The book of James is a survival guide for following Jesus in a world that often pushes the other way. James, the half-brother of Jesus, once a skeptic, became a bold leader after meeting the risen Christ. His letter is raw, practical, and direct— calling us out of comfort and into a faith that actually works. Over 8 weeks, we’ll journey through the book of James to learn how to face trials, obey God’s Word, speak with wisdom, live with humility, and pray with power. It’s a call into the wild— faith that works in a world that doesn’t.
When to Pray : James 5:13-20 (Nov. 2, 2025, 4:47 p.m. )
We live in a world full of distractions, discouragement, and spiritual drift—and the enemy loves every bit of it. But there’s hope: the enemy doesn’t fear a perfect church, he fears a praying church. In this message, we explore how prayer is powerful, persistent, and transformative. From life’s struggles to its successes, prayer invites God into every chapter of our story. Join us as we learn how a praying church can move heaven and change lives.
Taming the Wild Within : James 3:13-4:12 (Oct. 19, 2025, 3:31 p.m. )
Why does conflict seem to follow us — at work, at home, and even inside our own hearts? In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks James 3:13–4:12 to show how God can use conflict to shape our character rather than break our spirit. When we learn to posture ourselves with humility, take personal responsibility, and pour out grace, our struggles can actually become the place where faith grows deepest.
Taming Wild Words : James 3:1-12 (Oct. 12, 2025, 5:27 p.m. )
Have you ever noticed how one careless word can start a fight—or one kind word can heal a wound? Our words carry incredible power, but most of us struggle to keep them under control. This week at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon shares practical wisdom from James 3 in a message called Taming Wild Words. You’ll learn why your words can either build or burn, and how real change begins not with your mouth, but with your heart.
Faith in Action : James 2:14–26 (Oct. 5, 2025, 3:57 p.m. )
Is faith just something you believe—or something you live? This Sunday, Pastor Dan King walks us through James 2:14–26 with a powerful reminder: real faith shows up in real life. Join us as we explore how faith shapes our priorities—our resources, our commitments, our values, and even our sense of security.
Faith Doesn't Play Favorites : James 2:1-3 (Sept. 28, 2025, 3:55 p.m. )
In James 2:1–13, we’re reminded that real faith doesn’t play favorites. Showing partiality isn’t just impolite—it’s sin, because it violates God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus reached across every barrier—rich and poor, young and old, insider and outcast—and calls His church to do the same. In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks how mercy triumphs over judgment and how keeping our eyes on Jesus reshapes the way we value people around us. Faith that works is faith that sees every person as made in God’s image and worthy of love, dignity, and mercy.
Ride the Bike : James 1:19-27 (Sept. 21, 2025, 5:18 p.m. )
Today, Pastor Jon will share how living faith is a moving faith. Like riding a bike, following Jesus gives us balance, rhythm, and forward motion—helping us stand firm in our identity as God’s children, be grounded in His Word, and live it out daily in obedience.
Answering the Call : James 1:1–18 (Sept. 7, 2025, 3:26 p.m. )
God doesn’t waste your trials—He uses them to prepare you for the wild journey of faith. James introduces himself as a servant of Jesus—the brother who once doubted but now leads with bold faith. He calls scattered believers to see trials not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth, producing perseverance and maturity. Faith isn’t tame; it thrives in adversity.