Lake Highlands Church

Why did Jesus have to die?  Because God takes covenant seriously, God takes justice seriously, and God loves us seriously.  And nothing atones for sin other than the death of God himself.

The problem of human suffering isn't just some abstract concept or idea we're here to debate and discuss in theory. Pain is pain, and the problem with pain is, well, that it hurts.  And it raises the question: Why would a good and loving God allow for so much pain and suffering? While Christianity does not provide a reason for every experience of pain and suffering, the fact of Easter does provide deep resources for actually facing suffering with hope and courage rather than bitterness and despair.

In a world full of conflict, grace empowered humility has the power to bring peace. If I am going to live at peace with God and others, I have to deal with my idols and turn to God, which means, I need to humble myself. Scripture: James 4:1-6

Life is one of those things where some assembly is required…and we need to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! The scriptures are the instruction manual, and if we live by THE BOOK we will be wise. Scripture: James 3:13-18

Maturity shows itself in how we speak to one another.  We must learn how to control our tongues. Scripture: James 3:3-12

We have to understand that we represent Christ everywhere we are.  We need verbally proclaim the gospel, but we also must have a life that is consistent with what we proclaim. Scripture: James 3:1

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or mentor you will be encouraged as you listen to Shelli Presley lead us in a review of the Freedom Principals through a different lens.

Faith without works is useless, empty, dead.  But a faith that works is a faith that saves. Scripture: James 2:14-26

We are all prone to being judgmental from time to time.  The best remedy for judgmentalism/favoritism/prejudice is to recognize that we are all sinners saved by grace. Scripture: James 2:1-13

The truth of God is to change us in such a way that our faith is genuine and shows itself not in empty words but in loving God and loving others. Scripture: James 1:19-27

Temptation: where it comes from and how to overcome it. Scripture: James 1:13-18

Hearing the truth is one thing; living it out is another.  And no place does our faith get tested more than through trial.  But if we will allow it, trials can produce joy. Scripture: James 1:1-12

An introduction to our study in the book of James:  Growing up isn’t easy.  Age does not equal maturity.  There are often bumps on the road to maturity, and the book of James addresses many of them, showing us how to live out our faith, because mature Christians are fruitful, useful and joyous. 

Look at two images that the prophet Isaiah gives us of what the coming of Messiah will mean and the relevance of these images; the hope that they give us. 1) We walk in darkness but Jesus is the Light of the world. 2) We are dry and barren and thirsty people but Jesus came to give us streams of living water that flow from within us.  That’s the hope of Christmas. Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-7

Sometimes we don’t want the things life gives us.  Joseph certainly didn’t want what life was giving him.  But in those moments of disappointment or struggle, even though it feels scary or overwhelming or frustrating, if we will listen to God it can be the moment that we find hope like never before. If we will listen to the words of the angel… don’t be afraid, take a risk, and commit yourself to Jesus… God will use this season to change the course of our lives and maybe even the course of history. That was true for Joseph and it could be true for us. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-21

Christmas can be a stressful season for a lot of people.  And there will be somebody in your life who needs the gift of hope.  So how do we give them the gift of hope? By giving them grace and truth and time.  For hope to grow they need the soil of grace, they need seeds of truth, and they need time. 

Our hope for a glorious future resides in only one person…Jesus.  The shepherds at the birth of Jesus got that and they couldn’t help but share the good news with others.  And those of us who know that same hope should want to share the good news with everyone who will listen.  Scripture: Luke 2:8-18

The world Jesus entered was not one of stockings and sugar plum fairies. It was one of chaos and confusion and strife, much like our own.  And the answer to the turmoil in our lives will not be found in any of the cultural solutions.  Our only hope is in the savior who came into the world to rescue us and bring us peace.

Giving thanks has the power to improve our health. More importantly, it opens our eyes to the presence of God in all of our circumstances making joy possible. We see this in Jesus’ life as he gave thanks during the Last Supper even as he anticipated the pain of the cross.   Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Luke 22:17

Hear our Elders give a synopsis of this series and the impacts it had on their lives.