May/June 2023
And You Are???
June 25, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 4:11–12
Have you ever walked up to another and told them something you were sure that they needed to know only to have them ask, “And you are?” What they are asking is, “Who are you to tell me anything?" Sometimes they are correct; sometimes people don’t want to be told anything; sometimes people just want to challenge who you are and what authority you have. Today we are going to learn that there is a difference between being helpful and hurtful and we are going to see that much of it continues in what we have already learned: The Christian must live their Christian humility under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Other 10 Commandments - Part 1
June 11, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 4:4–10
Last week we discussed the idea of “chasing your passion” which doesn’t work out to well for the Christian! No, we are to “chase the Lord” for He is pursuing a relationship with us, and He has great plans for us! For two weeks we will see what it means to follow James’ 10 Commandments…the commandments that bring us to God! In Him we are blessed! Love the Lord; you won’t be disappointed!
The Wrong Kind of Spiritual Battle
June 4, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 4:1–3
As we finished James 3, we saw the need to cultivate peace to receive the fruit of righteousness. We know that peacemakers must strive for peace, for the world is at war with our God! There is a very real spiritual battle – it is around us every day. Today we will see that some people are in the midst of a battle, but unfortunately, it isn’t the right one. Don’t be fooled. Not every spiritual battle brings a blessing. Some battles just bring great “injury.”
A Celebration of Life
May 28, 2023 • Matt Merrill • Psalm 139
This week, we will celebrate God's heart for life. There has never been and there will never be a time when God does not see us, know us, or care about us. Whether in difficulty or ease, joy or sorrow, in good times or bad, God is with us as His children. But when did God's love for you start? When did you gain such value that He would look at you? Today, we will explore the value God places on all people he has made in his image.
The Teacher Walks the Talk
May 21, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 3:13–18
James 3 has challenged the pastor/teacher to remember that the standard is high and the judgment equal to it (both positive and negative). Today the standard for “teachers” deals with the nature in which they walk and teach. It isn’t good enough to be worldly wise. It isn’t good enough to be famous. Only the Lord has what we need, and the godly teacher walks with Him and teaches by His power! All who proclaim Jesus (which should be every believer) must walk the talk.
Settle for the BEST
May 14, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • Psalm 42:1–2
This week we are going to take a break from James and talk about the most important relationship in the world! Before we do though – let’s recognize it is Mother’s Day! With that in mind let’s ask an important question. Would you Moms in the room like to have a present or a great relationship with your kids more? Which is of more value? Do you who have a mom think that she would rather be loved continually or once a year? Moms aren’t the only ones that want a continual loving relationship with their children…today we get to learn the value of settling for nothing but the BEST!
Under New Management
May 7, 2023 • Ed Eddingfield • James 3:1–12
Over the last 2 weeks we have discussed what it means to “see your faith” or demonstrate your belief. Today we will see that this is done in Christ. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to us, but sometimes the easiest of things can evade us. As a believer in Jesus – are you under the same old management of sin and self? Are you under the new management of God’s Holy Spirit? God can do the amazing through a surrendered believer – let’s be under new management!