Who is unworthy of….? (James 2:1-13)
Who is unworthy of your kindness? Who is unworthy of your help? Who is unworthy of your respect? Think very carefully before you answer those questions. We have a tendency to determine who is worthy of our attention based on what we see. No matter who we are we can be guilty of showing favoritism. We learn in this section of James that showing favoritism is the opposite of loving one’s neighbor as themselves.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Sep 29, 2019Who is unworthy of….? (James 2:1-13)
Who is unworthy of….? (James 2:1-13)Who is unworthy of your kindness? Who is unworthy of your help? Who is unworthy of your respect? Think very carefully before you answer those questions. We have a tendency to determine who is worthy of our attention based on what we see. No matter who we are we can be guilty of showing favoritism. We learn in this section of James that showing favoritism is the opposite of loving one’s neighbor as themselves.
- Sep 22, 2019Don’t Just Look, Do Something (James 1:19-27)
Don’t Just Look, Do Something (James 1:19-27)
A new theme that will play out through the book of James is introduced in this section. James is about living what we say we believe. First we are instructed to be good listeners, and people who don’t adopt ungodly standards for bringing about change. We are reminded that just taking in the word and not doing anything about it is empty. We need to be people who let God’s word change us from the inside out. - Sep 15, 2019Adjusting Our Perspective (James 1:9-18)
Adjusting Our Perspective (James 1:9-18)
Navigating difficult times in our lives can be managed as we learn to have the right perspective. We have learned to have an attitude of joy because of what we know to be true (James 1:3-8). As James develops this thought he reminds us that we need to be dependent upon God, not our wealth. We need to be very honest with ourselves regarding our possible role in the difficulty. We need to remember God is the giver of good things, even when they come through difficult circumstances. - Sep 8, 2019Faith Under Pressure (James 1:1-8)
Faith Under Pressure (James 1:1-8)
We all face pressure. We all have struggles, or tests, or trials that come into our lives which are hard. It is at these times when our faith in God’s presence, or His ability, or His care are called into question. As we begin a Fall study in the book of James we discover that learning to live what we say we believe is often put to the test. We will discover that we can weather the storms of life when we have the long view in mind and when we by faith seek God’s guidance step by step. It is not easy, it is not without pain and struggle, but it will make us stronger. - Sep 1, 2019Created for Purpose (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15)
Created for Purpose (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15)
Why are we here? Many of us have at one time or another wondered either out loud or in the depths of our own minds. The simple answer is we are here because God created us. But maybe the question that is really being asked is “What is my purpose?” We want to know that we matter, that we can make a difference, that we have purpose. Click on the link below to hear Pastor Scott's Labor Day Sunday Sermon. Consider that we are here for a purpose and believe it or not that purpose involves understanding God’s creation of work. - Aug 25, 2019What Wisdom Looks Like (Proverbs 31:10-31)
What Wisdom Looks Like (Proverbs 31:10-31)
All too often the epilogue of the book of Proverbs is reserved for Mother’s Day sermons. However, we need to look at these last 22 verses of Proverbs from the standpoint of the whole book, that being wisdom. Since wisdom is personified as a woman in the early parts of Proverbs, it stands to reason that this last chapter also speaks more of wisdom than an impossible “to do list” for a wife. When we see it as a metaphor, Proverbs 31:10-31 has a powerful message for all of us. - Aug 18, 2019The Wisdom of Honesty
The Wisdom of Honesty
We live in a culture in which truth is not always held in high esteem. Fact checking seems to be the norm when anyone of note speaks or writes. Plausible deniability is valued, statistics are manipulated, and advertisers only tell you enough to make a sale. If everyone is playing loose with the truth, why should we be different? In this sermon we consider the wisdom of honesty. - Aug 11, 2019Wise Leadership
Wise Leadership
Leadership is a topic that has been researched, written about, analyzed, evaluated, and critiqued. We are in the throes of spending the 15 months hearing people tell us why they should be in leadership positions. In this study of Proverbs we will look at the characteristics of leadership as defined by wisdom. Each of us in one way shape or form is a leader and we should each evaluate our own lives in light of what we will see in this review. - Aug 4, 2019Wise Friendships
Wise Friendships
Research continues to show that while we are more connected than ever, we are also growing lonelier. People, by and large, have many acquaintances but few real friendships. Could it be that we need to revisit what it means to have friendships based on wisdom? We will look at some principles of a wise friendship and work to evaluate not just our friends, but also ourselves. Am I the kind of friend to others that I want them to be to me? - Jul 28, 2019Parenting With Wisdom
Parenting With Wisdom
How many times have you heard that being a parent does not come with an instruction manual? Guess what? There is a manual. It takes some time to read it. It takes some thought to apply it. But we have some guidelines in the book of Proverbs that guide us in rearing our children. We will look at some key principles today. As a church family we can all be part of helping and guiding parents as we model the wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord. - Jul 21, 2019A Wisdom Based Marriage
A Wisdom Based Marriage
God created marriage. A wise marriage as described in Proverbs is characterized by partnership, peace, and pleasure. We will look at how those three characteristics are not just ideals, but can be realities in any marriage. In fact they are also characteristics of a good friendship as well. - Jul 14, 2019The Wisdom of Generosity
The Wisdom of Generosity
Generosity. Most of us if asked would define ourselves as generous. But what limits have we put on our generosity? To whom are we generous? Is there room for one more in our home, or two, or three, tonight? Who has permission to "raid" your fridge? Would you loan your car to a neighbor? Often times we will respond to those questions with comments about being responsible etc. There is great wisdom, and great refreshment, and great benefit to being generous. It requires great faith to be generous. - Jul 7, 2019The Importance of Words in Proverbs
The Importance of Words in Proverbs
We often just take our words for granted. Words are very important and very powerful. Cary Gray, a PHCC Elder leads us through a study of the power of words in the book of Proverbs. Take careful notice of how you have used your words this past year. - Jun 30, 2019Warning Signs for The Path (Selected Proverbs)
Warning Signs for The Path (Selected Proverbs)
As we venture out on vacations and trips this summer we will find signs along the way. Signs provide guidance and warnings. We always do well to pay attention to them. As we look again at the instructions of a father and mother to their child we will note some very important warning signs that a wise person would do well to note and act upon. - Jun 23, 2019The Importance of the Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:23)
The Importance of the Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:23)
Repeatedly in the Proverbs we are instructed about the heart. We are to protect our heart for it is the place in which we develop trust. It is in the heart where decisions are make, commands are stored, and knowledge is acquired. It becomes quite clear that in Proverbs we are talking about more than an organ that pumps blood. We will focus on two very important aspects of the heart that in many ways guide all other references; trusting and guarding. If we can learn to protect our hearts and trust God in our heart we can choose the path of wisdom.