Facing temptation is part of the Christian life, and until the Lord returns we cannot escape it. The temptations fathers face are not greater than those faced by any follower of Christ, but the realization that we have sons and daughters watching us, learning from us, and depending on us intensifies both the battle itself and our commitment to overcome temptation.
James
Here’s Something Worth Remembering
The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect on the past and prepare for the future.
Wisdom teaches the need to remember vital truths, not only for planning well but also for living well! Like a spiritual sage, James penned a short letter with wisdom dripping from every word . . . wisdom worth remembering.
In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlights a few key truths for you to remember to help you kickstart the new year in the right direction.
The Ultimate Healer
When Jesus, God in the flesh, ministered on earth, He exercised power over everything, including sickness and death. And He still exercises that power today, usually by supernaturally orchestrating natural means and occasionally—though rarely—by direct intervention. Even then, however, His direct supernatural intervention never comes through the agency of a divine healer. Although some teach that healing can be coaxed out of God by exercising enough faith or by demonstrating enough faithfulness, healing only occurs by the Lord’s sovereign choice. As perplexing as this concept may sound to us, God may not choose to heal every illness.
Life . . . as God Intended It
It’s been said that the only guarantee in life is death and taxes. The Lord certainly never guaranteed us a long physical life or one free from pain or sorrow . . . or taxes. Furthermore, the pursuit of material abundance will always end in either failure or disappointment. Nevertheless, Jesus said that abundant life is available through Him—by His means and on His terms.
A Case for Practical Christianity
Although Martin Luther saw James as merely an epistle of straw, it stands to this day as one of the most practical and penetrating books in all the Bible. Don’t be fooled by its size! It may be brief, but it’s strong. It refuses to let the reader hide behind a mask of theory or within the wall of an intellectual faith. True faith produces authenticity. “No authenticity . . . no faith” is James’ analysis of the matter. It may make us squirm, but it gets us off the fence.
Plain Talk about Temptation
In his profound work, Temptation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer vividly portrays with his pen the battleground of our experience. We can all identify with this scene:
In our members there is a slumbering inclination towards desire which is both sudden and fierce. With irresistible power, desire seizes mastery over the flesh. All at once a secret, smouldering fire is kindled. The flesh burns and is in flames. It makes no difference whether it is sexual desire or ambition or vanity or desire for revenge or love of fame and power or greed for money . . . At this moment God is quite unreal to us. He loses all reality, and only desire for the creature is real . . . The powers of clear discrimination and of decision are taken from us.
In this message, we face the problem Bonhoeffer describes and, hopefully, we’ll discover some workable techniques that will enable us to walk in victory in spite of the enticements to yield.
Clinging to Hope
All of us are in desperate need of strength to endure and hope to carry on. Life is difficult and demanding. It’s often filled with pain, heartaches, setbacks, and detours.
In Clinging to Hope, Pastor Chuck Swindoll reassures us that we can endure disappointments and even those unexpected calamities. How? By taking our stand on the strong foundation of God’s Word.
When trials and tribulations rumble in like a fleet of bulldozers to demolish our lives, we can emerge from the rubble with a strong resolve to recover and rebuild. Not just to survive, but to thrive!
For a limited time, download the first chapter of Clinging to Hope for free.
Life is often filled with pain, heartaches, and unexpected detours. In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll provides the biblical tools needed to endure and even thrive in the midst of adversity. By anchoring ourselves to the strong foundation of God’s Word, we can face “bulldozing” trials with a resolve to recover and rebuild. This series explores how suffering, when handled well, becomes the very thing that fosters spiritual maturity and deepens our reliance on God’s grace.
Message 1: When Troubles Come and Stay
Message Overview: Some trials are not temporary visitors but long-term residents. This message addresses the unique challenge of “staying” troubles—chronic illnesses, difficult relationships, or ongoing financial strain—and how to maintain a perspective of hope when relief seems far away.
Key Facts:
- Nature of Trials: Troubles are often uninvited, unexpected, and can be prolonged.
- The Response: Shifting from asking “Why?” to asking “How can I honor God in this?”
- Divine Presence: God is as present in the long-term struggle as He is in the sudden miracle.
Scripture References: Psalm 34:17–19; 1 Peter 4:12–13
Message 2: When Suffering Leaves Its Mark
Message Overview: Suffering often leaves “scars”—emotional, physical, or spiritual. This message explores how to process the permanent changes that adversity brings, finding beauty and purpose in the marks of our struggles rather than hiding them in shame.
