Respond to the Word - Week 1

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Title of the Series

Words Matter

Title of the message this Morning

Respond to the Word - Week 1

Main idea: ​​

"Respond to the Word" emphasizes that true faith is more than just belief—it's about living out the Word of God in our daily lives.

Drawing from James 1:17-27, we are challenged to receive God's Word with humility, to be doers of the Word and not just hearers, and to practice true religion by caring for those in need while maintaining personal holiness.

Ultimately, our actions should reflect our faith, demonstrating that we are walking the talk as followers of Christ.

Prayer:

“Lord, we know that talk is cheap in this culture of constant noise and distraction.

Help us to be doers of the word and not just hearers.

Help us to respond in faith to the things that matter most to you and give us the strength to be faithful even when it is difficult.”

Scripture: James 1:17-27

(All scripture is taken from the NIV unless otherwise noted)

Introduction

In the book of James, we encounter a letter filled with practical wisdom that challenges us to respond to God’s Word in ways that transform our lives.

James, the brother of Jesus, doesn't shy away from urging believers to go beyond intellectual belief and embrace a faith that is lived out in everyday actions.

He makes it clear that faith must not remain confined to thoughts and words; instead, it should manifest in tangible responses that reflect God's will.

This letter is like a spiritual mirror, prompting us to examine how we respond to the Word and whether our faith is active and authentic.

Today, we begin a 5-week series through each chapter of James titled Words Matter.

Each week, we’ll explore how the Word of God calls us to action.

This week, we’ll look at three foundational principles from James chapter 1 that shape our response to the Word.

First, we’ll consider how receiving the Word is not just a passive hearing but an active and humble acceptance.

James tells us that we must welcome the Word with open hearts, allowing it to take root and cleanse our lives.

Next, we’ll discover that true faith requires a response—it calls us to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.

James challenges us to move beyond hearing and to live out the truths we profess.

Finally, we’ll explore what James describes as "true religion"—a faith that responds to God’s love by caring for those in need and living with personal holiness.

James provides us with a roadmap from hearing to responding, from belief to action.

As we dive into his letter, may we be inspired to respond to the Word with lives that reflect the love, compassion, and holiness of Christ.

Main Teaching

Read James 1:17-27

James 1:17-19

James 1:20-23

James 1:24-27

Point 1: "Receiving the Word: The Foundation of Faith"

(James 1:17-21)

James starts by reminding us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Among these gifts, the most precious is the Word of God, the gospel that has been planted in our hearts.

But this gift isn’t something to be received passively.

James calls us to accept the Word with humility, letting it take root in our lives.

This is the foundation of our faith—the living Word of God that transforms us from the inside out.

As Paul says in Romans 12:1-2,

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

But James doesn’t stop there, and neither does Paul.

They warn us to rid ourselves of moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent.

This cleansing process is essential because it prepares our hearts to truly receive the Word and let it shape our lives.

It’s not enough to just hear the Word; we must allow it to penetrate our hearts and change us.

In essence, James is telling us that the foundation of our faith is not just about knowing the Word but allowing it to transform our lives.

It’s the starting point of our journey toward faithful action.

Point 2: "Being Doers, Not Just Hearers"

(James 1:22-25)

James then drives home a powerful point:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

This is where the rubber meets the road.

It’s one thing to hear a sermon, to read the Bible, or to talk about faith.

It’s another thing entirely to live it out day to day.

James uses the analogy of a person who looks at their face in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like.

This person hears the Word but doesn’t put it into practice.

How often do we fall into this trap?

We hear God’s Word, we may even feel convicted, but then we walk away and nothing changes…

Many of us get stuck in this pattern and feedback loop and we need the power of God, His Word, and fellowship to help break us out of it.

James calls us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.

When we live out what we believe, our faith becomes tangible.

It impacts our lives and the lives of those around us.

When we act on our faith, we begin to see the blessings that come from obedience.

We experience God’s presence in new ways, and our faith deepens.

This is what many called the sanctification process - a continual growth, renewal, sometimes difficult process of walking with God through life.

This is the crux of faithful action.

It’s about living out the truths we claim to believe, letting them shape our decisions, our relationships, and our daily lives.

Point 3: "Faith in Action: True Religion"

(James 1:26-27)

Finally, James speaks about what true religion looks like.

He says,

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James is showing us that true religion is not about rituals or outward displays of piety.

It’s about the condition of our hearts and how that manifests in our actions.

Caring for those in need—the orphans and widows of our world—is a clear example of faith in action – and part of what makes this point so powerful is that these are specific groups of people who have nothing to offer in return.

They are wholly dependent on the help of others. They are vulnerable, weak, and needy and God calls us to intercede on their behalf.

But James also reminds us to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.

This is a call to holiness, to live in a way that reflects the purity of Christ.

It’s a challenge to not let the world’s values shape us but to be shaped by God’s Word instead.

