Element Church Podcast

Book of James: Don't Play God - Trust God

Are we trusting God—or trying to be God? In James 4:11–5:6, we see three subtle ways believers start “playing God”: with PEOPLE (how we judge and treat others), with our PLANS (living like we control tomorrow), and with our POSSESSIONS (using wealth as if we answer to no one). In this message we explore: - The difference between godly discernment and sinful judgment - How to plan wisely without acting like we own the future - How to hold wealth loosely and use it for God’s glory and others’ good Big Idea: We’re called to trust God, not play God.

Book of James: MORE GRACE

Misplaced desires pull us from God, but He gives more grace and invites us back.

Book of James: What wisdom have you been building your life with?

What kind of wisdom are you building your life on? In James 3:13–18, we see a sharp contrast between wisdom from above and wisdom from below. One is pure, peaceable, and leads to a harvest of righteousness. The other is driven by jealousy and selfish ambition and leads to chaos. In this message we unpack: - Why wisdom from above is countercultural - How wisdom from above feeds your faith (and wisdom from below feeds your flesh) - How wisdom from above brings a harvest of righteousness and peace We’ll also see why the only true foundation for a wise life is Jesus Himself (Romans 10:9–10), and what it looks like to respond to Him in faith. 📖 Main text: James 3:13–18 🎯 Big idea: Build your life on wisdom from ABOVE, not BELOW.

Book of James: GLORY not GLITTER

Favoritism is an invisible sin we rarely admit—but James 2:1–13 exposes how deeply it infects our hearts, our churches, and our relationships. In this message, “Glory Not Glitter,” Pastor Wade Bishop walks through James’ warning against showing partiality, reveals how God’s value system overturns ours, and calls us to live as people of mercy, not status. If you’ve ever judged someone by their appearance, success, or what they can do for you, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to choose God’s glory over the world’s glitter. Scripture: James 2:1–13 Big Idea: The church reflects Jesus’ glory, not the world’s glitter.

Book of James: What you do with the Word determines what it does in you.

Are you just hearing God’s Word, or actually living it? In this message from James 1:19–27, Pastor Wade Bishop unpacks the main idea: “What you do with the Word determines what it does in you.” Learn how POSTURE (how you humbly receive the Word), PRACTICE (obeying, not just listening), and PRODUCE (the visible fruit of your faith) reveal whether your Christianity is real discipleship or just religious consumption.