Audio Messages

Problems are a required course in the school of life. They are unavoidable. In this message, Pastor John explores what James says are the purpose of problems, and how we can experience positive transformation when we "meet trials of various kinds."

Synopsis: James is a manual for maturity, and as he finishes his letter, he goes back and addresses the topic he began with: the value of patience and perseverance in bringing about spiritual growth. In this message, Pastor John looks at the value of patience as we face uncontrollable circumstances, unchangeable people, and unexplained problems.

Jesus said that money is the equivalent of a god and you’re either going to worship God the Father Almighty or you’re going to worship the god of the almighty dollar. How do we avoid using money in ways that dishonor God? In this message, we look at three wrong ways to use wealth, and two valuable truths to really live.

One of the deadliest games we can play is playing God. It's a game we cannot win! In this message, Pastor John looks at the ways we play God, and how to quit.

Relationships have built-in conditions for conflict! But James teaches us how to have wisdom that brings peace. In this message, Pastor John outlines how we can relate wiselly to others and gives three actions to receive God's grace for relationships: 1) Give in to God. 2) Get wise to Satan. 3) Grow close to God.

Some make a living with words, but for all of us - the kind of life you live depends on the kinds of words you use. In this message, Pastor John invites us to examine our hearts through the kinds of words we use, and trust in Jesus to give us a new song and new vocabulary.

James is well known for his claim that "a person is justified by works and not by faith alone," in seeming conflict with Paul's declaration, "We hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." In this message, Pastor John looks closely at what Scripture says to untie the knot on God's great work of justification, and what is the character of real faith.

We say we value fairness and equality in our society, but do we value it in the church? In this message, Pastor John teaches from James 2 on how to treat people right.

The Bible is a book of blessing. It promises comfort, strength, hope, wisdom, joy, encouragement, power, and purpose. In this message, Pastor John shares how the blessing of God's word comes to us.

Temptation to sin is something you will never outgrow or be done with. But too many people think they cannot withstand temptation, so they give in to it. James says, when it comes to temptation, “Be realistic.” And then he says, “This is how temptation works.” And then, lastly, he tells us, “This is how you win over temptation.