(Back to the transformative power of God’s word mentioned in Romans 12:1-2)

True religion, then, is a balance of compassionate deeds and personal holiness.

It’s faith in action, driven by love for God and others…

Especially those who are in need of love.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let’s take to heart the practical wisdom James has shared with us.

The call to action is clear, and the path forward is one of intentionality and faithful response.

First, let us be diligent in receiving the Word of God as the foundation of our faith.

This means not just hearing the Word but allowing it to transform us from the inside out.

Take time this week to meditate on Scripture, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you need to be renewed.

Rid yourself of anything that hinders your ability to receive His Word fully—whether it’s habits, attitudes, or distractions—and invite God to plant His truth deep in your heart.

Second, we are called to be doers of the Word,not just hearers.

Reflect on your daily life and ask yourself:

In what ways can I better live out my faith?

Is there an area where I know God has spoken, but I haven’t yet acted?

Commit to taking concrete steps this week to live out your faith in tangible ways.

It could be through a change in your behavior, reaching out to someone in need, or simply practicing what you’ve learned in your daily decisions. Remember, it’s in the doing that our faith becomes real and alive.

Finally, let’s embrace the true religion that James describes: a faith marked by compassionate deeds and personal holiness.

This week, look for opportunities to care for those who are vulnerable and in need—whether it’s someone in your community, a family member, or even a stranger.

At the same time, guard your heart against the influences of the world.

Let the purity of Christ guide your thoughts, actions, and interactions.

In doing these things, we align ourselves with the heart of God, reflecting His love and holiness in a world that desperately needs both.

As we leave here today, may we go with a renewed commitment to not only hear God’s Word but to respond to it, demonstrating our faith through our actions and showing the world what true - Christ centered - religion looks like.

Let’s pray together.

Salvation:

The Word of God says in: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:13 NKJV

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you’d would like to receive Jesus today, please pray this prayer with all of us:

Lord I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died On the cross for my sins and His resurrection from the dead gives me eternal life. I ask forgiveness of my sins, and I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Pastor [e-mail]

Church Office: 909-922-8090

And I will send you a Bible & a Free Book on how to begin your first 21 steps with Jesus (show the book)

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Lady Pepper Please Join Me

Communion

Communion stands as one of Christianity’s most ancient practices, rooted in the Passover meal but transformed into a distinctively Christian observance centered on Christ’s body and blood.

1 The practice involves consuming bread and wine (or juice) to commemorate Jesus’ sacrificial death.

2 Jesus himself instituted it, and the early church maintained it as a regular practice according to apostolic instruction.

No matter your belief Communion stands as one of Christianity’s most ancient practices, rooted in the Passover meal but transformed into a distinctively Christian observance centered on Christ’s body and blood.

The practice involves consuming bread and wine (or juice) to commemorate Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Jesus himself instituted it, and the early church maintained it as a regular practice according to apostolic instruction.

I want to take a few moments to give you the opportunity to ask forgiveness of any sin in your life.

Let us pray over the elements (Cross Exposed) in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Ghost

Read first Corinthians 11:23- 26 - (Taking the elements together)

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (take bread)

25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (Take Cup)

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Song: The Blood

The blood that Jesus shed for me Way back on Calvary The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power It reaches to the highest mountain It flows to the lowest valley The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power

It soothes my doubts and calms my fears And it dries all my tears The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power It reaches to the highest mountain It flows to the lowest valley The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power

Pepper Praise Reports

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Prayer Requests - (Pepper Read)

Let us Pray (P/P)

Praying for the 10-40 Window

The 10/40 Window is a rectangular geographic region stretching from West Africa to East Asia, between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator.

It contains the majority of the world's unreached people groups and the poorest populations.

Prayer initiatives focus on breaking spiritual strongholds, bringing humanitarian relief, and supporting the persecuted church.

The Unreached:

Pray for the billions of individuals who have never heard the Gospel message, particularly among Frontier People Groups.

The Persecuted Church:

Intercede for local believers who face severe restrictions, imprisonment, or violence for their faith.

Humanitarian Crises:

Pray for relief from extreme poverty, human trafficking, and the oppression of women and children.

Laborers & Discipleship:

Pray for the protection of frontline missionaries, effective local church planting, and the translation of scriptures.

Pray for the United StatesI

Today, we focus our prayers for the nation on asking for unity to overcome the division, wisdom for the government leaders, and a nationwide spiritual revival.

National unity and healing: pray for reconciliation where division exists, asking that the nation learns to live together peacefully despite differences.

Government and local leaders: intercede for wisdom, godly counsel, and discernment for all elected officials (local and national) to make righteous decisions

Spiritual revival: pray for a national to return to godly values, with a focus on repentance and the desire to seek truth.

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This is Pastor Doc & Lady Pepper with:

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Benediction

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans12:1-2

Have a Great Week! Goodbye!

This is Pastor Doc and Lady Pepper signing off until next time we meet. Blessings to you all!