Everyone has hopes and dreams for the future, but James reminds us in James 4:13–17 that life is uncertain and brief, and our plans must include God. Too often we live as if we control the future, separating faith from daily life. Instead, we’re called to say, “If the Lord wills,” trusting His sovereignty in everything we do. Like Jesus, we should focus on what God has given us to do and live each day with humility, urgency, and purpose—using our time to bring glory to God.

James 4:1–12 teaches that conflict is unavoidable in a sinful world, but believers can choose how to respond: in a worldly way or a godly way. Worldly conflict starts with selfish desires, and it puts self over God. It causes division, making Satan glad and Jesus grieve. Godly conflict, however, comes through submission to God. It resists the devil and invites the Holy Spirit to guide our emotions.

James 3:13–18 teaches that real wisdom isn’t about knowledge but about living rightly. Earthly wisdom is selfish and leads to envy, disorder, and bitterness, while wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, gentle, and sincere. True wisdom shows in our conduct and humility, producing peace instead of conflict. When we let go of bitterness and trust God, we reap a harvest of righteousness and choose to become better, not bitter.

This message from James 3 teaches that our words have incredible power. They can guide our actions, shape our relationships, and reveal what’s in our hearts. Though the tongue is small, it can cause great harm or bring great good. James warns that controlling our speech is one of life’s hardest disciplines, because no one can fully tame the tongue; only Jesus can transform our hearts so that our words honor God.

Have you ever bought a fake that looked real—until it wasn’t? James 2:14–26 warns us that faith can be the same way. In this episode, we break down three kinds of faith: dead faith that talks but never acts, demonic faith that believes but never loves, and dynamic faith or the real deal that trusts God so deeply it shows up in everyday obedience. Discover how true faith is more than words or knowledge; it’s a life that bears fruit, fueled by love for Jesus and empowered by His grace.

James 2 warns against favoritism in the church—whether toward the rich, poor, or any group—because all people are equally made, sinful, and saved in Christ. The only seat that matters is Jesus’ throne, and He alone deserves the glory.

Guest Speaker Mark Hodges speaks from Lamentations 3 about how to build our hope.

James teaches that the Christian life requires both knowing and doing God’s Word—like two pedals on a bike. We begin by remembering we are God’s beloved, saved and transformed by His implanted Word. But knowledge alone is not enough; true faith shows itself in obedience. Real religion means controlling our words, caring for the vulnerable, and staying unstained by the world. Though sin leaves us filthy, Jesus takes our rags and gives us His righteousness. Because of His love, we live out the Word with both understanding and action.