Sermon Guide for Last Week

June 29, 2025

1.  We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to do good works.
2. We do these good works out of the love we have for Jesus.
3. The Holy Spirit living inside believers helps them do good works even when it is challenging.
4. We today should take time to think and pray about how God is challenging us to live out the fruit of the spirit and do good works.
5. Finally we should put our faith in Jesus, acknowledging that Christ is Lord and submit to His holy authority by doing good works.

1. Summer is in full swing, what have been some memorable moments from your summer so far?
2. This week we heard about James’ original audience probably struggling with the biblical truth that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Many today struggle with the same thing. Why do you think believers sometimes try to earn their salvation? 
3. Have you ever thought you need to be good enough to enter the kingdom of heaven?
   1. James encourages his audience to not just say that they believe but live out their faith. What does it mean to live out your faith? Why is it important for a believer to not just say they believe but to show signs of fruit in their lives?
   • How do they show signs of fruit?
     
     
4. Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean to become a new creation in Jesus? How does this affect a person's life and actions?
   
   
5. As believers, we are called to live a holy life. Why then do we continue to struggle with sin?
   
   
6. Believers are called to walk in the fruit of the spirit and do good works. What are those good works and what if someone does not do them?
   • What are the benefits to doing good works?
     
     
7. This week we sang a special song we don't normally sing called, Come Thou Fount. One of the lyrics says “tune my heart to sing thy grace.” How does God tune our hearts?
   • How can we be praying for you?