Skeptics Guide to Joy

Living Stones Churches

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Skeptics Guide to Joy

April 28, 2024 • Mark South • James 1:1–11

Faith Craves Prayer

July 21, 2024 • Mark South • James 5:13–18

In this sermon, Pastor Mark delves into James 5:13-18, emphasizing the importance of prayer in every season of life, whether in suffering or cheerfulness. He explains how the faith-driven prayer can foster deeper faith, helping believers navigate through personal struggles and communal challenges. Mark stresses three kinds of prayer: personal prayer, intercessory prayer from others, and pastoral prayer, each playing a crucial role in the spiritual wellness and growth of Christians. He also tackles the relationship between sin and sickness, advocating for confession and spiritual healing through prayer. The sermon includes insightful examples and practical advice on embracing prayer as an innate urge of true faith. 03:56 Faith in Action: The Urge to Pray 05:34 Personal Prayer and Its Importance 16:35 The Role of Community in Prayer 18:11 The Unique Power of Pastoral Prayer 21:05 The Symbolism of Oil in Scripture 21:27 The Role of Pastors in Anointing and Prayer 23:22 Understanding the Prayer of Faith 25:47 The Concept of Healing in Faith 31:18 The Connection Between Sin and Sickness 37:08 The Power of Faith and Prayer 41:25 A Call to Respond to the Impulse to Pray

Patience Pays off in the End

July 14, 2024 • Carlos Orozco • James 5:7–12

Pastor Carlos delves into James 5:7-12, urging believers to be patient and steadfast as they await the return of Jesus Christ. Drawing on analogies of farmers and the fairness of divine judgment, he emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing and remaining faithful despite suffering and trials. He also encourages the faithful to live out their beliefs through their actions, focusing less on earthly concerns and more on spreading the gospel and exemplifying Christ-like patience. He closes with a call to renew commitment to faith and to work towards glorifying God in current times. 04:54 Understanding Patience and Perseverance 06:08 The Christian Response to Suffering 10:08 The Importance of Faith and Endurance 13:19 Establishing Your Heart in Faith 16:16 The Role of Patience in Faith 20:18 Hope in Christ's Return 24:50 Listening and Brokenness 25:14 Christ's Promise and End Times 25:56 Suffering and Patience 27:09 Lessons from the Prophets 30:47 The Story of Job 33:43 Living with Integrity 37:50 Overcoming Evil with Good 41:59 Revival, Not Revolution 44:14 Commitment to Christ

Chasing Riches

July 7, 2024 • David Beck • James 5:1–6

Pastor David explores the critical messages from James Chapter 5, emphasizing the perils of chasing worldly riches and self-indulgence. He discusses how the passage, though addressing persecuted Jewish Christians 2,000 years ago, remains highly relevant today, particularly to middle-class communities. Pastor David unpacks the harsh but necessary rebuke against wealth accumulation and the mistreatment of laborers, urging listeners to shift their focus from material wealth to the treasures of God's kingdom. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical verses, including parallels from Matthew Chapter 6 and Hebrews Chapter 13, to encourage a heartfelt pursuit of God's glory and fulfillment over earthly possessions. 02:41 The Theme of Money and Riches in James 05:14 A Warning to the Rich (v1) 09:37 What you are chasing is worthless (v2-3) 17:09 How you are chasing is evil (v4) 24:50 Why you are chasing is destructive (v5) 37:59 Conclusion and Final Prayer (v6)