Coming Up THIS SUNDAY (3/2/14)

Hello everyone!

We've been enjoying our study of James!  This last Sunday, James boldly told us about making sure that we love all of God's people and don't show favoritism of any kind.  It was a tough passage, and a tough message--but we survived and are better for it!!!

This Sunday we move forward to cover the rest of James 2.  In this VERY important passage, James discusses the truth that our FAITH is linked to our WORKS.  This is a passage that has caused a great deal of conflict for Christians through the centuries.  And we're going to talk about why!  And in order to understand it, we'll have to study a little history!

If you want a preview of why this passage has been so controversial, do a little comparison reading.  First, read the passage for this week: James 2:14-26.  BUT, compare it to Paul's words in Romans 4!  On the surface, it looks like Paul and James are contradicting one another!

In order to properly understand why it looks this way to us, we'll have to talk about a guy named Martin Luther, and what he contributed to the church.  Folks, this is going to be a fun one...YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!!!

The message for this Sunday will be called: "Faith or Faithfulness."

Now, for the James Challenge!  Hopefully you're all participating!  This week, I'm posting the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
James.

We'll see you in a few days!

Special Get-Together at the Graves' Home!

Hello Castle folks,

John and Chris Graves (and family) are celebrating one year in their new home!  They've invited everyone from the church out to their house in Canton to celebrate this Sunday afternoon (3/2/14). 

They're asking that everyone come out to enjoy some food and fellowship!  Also, if you can bring a side-dish or a desert, that would be great!

The address is:
821 Sycamore Dr.
Canton, GA  30115

It should be fun!

Coming up THIS SUNDAY (2/23/14)

We had a great Sunday studying the last passage in James' first chapter on the 16th!  You can listen to that sermon (called "So What?") here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/castlechristianchurch

This Sunday we'll be starting chapter 2, which is one of my favorite passages in scripture!  I love it because it convicts me and trips my "righteous indignation" sensor!  In James 2:1-12, James deals with such important issues as:

• prejudice/favoritism
• judgment
• motives
• wealth and poverty

I'm calling this message "All People Equal" from James 2:1-12.  I'm very excited about this passage and I think you won't want to miss it!

Now the James challenge!  This week I'm posting the New English Translation (NET).  However, instead of putting links for all the chapters, I'm only putting the link for the first.  Just use the arrows at the bottom of the page to go on to the next chapter.

James in the NET

Coming Up This Sunday (2/16/14)

Hello everyone!

This Sunday we'll be continuing in James 1.  It is possible that we will finish all of chapter 1 this Sunday, which would mean we are covering from 22-27.  However, there is a good chance we'll only get through vs. 25.

In these upcoming passages, James will allude to two very important topics that he will expound upon later in the book.  The first topic is how our actions must reflect our beliefs (or they aren't truly our beliefs).  The second deals with our control of our tongues.

In my mind, the question James answers in this passage is "so what?"  In other words, "What is the point of all this gospel stuff, anyhow?"

And that's what I'm going to call this week's message..."So What?"  Don't miss it!

And now for the James challenge.  This week let's try the New Living Translation (NLT).  The website I'm using doesn't have an audio NLT, so if you want to listen to James, please use last week's links.

Read James:
James 1, James 2, James 3,  James 4, James 5

Prayer Request

Chris Graves has asked for prayer. She has been sick for a week and is on her way to the emergency room. Please pray for her and their family.

Coming Up This Sunday (2/9/14)

Hey everyone,

This Sunday we'll be moving on to a new topic in James.  He often changes subjects by addressing his readers again.

We'll be reading James 1:19-21.  There is SO much material in these three verses!

In this passage, James is telling us to be thoughtful and careful people, that righteousness is akin to thoughtfulness!  I can't wait to explore this passage with everyone.

I'll call this message, "Slow Down!"

Now, for the James challenge.  This week I'll post the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Read James:
James 1, James 2, James 3, James 4, James 5

Listen to James:
James 1, James 2, James 3, James 4, James 5

Podcast Updated

Hey everyone!

Thanks to Becca and Debbie, I was able to get the message from last week (Tecia's message) and get it uploaded on the podcast.  That, along with today's sermon (2/2) is available at:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/castlechristianchurch

You can also do a search for Castle Christian Church on the iTunes store to download these sermons.

See you!