Category: Sermon Notes

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: Break Those Chains!!

Title: Getting Free!

Scripture: Col. 2:16-3:4

I. DIE TO BE FREE (Col. 2:16-23)

Paul says we are released in three ways:

1. We are released from the chains of (reputation). (16,18)

• Legalism = salvation based on Christ + (human works).

2. We are released from the chains of (religion). (16-19)

3. We are released from the chains of (regulations). (20-23)

• An emphasis on the (temporal) versus (eternal).

II. FREE TO BE RAISED (Col. 3:1-4)

Our freedom in Christ is not based on what we do or don’t do. It is based on our (identity in
Him).

What does freedom in Christ look like?

1. We are free to be (redirected). (3:1)
2. We are free to be (reshaped). (3:2)
3. We are free to be (redefined). (3:3-4)

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
NEW Series Theme: Break Those Chains!
Series: Fear Loses its Grip
Scripture: Psalm 34

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: You Have the Power!

Scripture: James 5:13-20

I. THE POWER OF FAITHFUL PRAYER

Prayer has a path through James. It starts in 1:5. It emerges again in 4:1-2. And then again here in chapter 5. Over and over in Scripture we are told to ask. Turn to Mt. 7:7-11. Turn to Hebrews 4:16.

A simple way to track your prayers:

• A(doration)
• C(onfession)
• T(hanksgiving)
• S(upplication)

II. THE POWER OF HEARTFELT PRAYER

3 things to know before we start:

1. Sometimes there is a direct relationship between (personal sin) and (sickness).
2. Sometimes there is (NO) direct relationship between personal sin and sickness.
3. It is not God’s will that everyone (be healed).

So what are we to do? James tells us:

1. Pray for the (suffering).
2. Pray for the (sick).
3. Pray for the (wayward).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
NEW Series Theme: Break Those Chains!
Series: Getting Free!!
Scripture: Col. 2:16-3:4

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Straight Talk

Scripture: James 5:1-12

I. WARNING TO THE WICKED WEALTHY

Some important items to note:

1. He is speaking about the wealthy (outside the church).
• See Mt. 6:19-20
2. The problem is not wealth, it is (greed).
• Wealth is a (gift from God). The problem

II. WORDS TO THE WEARY WAITER

Practical advice from verses 7-12:

1. (Be patient and endure). (7-8)
2. (Don’t grumble) about each other. (9-11)
• Grumble means “to groan within oneself” or “to sigh”
3. (Don’t swear). (12)
• To swear means “to grasp something sacred firmly, for the purpose of
supporting what you’re saying or doing.”

A brief recap:

1. The problem is not wealth, it is greed.
2. Be patient and endure.
3. Don’t grumble about each other.
4. Don’t swear.

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: You Have the Power!
Scripture: James 5:13-20

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Playing God

Scripture: James 4:11-17

I. PLAYING GOD WITH OTHERS

Check out Proverbs 6:16-19

(Slander) is a devastating sin. Slander needs only one thing: (a malicious tongue).

How do we play God with others?

1. By (speaking against) them.
2. By (judging) them.

II. PLAYING GOD WITH YOURSELF

My concern: Playing God by thinking we are the (master of our fate, the captain of our soul).

In James 4:13-14 James says some pretty blunt things:

1. (Death is certain).
2. We are not the (final authority) over our lives.
3. (Self-reliance) is a dead-end street.

Compared to eternity, (life is short). Ps. 90:10

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Straight Talk
Scripture: James 5:1-12

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Whose Friend Are You?

Scripture: James 4:4-10

I. FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD

James asks who started this and gives 2 answers:

1. (Evil desires/inner desires) (4:1b)
2. (Worldly motivation) (v.4)

The result? (spiritual adultery)

II. FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

Where it all starts:

1. (Recognize) the power that is ours.
2. Humility is the sign of a (reborn life).

