your own line? “I wonder what bait he is using?” “I wonder if they are scaring away my fish?” “Maybe I should go over there; that lady is catching way more than I am!” It seems to be human nature to always want what someone else has or to want it better than we have it. While coveting is an issue – the bigger issue is that many Christians are doing that with Jesus… Don’t take the bait! Stand firm and enjoy the life God has in store for you!
A New Identity
March 5, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 1:9–12
One of my favorite things about Christianity is our unity. We are one in Christ. When it comes to salvation, reward, Heaven, and even judgment, there is no male/female, Jew/Gentile, rich/poor, or culture, color, language, or separation. We are different parts of His Body, but we are all a part! We belong! Praise God that we can have a new identity in Jesus – one that cuts through the differences of the world. How do you identify today?