Key Facts:
- The Reality of Scars: Life’s battles often leave lasting impacts that change our trajectory.
- Redemption: God uses our “woundedness” to make us more compassionate and effective ministers to others.
- Focus: Looking at Christ’s scars as the ultimate proof that God understands our pain.
Scripture References: Galatians 6:17; John 20:24–29
Message 3: When God Heals Body and Soul
Message Overview: This message looks at the multifaceted nature of healing. While we often pray for physical restoration, the Spirit frequently works on the “deeper healing” of the soul, addressing bitterness, guilt, and spiritual brokenness.
Key Facts:
- Holistic Healing: God is interested in the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
- Sovereignty in Healing: Recognizing that God heals in His own way and timing, sometimes physically and sometimes through the gift of sufficient grace.
- Spiritual Health: A healthy soul can endure a failing body.
Scripture References: Psalm 103:1–5; 3 John 1:2
Message 4: When Unexpected Tests Rattle Our World
Message Overview: Life can change in an instant. This message focuses on the “pop quizzes” of life—sudden crises that test the foundation of our faith—and how to lean on the unchanging nature of God when everything else is shaking.
Key Facts:
- The Element of Surprise: Tests often come when we feel most secure.
- The Foundation: A life built on the Word of God is the only one that remains standing after the storm.
- Stability: Finding our “center of gravity” in the promises of Scripture.
Scripture References: Matthew 7:24–27; James 1:2–4
Message 5: When Calamity Crashes In
Message Overview: Calamity is more than just a trial; it is a overwhelming disaster. This message provides a biblical roadmap for surviving the initial “crash” of tragedy, focusing on immediate reliance on God’s mercy and the support of the Christian community.
Key Facts:
- Immediate Response: In moments of calamity, we must “run to the Tower” (God’s Name).
- The Role of Lament: It is biblical and healthy to cry out to God in honest grief.
- God as Refuge: He is a very present help in times of trouble.
Scripture References: Psalm 46:1–3; Proverbs 18:10
Message 6: When God Gives Grace to Endure
Message Overview: Endurance is not just “gritting your teeth”; it is a supernatural gift. This message explores how God provides the specific strength needed to stay under the weight of a heavy trial without breaking.
Key Facts:
- Definition of Endurance: Remaining under pressure with a God-honoring attitude.
- Source of Strength: Grace is not just for salvation; it is for daily sustaining.
- The Result: Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
Scripture References: Romans 5:3–5; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Message 7: When the Giants of Life Attack
Message Overview: Using the metaphor of Goliath, this message addresses the intimidating obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. It encourages believers to face their “giants” not with human bravado, but with the confidence that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Key Facts:
- Intimidation Tactics: Giants seek to paralyze us with fear and doubt.
- Divine Perspective: Compared to our problems, the giants are huge; compared to God, they are small.
- The Weaponry: Faith, prayer, and the Word are more effective than any worldly armor.
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 17:45–47; Ephesians 6:10–18
Message 8: When Thorns Rip Our Pride
Message Overview: Sometimes God allows “thorns”—painful, nagging limitations—to keep us humble and dependent. This message teaches how to accept these irritants as tools of divine refinement rather than just nuisances to be removed.
Key Facts:
- Purpose of the Thorn: To prevent spiritual pride and foster total dependence on God.
- The Answer to Prayer: Sometimes God says “no” to the removal of the thorn but “yes” to more grace.
- Power in Weakness: When we are weak, then we are truly strong in Christ.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Message 9: When God’s Discipline Strikes
Message Overview: Discipline is a proof of God’s love, not His rejection. This message distinguishes between punishment and training, showing how a believer can respond to God’s correcting hand with a heart of hope and repentance.
Key Facts:
- The Motive: God disciplines those He loves as a father does his child.
- The Goal: To share in His holiness and produce a harvest of righteousness.
- The Response: Do not despise the discipline or lose heart when rebuked.
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:5–11; Psalm 119:67, 71
Message 10: When Doors Slam Shut
Message Overview: Closed doors can be as frustrating as they are confusing. This message explores how to handle rejection and redirected plans, trusting that God’s “no” is often a redirection to a better “yes” in the future.
Key Facts:
- Sovereign Redirection: God closes doors to protect us or to lead us to a better path.
- The Danger of Forcing Doors: Attempting to manipulate circumstances leads to frustration and failure.
