James, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

On the surface, James 1:9-11 looks like a passage dealing with money, and it is, but there is more going on here. In a few short verses, James dives into how the “lowly” and the “rich” should view themselves and relate to one another. Both a lack of resources, and an abundance of them, are enormous tests of our faith that reveal the true condition of our hearts. Behind this passage, we can hear the echo of James’ half-brother, Jesus, saying, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

James, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

James 1:5-9 speaks of prayerfully asking God for the wisdom needed to build our lives in, on, and through Jesus. The fundamental aspect of prayer is relationship with our loving Lord. His children can ask for the ability to discern how to live well knowing that He is a glad, personal, and gracious giver. James goes on to say that the posture of our heart matters when we ask. We have the choice to trust God's promise, and not let stubborn doubt make us victims of unbelief. Prayers work because we are helpless coming to our Father in need.

James, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

In James 1:2-4 James addresses the posture of our hearts during trial. He says to,”count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds”. We can be comforted knowing we are not saved or made right with God by how we handle trouble, rather, trials have a way of helping us move from an abstract view of God to an encounter with Him. Trials are God's way forward in our lives. As our faith is tested and given the chance to grow we have a choice in how we experience our trials. They can either soften us or harden us. We choose if our highest good is that we become comfortable and have a life that works, or to become spiritually great in Jesus.

James, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This morning we are beginning a new series through the short, fast-paced and immensely practical New Testament letter of James. It is filled with vivid exhortations, colorful metaphors and strong admonitions to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (1:22) His purpose is not merely to give us new information, nor leave us in the theological clouds, but to urge us to build a certain kind of life – a life in which Jesus’ people actually apply what they say they believe. He leaves no room for pretend Christianity or empty ritual. The question that faces us all is: What kind of life am I building?

Lamentations, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, in Lamentations 5, we have a prayer of the people of Jerusalem reaching out to God for help and hope amidst the dark times they found themselves in. Even though this is an ancient book, it is deeply relevant because nothing transcends time like pain, heartache and disappointment. Today, whether you’re stuck in darkness or trying to help someone through theirs, we get help on how to walk in the dark with hope.

Lamentations, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Lamentations chapter 4 continues the accounting of the raw and painful aftermath of the destruction and exile of Jerusalem. The grief expressed in this book speaks to our deepest needs in a powerful way. As we look at common questions raised when humans experience suffering, we can take comfort in who God has declared himself to be. He is holy, and as such has a just and measured wrath against against sin. He is working all things, even suffering, together for our good, will walk through our suffering with us, and will do what he must to root out our destructive self-dependence. God's wrath helps us forgive, knowing that He will execute perfect justice. And, God's wrath helps us grasp how much Christ loved us through His costly, wrath bearing sacrifice.

Lamentations, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today we will move into Lamentations 3, the third poem of Lamentations. This chapter is utterly unique among the rest of the book. Why? There’s actually a glimmer of hope amidst the carnage of a destroyed city. This section offers us some serious help in how to face suffering, difficulty, disappointment and heartache – with hope.