Commands we are given:

1. Humble ourselves or (submit).
2. (Resist) the devil.
3. (Draw near) to God.
4. Come with (clean hands and a pure heart).
5. Come with (repentance)

A “seeable” action plan:

• • • • • Submit (sincerely).
        • Resist the devil (forcefully).
        • Seek God (sincerely).
        • Repent (completely).
        • Treat sin (seriously).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Playing God
Scripture: James 4:11-17

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: On Being a Wise Guy

Scripture: James 3:13-4:3

I. GODLY WISDOM VS HUMAN WISDOM

Two verses to consider: Eccl. 1:18 and 2:17

Godly wisdom is (genuine); human wisdom is (counterfeit).

II. GODLY RESULTS VS HUMAN RESULTS

Human wisdom:

1. (Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition)
2. (Boasting) and lying.
3. (Earthly, unspiritual, demonic)
4. (Disorder) and (evil) of every kind

Godly wisdom:

1. (Pure)
2. (Peace loving)
3. (Gentle)
4. Willing to (yield to others)
5. (Full of mercy) and (good deeds)
6. Shows no (favoritism)
7. Always (sincere)

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Whose Friend are You?
Scripture: James 4:4-10

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: An Open & Shut Case

Scripture: James 3:1-12

I. SMALL, BUT POWERFUL

If we want to reach God’s goal for us as Christ-followers, we must (control our tongue).
Two things James says:

1. The tongue is (small), but (powerful). See also Mt. 15:10-11, 17-19
2. The tongue is (necessary), but (dangerous).

II. HELPFUL, BUT INCONSISTENT

James is saying our tongues need to produce (good fruit) not (bad fruit).
See Mt. 12:34. What do we need to do?

1. (Cauterize) our lips. Is.6:5
2. Pray continually for (control).
3. (Discipline ourselves) regarding the use of our tongue.

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: On Being a Wise Guy
Scripture: James 3:13-18

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Don’t Just Stand There!

Scripture: James 2:14-26

I. DEAD FAITH

Salvation, not by works but by faith, is called (justification by faith).

Paul= (saved by faith not works)
James= (show) you my faith by (what I do)

What is a dead faith?

1. A dead faith is an (empty confession). V.14
2. A dead faith has (false compassion). Vv.15-17
3. A dead faith has (shallow conviction). Vv.18-20

II. LIVING FAITH

A case study in two parts:

1. Abraham (vv. 21-24)
2. Rahab (v.25)

4 characteristics of a living faith:

1. A living faith is (involved). (Vv.15-16)
2. A living faith is a (partnership). (v.17)
3. A living faith is (on display). (v.18)
4. A living faith is (from the heart).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Put Out the Fire!
Scripture: James 3:1-12

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Choosing One over Another

Scripture: James 2:1-13

I.  FAVORITISM DEMONSTRATED

Favoritism comes from two Greek words which mean “to receive by face.”

Tend to show favoritism in three ways: (Tony Evans)

1. Racism- (Color)
2. Classism- (Status)
3. Culturalism- (Way of life)

II. FAVORITISM DENOUNCED

Why is favoritism wrong?

1. 1. 1. 1. It is inconsistent with (who God is). The real issue is (the condition of the soul).
         2. It ignores the (universality of sin). Their behavior was condemned in the OT. See Psalm 72:4 and Pr. 17:5
         3. It goes against (Scripture).

3 principles to remember:

• • • • Let the (Scriptures)-not your heritage-be your guide.
      • Let (love) be your guiding principle.
      • Let (mercy) be the overflow from your life.

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Don’t Just Stand There!
Scripture: James 2:14-26

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian

Title: Have To or Want To?

Scripture: James 1:13-18

I. A PROPER RECEPTION TO THE WORD

How can we hear and understand the Word?

1. Quick to (listen). See also Pr.17:28 and 29:20
2. Slow to (speak).
3. Slow to (get angry).
4. Pursue a (pure heart).
5. Humbly (accept the Word). See also Gal. 5:23

II. A PROPER REACTION TO THE WORD

The difference:

1. (Doers) involves the whole person
2. (Hearers) speaks of a person who sits passively

How can we tell if we are doer or just a hearer?

1. There is no divorce between the truth and (our tongue).
2. There is no divorce between the truth and (the needs of others).
3. There is no divorce between the truth and (our witness to the world).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: The “Perfect” Christian
Series: Choosing One over Another
Scripture: James 2:1-13