- Trusting the Key-Holder: Jesus holds the keys; what He shuts, no one can open.
Scripture References: Revelation 3:7–8; Acts 16:6–10
Message 11: When Solitude Drives Us Deeper
Message Overview: Adversity often brings seasons of isolation. This message looks at the value of “wilderness experiences,” showing how solitude can become a sanctuary where we hear God’s voice more clearly than in the noise of prosperity.
Key Facts:
- The Desert School: Many of God’s greatest servants were prepared in solitude (Moses, Elijah, Paul).
- Depth over Surface: Solitude strips away distractions and forces us to deal with our inner selves.
- The Intimacy: Finding that God is “enough” when everything else is stripped away.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:1–11; Galatians 1:15–18
Message 12: When Adversity Leads to Humility
Message Overview: The final message in the series focuses on the ultimate fruit of a hopeful heart: humility. True hope doesn’t demand its own way; it humbles itself under the mighty hand of God, trusting that He will exalt us in due time.
Key Facts:
- The Posture: Humility is the proper response to God’s sovereignty in suffering.
- The Promise: God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
- Final Hope: Casting all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.
Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:6–7; James 4:6, 10
Flying Closer to the Flame
Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s series Flying Closer to the Flame removes the fog of separation many Christians feel regarding the person of the Holy Spirit.
Like reading the dictionary’s definition of fire versus seeing its blaze and feeling its heat, these 14 messages soar you nearer to the Spirit . . . so you might experience Him as you cultivate a very personal and practical relationship with Him.
Discover how to fly closer to the Flame—our mysterious, divine Helper. He’s ready! Are you?
For many Christians, the Holy Spirit remains a mysterious or even intimidating figure. We may know the “dictionary definition” of the Spirit, but we lack the warmth and power of His actual presence. In this 14-part series, Chuck Swindoll removes the “fog of separation” and invites us to a closer walk with our divine Helper. By exploring the Spirit’s roles in transformation, healing, emotions, and inner promptings, we discover that He is not an abstract force, but a personal guide ready to ignite our spiritual lives.
Message 1: Let’s Get Reacquainted with the Spirit
Message Overview: This message serves as a foundational call to move beyond theological abstractions and truly get to know the Person of the Holy Spirit. It addresses the common fears or neglect associated with the Spirit’s ministry and invites believers into a deeper, more personal reliance on His presence.
Key Facts:
- Nature of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a vague force or “it.”
- The Goal: To move from a “closed system” of living to one open to divine intervention.
- The Promise: The Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Advocate.
Scripture References: John 14:16–17; 16:5–15
Message 2: The Main Agenda of God’s Spirit: Transformation
Message Overview: The primary work of the Holy Spirit is not merely to provide emotional “highs,” but to fundamentally transform the believer into the image of Christ. This message focuses on the internal change of character—the fruit of the Spirit—as the ultimate evidence of His work.
Key Facts:
- Metamorphosis: Christian growth is a process of internal change, not just external conformity.
- The Power Source: Transformation is impossible through human effort; it requires the Spirit’s power.
- The Result: Developing the “mind of Christ” and the “fruit of the Spirit.”
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:17–18; Galatians 5:22–23
Message 3: My Sin . . . and “The Things of the Spirit”
Message Overview: This message explores the conflict between the “flesh” (our sinful nature) and the “Spirit.” It provides practical insights into how sin grieves or quenches the Spirit’s influence and how confession restores the flow of His power in our lives.
Key Facts:
- The Internal Struggle: Every believer experiences a tug-of-war between the old nature and the new.
- Warning Signs: Bitterness, anger, and unconfessed sin hinder the Spirit’s work.
- The Solution: Walking in the light and maintaining a “short account” with God through confession.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Romans 8:5–14
Message 4: Is the Spirit’s Filling That Big a Deal?
Message Overview: Chuck Swindoll clarifies the biblical command to “be filled with the Spirit.” He explains that filling is not a one-time event but a continuous surrender to the Spirit’s control, leading to a life of joy, gratitude, and mutual submission.
Key Facts:
- Grammar Matters: The command in Ephesians 5:18 is passive (let yourself be filled) and continuous (keep being filled).
- The Contrast: As wine controls the drunkard, the Spirit should control the believer.
- Visible Signs: The filled life is characterized by “singing in the heart” and “giving thanks always.”
