James says that faith without deeds is dead (2:14-26). If we only think of faith as a set of beliefs or the correct doctrine, we have failed to exercise what faith really is--actions that grow out of our belief.

We need to combine our beliefs with actions that serve others.

James teaches us that we are required to live out our faith. Faith without works, after all, is dead.

In this sermon, I look at James 2:1-13 to learn how loving the poor as our neighbor and avoiding favoritism is what God looks for in one who keeps God's royal law by faith.

How we love Jesus is directly tied to how we love the least among us.

On Sunday, we'll look at Matthew 25:31-46 to see how Jesus calls us to love him...by loving others. True faith and belief in Jesus always works itself out in action for others.

Please use these study notes, sermon outline, and sermon slides to help you prepare for Sunday.

In this sermon, we'll examine how we often use the word "church" to refer to a building. But this creates passiveness in us. God wants us to be active--he is actively forming and shaping us into his holy temple where he dwells. We need to be active, to participate, and to add value.

Use this sermon outline and these slides to help you prepare to hear the word of God on Sunday.