We so easily slip into the world’s ways of thinking, don’t we? In 2:1-13 James addresses the issue of partiality based on the world’s criteria of success – in this case, wealth. Do we think more highly of those in…

How does the double-minded person approach God's word? James is clear that God’s word is the way we become Christian (v18) and the way we continue as Christians (v21), and so listening is hugely important. But listening alone isn’t the…

On Sunday we heard a hugely counter-cultural truth from James: trials are good for us. They’re used by our perfect God, to strengthen us and make us perfect - to grow in us a 'battle-hardened' steadfastness. Therefore James says we’re…

Here is a passage full of encouragement when Jesus’ manifesto for kingdom growth from 4:1-20 – scattering the word on all different types of soil – might seem weak or ineffective. Jesus’ three parables in 4:21-34 have three exciting and…

What would be your manifesto for church growth - your winning strategy to build up God’s people? Maybe we’d centre our manifesto on miracles, or political reform, or even military force. But Jesus’ manifesto focusses on something quite surprising: his…