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?

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Playing favorites may feel like a phase we outgrow, but James confronts how deeply partiality still shapes our lives—and our faith. In James 2:1–13, we are warned that favoritism based on status, appearance, wealth, or ideology is incompatible with faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

This teaching by Pastor Aaron McRae exposes how easily we absorb the world’s habits of ranking, judging, and dividing others, often without realizing it. James reminds us that true faith is not merely held—it is lived. Faith in Jesus must look like Jesus, expressed through mercy, humility, and love for neighbor without exception.

Through Scripture, cultural insight, and practical application, this message calls believers to examine their hearts, reject unconscious bias, and live under the “royal law” of love. Ultimately, James leaves us with a defining vision for Christian living: mercy triumphs over judgment.

James Study Journal – Weekly Scripture readings, reflection prompts, and space to apply the teaching personally or with a group - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/James2026_Journal_FINAL.pdf

Discussion Guide – Designed for small groups, coffee groups, or families to process the message together - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Discussion-Guide-1.18.26.pdf

Resources & Scripture References
Primary Text: James 2:1–13

Supporting Scripture
-Leviticus 19:15, 18
-Genesis 1:27
-Galatians 3:26–28
-John 1:14
-John 15:12–13
-Exodus 33:18–19
-Ephesians 3:17–19

Referenced Authors
-Douglas Moo, James
-Scot McKnight, The Letter of James
-N.T. Wright, Early Christian Letters for Everyone
-Scott Sauls, Irresistible Faith

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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 really mean to hear God? In James Week 2, Pastor Aaron McRae explores how genuine listening to God’s Word is proven not by information received, but by lives transformed. Using the image of a hearing test, James challenges us to examine whether we are merely hearing Scripture—or actually responding to it with obedience.

Walking through James 1:19–27, this message unpacks how hearing God begins with listening more than speaking, slowing our anger, humbly welcoming the Word, and intentionally putting it into practice. Pastor Aaron highlights James’s warning against self-deception: when we hear without doing, we convince ourselves we’re growing when we’re not. True faith is not just orthodox belief but lived obedience that expresses itself in transformed character and compassionate action toward others.

This teaching invites us to quiet the noise of our lives, tune our hearts to God’s voice through Scripture, and respond with concrete, faithful steps. When we hear like God intends, our hearts are aligned with Him—and our lives become attentive to the needs of the people around us.

Resources

• James Study Journal – Weekly Scripture readings, reflection prompts, and space to apply the teaching personally or with a group - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/James2026_Journal_FINAL.pdf
• Discussion Guide – Designed for small groups, coffee groups, or families to process the message together - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Discussion-Guide-1.18.26.pdf
• Scripture Focus: James 1:19–27; Psalm 85:7–8
• Recommended Reading:
  • James by Douglas Moo
  • James by George M. Stulac
  • Caring Enough to Hear and Be Heard by David W. Augsburger

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