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:18–21
Message 5: The Spirit Who Surprises
Message Overview: Because the Spirit is God, He cannot be put in a box. This message explores the spontaneous and unpredictable ways the Spirit works to guide, comfort, and empower believers, often stepping outside our rigid expectations or routines.
Key Facts:
- Sovereignty: The wind blows where it wishes, and so it is with the Spirit.
- Spontaneity: God often works in “the interruptions” of our planned lives.
- Openness: Maintaining a heart of “expectant availability” to God’s leadings.
Scripture References: John 3:8; Acts 8:26–40
Message 6: Draw Me Nearer . . . Nearer
Message Overview: This message focuses on the intimacy the Spirit provides. It is through the Spirit that we experience the “Abba, Father” relationship with God, moving from religious duty to the warmth of being God’s beloved children.
Key Facts:
- Adoption: The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
- Intimacy: The Spirit enables us to pray with deep, personal affection for the Father.
- Security: This intimacy provides a foundation of security even in times of suffering.
Scripture References: Romans 8:15–17; Galatians 4:6–7
Message 7: Those Unidentified Inner Promptings
Message Overview: How do we know if a thought or impulse is from God, ourselves, or elsewhere? This message provides biblical criteria for discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Spirit will never lead us contrary to the Word of God.
Key Facts:
- The Test of Scripture: The Spirit and the Word always agree.
- The Test of Peace: God’s leading often carries a sense of “settled peace” in the soul.
- The Test of Counsel: Seeking confirmation through wise, godly advisors.
Scripture References: Acts 16:6–10; Colossians 3:15
Message 8: The Spirit and Our Emotions
Message Overview: God created us with emotions, and the Spirit uses them. However, we must not be led by emotions alone. This message discusses how to balance emotional expression with biblical truth, allowing the Spirit to sanctify our feelings.
Key Facts:
- Emotional Integrity: Honest expression before God (as seen in the Psalms).
- Control vs. Suppression: The Spirit provides self-control, which is different from emotional repression.
- Stability: Truth must remain the anchor for our shifting feelings.
Scripture References: Psalm 42; 2 Timothy 1:7
Message 9: Thinking Theologically about Sickness and Healing
Message Overview: This message tackles the difficult questions regarding physical suffering. It establishes a theological framework for understanding why God allows sickness and how we should view His power to heal in a broken world.
Key Facts:
- The Origin of Illness: Sickness is part of a fallen creation, though not always tied to personal sin.
- God’s Purpose: God can use suffering to refine character and display His glory.
- The Ultimate Healing: The promise of a resurrected body in the future.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Romans 8:22–23
Message 10: A Biblical Case for Healing
Message Overview: Chuck Swindoll looks at the biblical mandates for seeking healing. He emphasizes the role of prayer, the elders of the church, and the “anointing with oil” as practical expressions of faith in God’s ability to restore health.
Key Facts:
- The Role of the Church: The elders are called to pray over the sick.
- The Prayer of Faith: Approaching God with confidence in His power while submitting to His will.
- Anointing: Oil as a symbolic or medicinal act accompanying prayer.
Scripture References: James 5:13–16
Message 11: When the Spirit Brings a Slow Recovery
Message Overview: While we often desire instantaneous miracles, God frequently chooses “the long road” of recovery. This message encourages patience and endurance, showing how the Spirit sustains us through the grueling process of gradual healing.
Key Facts:
- The Grace of Endurance: Integrity is often built more in the recovery than the cure.
- Learning in the Wait: Discovering God’s sufficiency when progress is slow.
- Support: The role of the Christian community in bearing one another’s burdens.
Scripture References: Psalm 27:13–14; Isaiah 40:29–31
Message 12: Power, Power . . . We’ve Got the Power!
Message Overview: This message focuses on the “dunamis” (power) of the Holy Spirit available to every believer for witnessing and service. It contrasts human weakness with divine strength, reminding us that we are “more than conquerors” through Him.
Key Facts:
- The Purpose of Power: Not for personal show, but for being witnesses to the ends of the earth.
- Strength in Weakness: God’s power is perfected when we admit our inability.
- Boldness: The Spirit provides courage to share the Gospel in hostile environments.
Scripture References: Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Message 13: Is That All There Is to the Spirit’s Ministry?
Message Overview: This message looks at the diverse and ongoing ministries of the Spirit, including His role in spiritual gifts, intercession for the believer, and the “sealing” that guarantees our eternal inheritance.
Key Facts:
- Spiritual Gifts: Given for the common good and the building up of the body.
