Last night I officially completed my next sermon titled “Faith & Works”. It’s a continuation of my message series (started in February) based on the Book Of James. In this sermon I cover the 2ND half of James Chapter 2. I compare Paul and James, and how they viewed faith and works from different angles. I also include Scripture from Chapter 5 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The Book Of James and The Epistle To The Galatians were probably the first 2 books written chronologically in the New Testament – right around 50 A.D.
Paul describes meeting James for the first time in his letter to the Galatians. Paul called James – and Peter – and John – as “pillars of the church”. They collectively accepted Paul – the new guy – as a co-worker. They suggested that Paul should continue helping the poor while preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.
I also introduced John The Baptist, or John The Baptizer in my sermon. He was a Preacher, a Prophet, and even a Saint. He preached all about the importance of baptisms. He baptized thousands along both sides of the Jordan River – including Jesus Christ Himself. That started Christ’s ministry. Matthew 3:13-17 describes that critical event.
John The Baptist preached, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Luke 3:8 NLT)
My sermon leads-in perfectly to my Communion based on the first 10 verses of Chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (“Made Alive With Christ”).
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
I’m looking forward to sharing this soon with my church family !
Go forth and share God’s Good News to all who will listen. Go forth and live your fantastic journey for all to see. Go forth and love God and all His children.
CountUp 