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.

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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

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In James Week 1, Pastor Aaron McRae opens the Book of James by addressing one of life’s hardest questions: How do we trust God in the middle of real suffering? James does not deny the reality of trials—he names them plainly—and invites believers into a new, Jesus-centered way of viewing hardship, vulnerability, and perseverance.

Drawing from James 1, the sermon reframes trials as places where God forms resilience, maturity, and hope. Rather than offering clichés or quick fixes, Scripture calls us to honest faith—one that asks God for wisdom, resists despair, and clings to Jesus when suffering lingers. True faith is not proven by the absence of pain, but by perseverance shaped through it.

📚 Resources & References

Books & Authors Referenced

• Tish Harrison Warren — Prayer in the Night
  Quote on deciding God’s goodness apart from outcomes.
• Brennan Manning — Ruthless Trust
  Reflection on suffering, loss, and the danger of shallow explanations.
• K.J. Ramsey — This Too Shall Last
  Quote addressing suffering, American Christianity, and enduring pain.

Biblical Passages

• James 1:2–5, 12–15
• 1 Peter 1:6–7
• Romans 5:3–5
• Hebrews 12:2–3
• John 16:33
• Psalm 46:1
• 1 John 2:16–17
• 1 Corinthians 10:13

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We live in a culture obsessed with efficiency—quick fixes, shortcuts, and life hacks that promise fast results. But what if the life God is forming in us requires something slower, deeper, and more transformative?

In this message, we explore the difference between life hacks and life-giving habits, and why spiritual maturity is not accidental—it is formed through intentional rhythms, practices, and relationships over time. Using Colossians 1, Hebrews 5, and other key Scriptures, this teaching reframes Christian maturity not as doing more religious activity, but becoming fully trained in Christ for the sake of others.

We examine common cultural lies about identity, truth, and independence, and contrast them with biblical habits that lead to real formation: knowing and relying on God’s love, ongoing engagement with Scripture, sacrificial service, and authentic interdependence within the church. This message challenges cultural Christianity and invites us into a committed, formed, resilient faith that lasts.

If you are entering a new year asking, “Who am I becoming?” or “What kind of faith do I want to build?”, this teaching offers a clear, biblical vision for spiritual growth rooted in Jesus—not hype, not shortcuts, but transformation.

Resources in this Sermon

Scripture Passages

• Colossians 1:21–29
• Hebrews 5:11–14
• 1 John 4:15–18
• Romans 12:1–2
• Philippians 3:15–18
• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3
• Psalm 16:11
• Galatians 5:22
• Philippians 4:4–6

Books & Authors

• Invitation to a Journey — M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
• Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You — Marcus Warner, Jim Wilder

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In this message, Pastor Natalie Moore walks through Acts 16 to reveal how the gospel of Jesus reaches people from every background, circumstance, and moment of desperation. From Lydia’s open heart, to a nameless enslaved woman set free, to a Roman jailer asking, “What must I do to be saved?”, one truth becomes unmistakably clear: the gospel is for everyone.

Pastor Natalie highlights how the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is alive and active in believers today, challenging us to consider whether we are living out our faith with the same boldness and obedience as those who came before us. Through Paul and Silas’ worship in prison, their response to suffering, and their care for people in crisis, we are reminded that followers of Jesus are called to offer a Savior before a solution.

This teaching also reframes evangelism as a relational, prayerful way of life—sharing not only the gospel, but our lives—through intentional relationships, hospitality, and trust in God’s timing. Whether you are new to faith, facing a season of desperation, or longing to share your faith more confidently, this message invites you to recognize divine opportunities and live anchored in the hope of Jesus.

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What if joy isn’t something you chase—but something you receive?
In this Advent message, Pastor Aaron McRae explores the deep, lasting joy that Jesus brings—a joy that is often unexpected, received by faith, and anchored in eternity.

Drawing from Luke 2 and the Christmas story, this message reframes joy beyond temporary happiness, success, or comfort. Pastor Aaron contrasts the world’s pursuit of happiness with the biblical invitation to joy—one that meets us in brokenness, suffering, uncertainty, and fear. From the unlikely joy announced to shepherds, to reflections from thinkers like C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and modern neuroscience, this message shows how true joy is not circumstantial, but relational.

This sermon speaks directly to those navigating stress, grief, anxiety, financial pressure, health challenges, or spiritual dryness. It reminds us that Jesus came not only to save what is lost, but to heal what is broken—and His joy is available here and now, regardless of circumstances.

If you are searching for meaning beyond happiness, longing for hope this Christmas season, or wondering where to anchor your joy, this message will help you make room for the lasting joy found only in Jesus.

Scriptures Referenced

• Luke 2:1–14
• Psalm 16:11
• Psalm 51:12
• Galatians 5:22
• Philippians 4:4–6
• Psalm 119:14
• Romans 15:13
• Hebrews 12:2

Resources & References Mentioned

• Arthur Brooks — Leadership and Happiness (Harvard Business School)
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Conspiracy and Imprisonment
• C.S. Lewis — Mere Christianity
• C.S. Lewis — Surprised by Joy
• Frieson, Wilder, — Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You
• Serenity Prayer

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In a season filled with noise, deadlines, and nonstop activity, Pastor Woody Morwood invites us to rediscover the heart of Christmas. Through a simple yet powerful fable about a man trying to guide birds to safety in a storm, he reveals why Jesus came close—why God stepped into our world, our struggles, and our humanity.

Drawing from John 1:1–14, Pastor Woody explores the radical truth that the eternal Creator became human so we could understand His love. He also challenges us to consider how many people in Jesus’ day missed His arrival—and how easily we can do the same amid the pressures and pace of modern life.

With the symbols of the Star, the Crown, and the Manger, this message reframes Christmas as God offering the greatest gift imaginable: Himself.
If you are longing for hope, peace, clarity, or simply a moment to breathe during this season, this message will help you slow down, pay attention, and make room for the love God offers.

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