- The Intercessor: The Spirit groans on our behalf when we don’t know how to pray.
- The Seal: The Holy Spirit is the “down payment” of our future glory.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 1:13–14
Message 14: Let’s Just Praise the Lord
Message Overview: The final message in the series concludes with a focus on worship. When we are truly “flying closer to the flame” of the Spirit, the natural result is a life of praise, adoration, and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Key Facts:
- The Spirit’s Focus: The Holy Spirit always seeks to glorify Christ, not Himself.
- A Lifestyle of Praise: Worship as a daily response, not just a Sunday event.
- The Final Goal: A heart fully surrendered and overflowing with gratitude to God.
Scripture References: John 16:14; Psalm 150; Revelation 4–5
Holiday Messages 2020
Such intriguing scenes fill the biblical pages recounting the Christmas miracle! That’s why we have a season every year to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this year’s holiday series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey to visit some of those scenes—from peeking behind the curtain into the divine council of eternity past to traveling 90 miles with Mary and Joseph to listening in on God’s voice in the cry of a baby. We’ll linger at each one and simply let in all the wonder.
Chuck Swindoll’s 2020 holiday messages are not available for sale but you may listen to them through streaming in our Broadcast Library or on the Insight app.
The biblical account of the Christmas miracle is filled with intriguing scenes that invite us to slow down and wonder. In this series, Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey through these moments—from the divine council in eternity past to the long road to Bethlehem. We witness the troubled romance of Mary and Joseph, listen for God’s voice in the cry of a newborn baby, and reflect on what is worth forgetting and remembering as we face a new year. These messages are designed to help us linger in the wonder of the Savior’s arrival and the plan of salvation.
Let’s Start Before the Beginning
Sermon Summary Christmas did not begin with an angel in Nazareth; it began in the heart of God before the world was created. This message peeks behind the curtain into the “divine council” of eternity past, where the Triune God planned creation and the salvation of humanity. We learn that the Son’s mission to become human was an intentional, preordained act of love, ensuring that our redemption was settled before time even began.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Eternal Plan: Understanding that Christ’s birth was part of a sovereign, ancient design.
- Pre-existence of Christ: Recognizing Jesus’ role in the Godhead before the Incarnation.
- Sovereign Love: How God’s plan for salvation preceded human history.
Let’s Witness a Troubled Romance in Nazareth
Sermon Summary Behind the serene images of our Nativity sets lies a story of real-life tension and “troubled romance.” This message explores the emotional and social upheaval Mary and Joseph faced. We see a young couple navigating the scandal of an unexplained pregnancy with quiet integrity and remarkable faith. Their story reminds us that God often works through difficult and confusing circumstances to accomplish His greatest miracles.
Key Facts & Themes
- Faith in Scandal: The courage required to trust God when reputations are at stake.
- Mary and Joseph’s Integrity: How obedience overshadowed their personal fears.
- The Ordinary and the Extraordinary: God using common people for His divine purposes.
Let’s Hear God’s Voice in a Baby’s Cry
Sermon Summary In the most humble and unlikely of places—a manger—God spoke. This message invites us to listen for the voice of the Almighty in the cry of the infant Jesus. Chuck discusses the profound paradox of the “Word made flesh,” arriving as a vulnerable baby to reconcile the world to Himself. We learn that God’s greatest message was not delivered in thunder, but in the soft, human sounds of a newborn.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Incarnation: Reflecting on the “Word made flesh” dwelling among us.
- The Paradox of Power: How God used vulnerability to conquer sin.
- Divine Communication: Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s love.
Christ Is Born to Save
Sermon Summary The purpose of the manger was always the cross. This message focuses on the core mission of Christmas: salvation. Chuck explores the angelic announcement to the shepherds, emphasizing that the “Good News of great joy” is centered on the birth of a Savior. We see that Christ was born specifically to address the deepest human need—the forgiveness of sins and restoration to the Father.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Mission of the Manger: Connecting the birth of Christ to His sacrificial death.
- Good News for All: Why the message of salvation is universal in its reach.
- Personal Savior: Understanding what it means to accept the gift of Christ.
Here’s Something Worth Forgetting
Sermon Summary As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is vital to identify what we should leave behind. This message addresses the weight of past failures, grudges, and regrets that hinder our spiritual progress. Chuck encourages us to exercise the “grace of forgetting,” letting go of the things that God has already forgiven so we can press forward with a light heart and a renewed focus on the future.
