This week, Pastor Kevin Long continued through the book of James, focusing on James 2:1-13 and linking its message with Romans 7:14-25. The core theme explored the contrast between lawless and lawful living, the danger of partiality, and the powerful role of mercy and forgiveness in the life of a believer.
Partiality is Sin
James rebukes the early church for showing favoritism, welcoming the wealthy with honor while dismissing the poor. Pastor Kevin emphasized that God does not show partiality, and neither should His people. True faith is marked by love and humility, not social status. The poor may lack material wealth, but they are often rich in faith and chosen as heirs of the kingdom.
God’s Law and Our Failure
James stresses that breaking even one part of God’s law makes us guilty of all. No amount of good behavior or moral living can earn salvation, only faith in Jesus can. Pastor Kevin reminded us that the law demands perfection, but our sinful nature keeps us from meeting that standard. That’s why grace is not optional, it’s essential.
Lawless vs. Lawful Living
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Lawless living is not just about immoral behavior, it’s living without Christ, depending on morality instead of salvation.
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Lawful living comes after salvation. It reflects obedience not to earn God’s love, but in response to it. Believers are judged under the law of liberty, not the old covenant law, because of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Struggle Within (Romans 7)
Pastor Kevin then brought the congregation to Romans 7:14-25, where Paul confesses the internal struggle every believer faces. Paul wants to do what is right but finds himself doing what he hates, because of the sin still present in his flesh. The congregation was encouraged to see that even Paul struggled, and that this tension is not failure, but evidence of spiritual awareness.
Forgiveness and Mercy
James 2 concludes with a powerful truth: “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Pastor Kevin laid out three fundamentals of forgiveness:
1. Come to Christ in repentance.
2. Receive His grace and mercy.
3. Extend that same mercy to others.
We are called not only to receive mercy but to live it out. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
The Gospel Invitation
The sermon ended with a clear gospel message: all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ. Pastor Kevin invited anyone who had never trusted in Christ to do so, offering a prayer of repentance and assurance. He also invited believers to examine their hearts, repent of sin, and extend mercy to others as they have received it.
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