Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New Sermon Series…

This Sunday I begin a new series of messages from the book of James. People have had a love/hate relationship with James's letter from day one.

On the one hand they love James because…

  • James is so very practical. No long theological musings here, just practical outworking of theology. James makes the rubber meet the road.
  • James is concise. He gets to the point and moves on. You won't get bogged down in James.
  • James uses lavish metaphors and illustrations to make his point. Images like billowing seas, bits in horse's mouths, and forest fires make his teaching easy to understand and to remember.

On the other hand people struggle with James because….

  • James is so very convicting! His practical teaching cuts us to the heart and exposes not only wrong actions, but wrong motives.
  • James seems to be at odds with Paul on the role of faith and works in our salvation and weak on the theology of the Cross. Are these accusations true or have we misread James?
  • James is very black and white. He has no time for theological nuances and grey-areas. You are either following Christ or you are not!

So, if you are ready to be pushed, prodded, stretched, and challenged, plan to join us for "Boot Camp" with James beginning this Sunday!

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,

Pastor Tom

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