Key Facts & Themes
- Releasing the Past: The spiritual benefit of letting go of regrets and grievances.
- Forgiving as God Forgives: Applying the “grace of forgetting” to ourselves and others.
- New Year Focus: Preparing for the future by unburdening ourselves of the past.
Here’s Something Worth Remembering
Sermon Summary While some things should be forgotten, others are too precious to lose. The series concludes with a focus on the essential truths we must carry into the new year. Chuck discusses the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, His promises, and His constant presence. By anchoring our memories in the character of God, we find the stability and courage needed to face whatever the upcoming year may bring.
Key Facts & Themes
- Stones of Remembrance: Practical ways to keep God’s faithfulness at the forefront of our minds.
- Anchoring in Truth: Using biblical memories to stabilize our current emotions.
- Spiritual Continuity: Why remembering the past is key to navigating the future.
James: Hands-On Christianity
“Practice what you preach!”
Nobody trusts a phony or a hypocrite. As representatives of Christ, we sully His name when we live hypocritically. We’re called to a higher standard.
Hypocrisy existed even in the early days of Christianity. In this series Chuck Swindoll encourages you to pursue authentic faith in God, provides you a clear and biblical how-to for authentic living as he exposits the book of James, and explains how to live without hypocrisy in your speech, actions, and relationships.
This series will assist you to live what you believe.
“Practice what you preach!” is the underlying theme of the book of James. While other New Testament books focus on deep theology, James addresses the “hands-on” reality of daily Christian living. In this 16-part series, Chuck Swindoll provides a clear, biblical roadmap for authentic faith. We learn how to handle persistent troubles, control our tongues, overcome prejudice, and respond to unfair treatment. James challenges us to move past a merely intellectual belief to a life where our actions, speech, and relationships consistently reflect the character of Christ.
Message 1: A Case for Practical Christianity
Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces the Book of James, emphasizing its reputation as the most “hands-on” book of the New Testament. This message sets the stage for a study on how faith must transition from a theoretical concept to a practical lifestyle. James challenges believers to move beyond intellectual assent and demonstrate their devotion through tangible actions.
- Key Fact: James was likely the half-brother of Jesus and wrote this letter to Jewish Christians scattered by persecution to encourage “faith in overalls.”
- Scripture Reference: James 1:1
Message 2: When Troubles Won’t Go Away
Overview: Life is often defined by trials that seem relentless. Chuck explores James’ radical command to “count it all joy” when facing diverse testings. This message explains that trials are not meant to destroy us, but to produce “staying power” and spiritual maturity by refining our character through the heat of adversity.
- Key Fact: God uses trials to develop hupomone (steadfastness)—the ability to remain under pressure without breaking.
- Scripture Reference: James 1:2–12
Message 3: Plain Talk about Temptation
Overview: This sermon distinguishes between the “tests” that come from God and the “temptations” that arise from our own desires. Chuck provides a clear look at the anatomy of temptation, explaining how an internal itch can lead to external sin and, ultimately, spiritual death if not addressed at the root.
- Key Fact: God never tempts us to evil; temptation is a predictable process of being “lured and enticed” by our own inner cravings.
- Scripture Reference: James 1:13–18
Message 4: The Great Divorce
Overview: Chuck addresses the dangerous disconnect between being a “hearer” of the Word and a “doer.” This message illustrates how many Christians “divorce” their Sunday learning from their Monday living. True spiritual health is found in looking into the “mirror” of Scripture and immediately making the necessary adjustments to one’s life.
- Key Fact: Religion that God accepts as “pure and faultless” involves looking after those in distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
- Scripture Reference: James 1:19–27
Message 5: Prejudice Is a Sin
Overview: James pulls no punches regarding favoritism within the church. Chuck examines how human nature tends to cater to the wealthy and influential while overlooking the poor. This message calls the church to reflect God’s impartial heart, reminding us that showing partiality is a direct violation of the “Royal Law” of love.
- Key Fact: To show favoritism is to judge by external appearance, which is a direct contradiction to the Gospel that offers grace to all.
- Scripture Reference: James 2:1–13
Message 6: You Can’t Have One without the Other
Overview: In one of the most debated passages in the New Testament, Chuck clarifies the relationship between faith and works. He explains that while we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. Genuine, living faith naturally produces “good works” as an evidence of a transformed heart.
- Key Fact: Faith without works is “dead,” just as a body without a spirit is a corpse; works are the vital signs of a living relationship with Christ.
