SERMON SERIES INTRODUCTION

We live in a world that constantly tells us to look out for ourselves, to climb the ladder of success at any cost, and to prioritize our own desires above all else. This relentless pressure to be "number one" can leave us feeling isolated, unfulfilled, and disconnected from the genuine needs of those around us. Are we missing something essential by focusing so intently on our own ambitions and comfort? What if true purpose and lasting joy are found not in self-promotion but in selfless service?

This series challenges the prevailing "me first" mentality and invites you to explore a radically different way of living. We'll confront the uncomfortable truth that our natural inclination towards self-centeredness often blinds us to the needs of others and hinders our ability to make a real difference in the world. Prepare to examine your priorities, confront your biases, and discover the transformative power of a life that is truly "not about me" – a life dedicated to love, compassion, and service to others.

WHY STUDY THE LETTER OF JAMES?

This series, based on the Letter of James, challenges us to examine our faith and put it into action. James (the brother of Jesus) doesn't mince words. He calls us to a faith that is lived out in tangible ways, a faith that prioritizes the needs of others and reflects the selfless love of Christ. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and empowered to live a life that truly matters—a life that is not about you.

We're launching this series to address a pervasive challenge: the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live, particularly in our engagement with the needs around us. James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church, tackled this head-on. He wrote to a community of believers who were scattered after a wave of intense persecution sparked by the stoning of Stephen. As Saul rallied his followers to try to snuff out the influence of this new way of faith, the believers fled from their homes. Imagine being driven from your home and scattered because of your faith! These believers were facing immense pressure to compromise, to grow quiet, or even to retaliate. Sound familiar?

James wrote with great compassion and concern for these "dispersed" believers between 45-50 AD, rallying the scattered church to continue in their bold faith and active love. But his challenge to them resonates just as powerfully today. He wasn’t calling them to armed conflict, but to a revolution of active faith. We too can easily become paralyzed by the problems around us, retreating into talk without action. James confronts this, calling us to move beyond mere acknowledgement of God in our lives to an active, lived-out faith that transforms our families, neighborhoods, communities, city, and the world! His message is a bold invitation to join God in transforming our communities through intentional kindness, compassion, and selfless service.