Faith that doesn’t work, doesn’t work. South Bay Bible Church, 578 Montauk Highway, East Moriches, is pleased to announce the start of Faith That Works: Discovering Practical Christianity in the Book of James on Sunday, May 5th, at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Join us in person or online at
southbaychurchli.org/livestream, Facebook Live, or YouTube.
“We are often tempted to separate our beliefs from our lifestyle,” said Matt Horne, lead pastor. “James will show us how we can actually live out what we believe, making our faith lasting and effective.”
Whether you consider yourself a church person or not, you’re invited to join us for this thirteen-part series, Faith That Works, as Pastor Matt teaches how to follow Jesus in everyday life.
1. Faith on Trial (James 1:1-12) – May 5: There are many people today who start their journey of faith off well, but trials and suffering choke out their faith. For that reason, James, the brother of Jesus, gives us a different perspective on the various troubles we face. God’s word tells us both what suffering does to us and what we can do when we suffer.
2. Resisting Temptation (James 1:13-18) – May 12: We all face temptation to sin. We’re fallen humans living in a fallen world with an Enemy who would love for us to fail. James tells us that all temptation and sin begins with one thing – desire. That means that avoiding temptation begins with aligning desires.
3. Mirror, Mirror (James 1:19-27) – May 19: Have you ever noticed that there are certain people who come to church to hear the word without any intention of doing anything with it? James says these people are deceived. If we don’t listen for the word with a desire for it to change us, then we will not receive the blessing of God’s word.
4. Pride and Prejudice (James 2:1-13) – May 26: We cannot say we love like Jesus when our love is inconsistent, dependent on who is in front of us. James reveals that favoritism can be as sinful as adultery or murder. How do we learn to see everyone through eyes of mercy, namely, God’s mercy?
5. Active Faith (James 2:14-26) – June 2: The tension between faith and works has been one that many religions have wrestled through for thousands of years. James says you need a healthy blend of both, and that one will reveal the other. It’s not enough to simply say you believe, but you must allow yourself to be in positions where your trust in God is proven.
6. Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12) – July 7: Have you ever said something out loud and experienced sorrow afterward? We don’t often realize how our words carry power. James tells us that the tongue is our strongest muscle, able to set a forest on fire. We must learn to use it for blessing God and those around us.
7. Got Wisdom? (James 3:13-18) – July 14: What makes someone wise? The scriptures tell us not only how the wise think, but how the wise speak, act, and relate to others. James also tells us what will keep us from becoming wise if we do not keep ourselves in check. Needless to say, if all of us sought to be wiser, there would be greater peace in our communities.
8. Prisoners of War (James 4:1-10) – July 21: Occasionally we experience friction between ourselves and others, as well as between us and God. James explains that this is due to friction within ourselves. The solution for dismissing that friction? Humility.
9. Gavels Gotta Go! (James 4:11-12) – July 28: Our communities are ruined when we begin to elevate ourselves above others. James reminds us that we all sit below God, who is the ultimate Judge. When we look down on another person, especially fellow believers, we are putting ourselves in the seat that belongs solely to God.
10. God and Our Plans (James 4:13-17) – August 4: It’s one thing to live your life apart from God. It’s something entirely different to live your life apart from God and assume He’ll still bless it. How do we posture ourselves humbly before God and seek His will? How do we follow through on what He directs us to do?
11. Riches that Rust (James 5:1-6) – August 11: The rich are poor when they are rich without God. James gives a firm warning to those who are possessed by their possessions. It is especially aimed at those individuals who are stingy and malicious with their wealth. Either way, we can all learn something from James about how to use money in a good and godly way.
12. Waiting Well (James 5:7-12) – August 18: Let’s face it… we all grow impatient sometimes. Occasionally, we grow impatient with the Lord. Many days, we are impatient with other people. As we struggle through life and faith, how can we wait well? James tells us longsuffering comes easier when we know we won’t be suffering long.
13. The Power of Communal Prayer (James 5:13-20) – August 25: Prayer is a powerful weapon, not only in our own faith, but in the life of the church. James encourages the church to pray with faith and fervency and reveals several ways that this kind of prayer will affect the larger congregation. Do we have the faith to believe that God answers prayer? Do we have the compassion for other believers around us to pray for them?