Scorched Earth Policy

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Scorched Earth Policy

The Power of Our Words

June 2, 2024 • Mark South • James 3:1–12

Pastor Mark delivers a powerful sermon on James 3, emphasizing the responsibility and potential peril of the tongue. Drawing on vivid metaphors like small rudders steering large ships and bits controlling horses, he illustrates how our words can steer our lives and impact our faith. Pastor Mark reflects on the personal conviction he felt while preparing the sermon and the transformative power of grace through Jesus Christ in taming the tongue. The message calls for conscious speech that aligns with the kingdom of God and encourages believers to be mindful of their words as a true test of their faith and spiritual maturity.

02:49 Introduction

03:20 Faith and Trials

05:48 The Struggle with Words

07:25 Personal Convictions

11:02 Teaching and Accountability

13:39 The Impact of Words

23:04 The Destructive Nature of the Tongue

25:14 The Power of Words: Setting Relationships on Fire

26:18 The Tongue: A World of Unrighteousness

28:24 Fluency in the Language of Hell vs. Heaven

30:26 Peter's Rebuke: Speaking Like a Demon

32:21 Taming the Untamable Tongue

36:08 Blessing and Cursing: The Dual Nature of the Tongue

39:13 The Need for Divine Intervention

42:54 A Personal Anecdote: God's Silliest Goose

45:12 A Prayer for a Tamed Tongue

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)