Recorded June 7, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens begins a new sermon series through the Letter of James on "Seeking Wisdom."

James 1:1-18, “Seeking Wisdom in Times of Turmoil, Doubt, and Temptation”

I. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Turmoil (vss. 1-5)

II. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Doubt (vss. 6-13)

III. Seeking Wisdom in Times of Temptation (vss. 14-18)

This letter was written around 45 AD, during a time of heavy persecution of the church. The letter was written to the scattered Christians who fled Jerusalem because of extreme persecution. James, the brother of Jesus, is the author of this letter.

James explains that trials produce a steadfast and unshakable faith. The word here is that testing and pressing through, pushing through, produces staying power. This is what James calls “the full effect.” We can find wisdom in times of turmoil, doubt, and temptation by being secure in the word, seeking godly counsel from others, praying, and learning when to speak and when to listen.

Doubting God is like being on the waves of the sea, driven by the wind. Sometimes we are close, and then we are away from the wisdom of God. Therefore, to be like the one who is secure in their ways, we can pray the scriptures and identify the difference between doubt and disbelief. Doubt is a fight of the mind seeking understanding, while unbelief is a deliberate refusal to trust God.

We have faith because He has given it. God does not cause temptation; He offers freedom. Jesus Christ came to die a sinner's death, rise again, offering salvation to those who will repent and call upon Him, not to be tossed about on a sea of doubt.

In our time of response, let us pray in these specific ways:

1. We will seek godly wisdom in difficult times, and its times of prosperity
2. We will seek to be steadfast or unmovable in our faith.
3. That God will help us with our doubts and alleviate unbelief.
4. When we are tempted, know it isn’t from God, but then for Him to remove temptation.
5. To offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving us the greatest gift of all, Christ Jesus.

Recorded for Graduation Sunday, 5/31/2026

Youth Minister Eric Hudson brings a timely message to the graduating class of 2026 from II Timothy, chapters 1 and 2.

Eric issued six challenges, not only for the graduates, but also for the whole body to consider.

2Ti 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 2Ti 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2Ti 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2Ti 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2Ti 1:11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 2Ti 1:12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2Ti 1:13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 2Ti 1:14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

II Corinthians 9:12-15 “The Worshipful Giver”

May 24, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens

1. The Worshipful Giver Will Bring Confession and Glory to God
2. The Worshipful Giver Anticipates God’s Providence

Paul composed this section of the epistle to remind the congregation of their commitment to support the church in Jerusalem. He encourages them to proceed with the preparations for the offering and to reflect thoughtfully on the purpose of their donation, emphasizing that it should be a willing gift and not one that was given begrudgingly or without any thought, pray about it, seek the Lord about it.

Wouldn’t that be great to know that a person’s deepened sense of worship could be inspired by the generosity of the church? God uses the church to express the gospel through generosity, and it helped to strengthen someone’s faith. Worship isn’t dependent on how much we give—our worship isn’t just about what God has provided. Instead, it’s rooted in His sovereignty, His holiness, and the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus.

What ways can we bring a worshipful confession to God for His generosity?

1. We confess and worship God for supplying vision for mission and ministry (vs. 12).
2. We confess and give worship to God for supplying the resources we need to grow the kingdom (vs. 12).
3. We confess and worship God for the thanksgiving to God we hear in others (vs. 12).
4. We confess and give worship to God for people who pray on our behalf (vs 14).
5. We confess and give worship to God for His gift of grace (vs. 14).
6. We confess and give worship to God for His indescribable gift (vs. 15).