- Scripture Reference: James 2:14–26
Message 7: Bridling the Beast in Your Body
Overview: This message focuses on the small but mighty power of the tongue. Chuck uses James’ vivid metaphors—bits, rudders, and fires—to show how our speech can direct our lives and destroy our relationships. He offers practical wisdom on how to bring our words under the control of the Holy Spirit.
- Key Fact: The tongue is the most difficult member of the human body to tame; it is a “restless evil” that requires constant divine supervision.
- Scripture Reference: James 3:1–12
Message 8: The Wise, the Unwise, and the Otherwise (Part 1)
Overview: Chuck explores the contrast between “earthly wisdom” and the “wisdom from above.” This first part identifies the symptoms of worldly wisdom: bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder. True wisdom is not measured by IQ, but by the peace and humility it produces in one’s life.
- Key Fact: Earthly wisdom is characterized by a “me-first” attitude that leads to confusion and every evil practice.
- Scripture Reference: James 3:13–16
Message 9: The Wise, the Unwise, and the Otherwise (Part 2)
Overview: Continuing the study of wisdom, Chuck details the characteristics of heavenly wisdom: purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy. This message provides a checklist for believers to evaluate whether their decisions and attitudes are truly being guided by the Spirit of God.
- Key Fact: Godly wisdom is “easy to be entreated,” meaning it is approachable, reasonable, and willing to listen.
- Scripture Reference: James 3:17–18
Message 10: How Fights Are Started and Stopped
Overview: James addresses the “wars and fightings” that occur among believers. Chuck traces the source of conflict back to “unmet inner cravings” and selfish desires. The solution is found in a fourfold process: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, and humble yourself.
- Key Fact: Conflict with others is almost always a symptom of an internal conflict with God and our own misplaced desires.
- Scripture Reference: James 4:1–10
Message 11: The Peril of Playing God
Overview: This sermon warns against the arrogance of judging others and making plans without God. Chuck discusses the sin of “slander” and the presumption of assuming we control our own future. We are reminded that our lives are a “vapor” and every plan should be submitted to “If the Lord wills.”
- Key Fact: Judging a brother or sister is an act of putting oneself above the Law of God; it is a form of spiritual pride.
- Scripture Reference: James 4:11–17
Message 12: Warnings to the Wealthy
Overview: Chuck tackles James’ stern warning to those who hoard wealth and exploit workers. This message isn’t an indictment of having money, but of the misuse of money and the reliance on riches rather than God. It serves as a sober reminder of the transitory nature of material possessions.
- Key Fact: God hears the “cries” of those who are treated unfairly by the powerful; justice is delayed but never denied.
- Scripture Reference: James 5:1–6
Message 13: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong
Overview: When facing injustice, the natural reaction is retaliation. Chuck provides James’ antidote: patient endurance. Using the examples of the farmer and the prophets, this message encourages believers to “strengthen their hearts” because the Lord’s return is near.
- Key Fact: Patience is not passive waiting; it is a “steadfast endurance” that refuses to give in to bitterness while waiting for God to act.
- Scripture Reference: James 5:7–12
Message 14: Suffering, Sickness, Sin—and Healing
Overview: This message delves into one of the most complex passages in James regarding prayer for the sick. Chuck carefully explains the roles of the elders, the “prayer of faith,” and the importance of confession. He provides a balanced, biblical view of how God works through physical and spiritual healing.
- Key Fact: The “anointing with oil” in James 5 likely refers to both a symbolic act of consecration and a practical application of medicinal care.
- Scripture Reference: James 5:13–16a
Message 15: The Power of Effective Kneeling
Overview: Using the prophet Elijah as a model, Chuck illustrates the power of “fervent prayer.” This message encourages believers that prayer is not for “super-saints,” but for ordinary people with “a nature like ours” who serve an extraordinary God.
- Key Fact: The “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man” accomplishes much because it aligns the believer’s heart with God’s power.
- Scripture Reference: James 5:16b–18
Message 16: How to Handle Straying Saints
Overview: In the series conclusion, Chuck addresses the responsibility of the church to go after those who wander from the truth. This final message emphasizes that “practical Christianity” ends where it began: with a focus on restoration, mercy, and the covering of sins through the Gospel.
- Key Fact: Restoring a wandering believer is a high calling that “covers a multitude of sins” and saves a soul from the consequences of death.
- Scripture Reference: James 5:19–20
