Covenant Naples

In this passage, James tells us that wandering from the truth is a real possibility in the Christian community. How do we respond when we see a brother or sister going the wrong way? How would we like them to respond to us? As part of the community of Christ, James calls us to bring back those wandering away from the truth. Sermon Outline: I. Wandering from the Truth is a Real Possibility. II. Res...

In this passage, James shoots down the underlying assumptions of our prayerlessness by showing us that we do not have life under control and that prayer actually works. Sermon Outline: I. Prayer Sometimes Leads to Healing. II. Healing is Sometimes Connected to Forgiveness. III. The Prayer of the Righteous is Always Powerful. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Do you agree that we often don’t pray bec...

Student Discipleship Director Brian Campbell brings a Thanksgiving message.

It is easy to see people living in ease and self-indulgence and to begin to wish we had their lives. But in this passage, James makes it clear that judgment is coming on the unrighteous rich and we should neither envy them nor emulate them. What is it that the unrighteous rich do that warrant God’s judgment? Sermon Outline: I. The Unrighteous Rich Hoard and Accumulate. II. The Unrighteous Rich Use...

We frequently make our plans as though we have total control over our lives and the world. Sometimes it’s sheer forgetfulness. But more perniciously we may find in our hearts an exalted view of ourselves rooted in pride and arrogance. One of the side effects of this view is that we become incredibly anxious people because we spend our efforts trying to control things that we have no control over....

We live in a world that is very eager to tell the truth about others. It can be common for us to feel like the world we live in is eager to give each of us a star rating as well. As human beings created in God’s image, we are designed to care about our reputation, we long to be approved, and we have an empty space in our souls until our reputation is settled and secure. That hole in our souls can...

Beneath our otherwise calm and polite exteriors rages the source of so many of our conflicts: a relentless desire to have my way, to pursue my pleasure, and to proudly put myself first. But such a posture is incompatible with real relationships, with God or one another. In this passage James puts the spotlight on our selfish pride that brings opposition from God himself and invites us to the humbl...

Earthly ‘wisdom’ and heavenly wisdom are diametrically opposed. The one yields chaos and evil, the other the blessings of righteousness and peace. How is the believer to recognize and pursue the wisdom that is from above? Look to the character of Jesus Christ, Himself the very wisdom of God. I. Heavenly wisdom is demonstrated not primarily by words but by works. II. The jealous and factious spirit...

There are so many ways we can go wrong with our tongues, sometimes it seems we would do well just to keep our mouths shut. But therein lies the problem James highlights in this passage. Who can tame the tongue? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. The Tongue’s Restraint Reflects its Maturity. II. The Tongue’s Size Betrays its Power. III. The Tongue’s Output Reveals its Source. Sermon Discussion...

Can faith be seen? Isn’t faith just an abstract theological concept, an idea, some nebulous indefinable religious mumbo-jumbo? James teaches us that real faith is seen, and faith that cannot be seen is not biblical faith at all. Is your faith visible? Sermon Outline: I. Three Questions II. Two Examples III. One Conclusion Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How can you tell what a person really believ...

We don’t often think that partiality has big consequences. Is it really that big of a deal if I have a judgmental thought? Our passage for Sunday, James 2:1-13, will challenge those assumptions by reminding us what kind of kingdom the Lord reigns over. Outline Title: The Sin of Partiality I. The Problem of Partiality II. The Hope in the midst of partiality Questions 1. What was your understanding...

None of us wants to be considered religious, but none of us can stop being religious. James 1:26-27 invites us to self examination as it describes the difference between fake religion and the real thing. 1. Do you think of when you hear the word "religion"? 2. Why is our use of words an important indicator of the authenticity of our faith? 3. When you think of your own spiritual maturity, do you t...

Through the Scriptures, we have access to the very voice of God directing us in His ways. Yet how often do we treat the Bible as mere information rather than life-giving good news? In this passage, James calls us beyond simply hearing the word to actually doing what it says. Sermon Outline: I. Those who only hear the word are self-deceived. II. Those who only hear the word are foolish. III. Those...

Think about the last time you became really angry? What was the fruit of that anger? Would you say it was the righteousness that should characterize a person who loves and serves God? Probably for most of us it wasn’t. Anger can produce many things, but it does not produce the one thing we Christians want the most in our lives: the righteousness of God. But what the anger of man cannot produce, th...

Christians worship an unchanging God, who does not associate with or tempt us to sin. Therefore, we may have great confidence and hope that the new life he has birthed in us is but the firstfruits of His plan to renew all creation and vanquish sin, Satan, and death. Sermon Outline: I.The only way to obey the command: ‘do not be deceived,’ is to know the truth. II. Our faith in God and confidence i...

John Owen wrote back in the 1600’s about what temptation does: “It will lay the reins on the neck of a lust, and put spurs to the sides of it, that it may rush forward like a horse into the battle.” We all know what that feels like, because temptation is common to all of us. But where do our temptations come from, where do they lead, and how can we resist them? Join us this Sunday to find out. Ser...

In this passage, James confronts us with the challenge of evaluating the worth of a person, even our own worth. On the one hand, what you think makes you valuable actually works against you. On the other hand, what you think makes you worthless actually highlights your true value. So, what are you worth? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. The Lowly Can Boast. II. The Wealthy Can Be Humble. Se...

Trials not only reveal and refine our faith, but our trials also reveal where our character is lacking and needs to be completed. And one of the things we frequently lack which keeps us from having joy in our trials is wisdom. The good news is that God promises to give that wisdom to all who ask for it in faith. Join us this week to discover why we need wisdom and how to get it. Sermon Outline: I....

No one likes to face trials in this life. Yet, in this passage, James calls us to “Count it all joy” when we encounter trials. What is it about the Christian faith that turns the hardest things that happen to us in this life into occasions for joy? Join us to find out as we kick off our new sermon series in the book of James! Sermon Outline: I. The Counterintuitive Response to Trials II. What We K...

How can anyone know if they are living life rightly before it is over? Some might argue that it’s being presumptuous to say that there is a “right” way to live. But how to live life rightly amid all the chaos, confusion, and ambiguity of our existence under the sun is what Ecclesiastes is all about. Join us for the final message in this series as we put it all together. Sermon Outline: I. The Comm...

Life is short. Decay and death comes for all of us. The book of Ecclesiastes shows us how to live life in light of these sobering truths. Chapter 11 and 12 are particularly relevant for young people and those of us who are no longer young should pay special attention to what the book says. The clock is ticking. Discussion Questions: 1. As you think of aging, which do you fear losing the most: a yo...

The fear of uncertainty can keep us from pursuing a dream, from venturing into a relationship, from taking a step of faith, from starting that business or ministry, from reaching out to someone, or from using our gifts. How you respond to the uncertainties of life will either expand your life or reduce it. Join us to discover how and why we can live boldly for God’s glory in the face of uncertaint...

How many businesses have been ruined by one person’s folly? How many marriages through one foolish decision? How many nations, and how many churches, have been undone through the folly of its leaders? Wisdom and folly are not abstract ideas, but realities that impact the lives of everyone under the sun. Join us to consider the power of wisdom and folly! Sermon Outline: I. Value the Saving Power of...

You do not know when your time is coming, but it is coming regardless of how you live. To live your life wisely is to live like you are dying. Join us to find out how! Sermon Outline: I. Embrace Reality: You Are Dying. II. Enjoy the Life You Are Living. III. Be Ready When the Time Comes. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How would you live differently if you were to live like you were dying? 2. If l...