What causes fights, jealousy, and division—even among believers?

In this powerful message from James 4, Pastor Jayden Zwerner walks us through one of the most confronting passages in Scripture. James doesn’t blame circumstances, politics, personality conflicts, or other people. He goes deeper. The root of conflict, he says, is the battle within us—desires that were once good but have become ultimate.

Building from James 3:13–18, we’re reminded that true wisdom is humble, peace-loving, full of mercy, and sincere. But when envy and selfish ambition take root, disorder follows. James 4 asks the hard question: What happens when “me, my, and mine” take the driver’s seat of our lives?

Through the story of Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29–30), we see how unchecked jealousy and comparison can spiral into relational destruction. What begins as a good desire can slowly become an idol—reshaping our identity, our prayer life, and even our friendships.

This sermon explores:

• Why conflicts often reveal deeper heart issues
• How good desires become “ultimate things”
• What it means to delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
• The danger of friendship with the world (James 4:4)
• The hope found in James 4:6 — “But He gives us more grace.”

The invitation is not shame—it’s grace. The same grace that saved you is the grace that sustains you. When we humble ourselves, submit to God, and draw near to Him, He promises to lift us up.

If you’ve ever wrestled with envy, comparison, unanswered prayer, or frustration that obedience isn’t “paying off,” this message is for you.

📖 Scripture Focus: James 3:13–18; James 4:1–10
🙏 Closing Prayer: Psalm 51:10–12

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurch
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurches
Website | https://hillsidechurches.com

In James Week 5, Pastor Aaron McRae tackles one of the most challenging and relevant issues in our everyday lives: our words. From trained animals and massive ships to raging wildfires, James uses vivid imagery to show that while humans can tame almost anything, no one can tame the tongue.

Walking through James 3, this teaching reveals the sobering truth that uncontrolled speech can wound deeply, divide communities, and even shape the direction of our lives. Words are never words “just slipping out”—they reveal what is stored in the heart. Gossip, anger, careless teaching, and online speech all carry disproportionate power, especially in a world where everyone has a platform.

But James doesn’t leave us stuck. The tongue may not be able to be tamed, but it can be transformed. Through submission to God, repentance, wisdom, and the renewing work of Jesus, our words can move from destruction to healing, from division to reconciliation. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak life—words that glorify God, build others up, and point people toward the reconciling hope of the gospel.

Resources & Scriptures Referenced

Primary Passage

• James 3:1–12
• James 1:26
• James 4:7–8

Supporting Scriptures

• Proverbs 18:21
• Ephesians 4:29
• Matthew 12:34–37
• 2 Corinthians 5:16–21
• Psalm 19:14

Practical Tools

• Good, God, Gospel Conversations
  https://goodgodgospel.com/

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurch
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurches
Website | https://hillsidechurches.com

What does it mean to have a faith that actually lives?

In James 2:14–24, Pastor Woody Morwood challenges us to recapture an undeniable, living faith—a faith that moves beyond words and belief statements into real, visible action. James confronts the idea that faith can exist without deeds and asks a sobering question: Can that kind of faith save?

Through a powerful story of a small church faithfully serving people released from prison in Venezuela, this message reminds us that faith is not a claim to make—it’s a life to live. A faith rooted in Jesus will always express itself through love, compassion, and obedience. True faith shows up in real moments, responds to real needs, and moves toward people—not away from them.

James teaches that faith and action are not competing ideas. They are inseparable. Faith is a verb, and when it is alive, it shapes how we love, serve, give, and live every day.

This message invites us to examine our faith honestly and ask: Is my faith moving—or has it stalled?

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurch
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurches
Website | https://hillsidechurches.com