Monthly Archives: December 2012

Developing Habits that Help Us Apply our Faith

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Mark Shields

At first analysis of James 2:14-26, my thoughts were on how it seemed to be contradictory to Paul when he wrote that we are saved by faith. Now James is writing that we are saved by works. With further research … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged acts of kindness, Christianity, Faith, God, Good Works, Growth, Guidance, James, Jesus, Kindness, Obedience, obedience to god, Paul, Prayer, Progress, random acts of kindness, Refinement, religion, Salvation, search the scriptures, spirituality, Tasks, Values | 6 Comments

A Silent Night That Changed the World

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

At First United Methodist Church Waco yesterday, we finished the sermon series that explored the “Songs of Christmas”. The podcast can be watched by clicking this link: Silent Night Podcast and here is a video with lyrics: Silent Night with … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, Christmas, Courage, Follow, Free, God, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Light, Love, Peace, Podcast, Religion and Spirituality, Servant, Silent Night, United Methodist Church | 4 Comments

Songs of Christmas – Silent Night

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Mark Shields

We have been exploring the songs of those who were touched by Christ that first Christmas in a message series called “The Songs of Christmas” at First United Methodist Church Waco. Their Christmas songs can help us find the Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Christmas, Church, first united methodist, first united methodist church, Freedom, God, Jesus, Joy, Light, Peace, Podcast, Prayer, religion, Silent Night, United Methodist Church | 1 Comment

The Golden Rule

Posted on December 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

A lesson from yesterday’s reading of James 2:1-13 is that the Gospel law of liberty should ease social, economic, and racial barriers in a society. The “Golden Rule” of loving your neighbor as yourself is about accepting, appreciating, and affirming. … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged Acceptance, Affirmation, Appreciation, brothers and sisters, God, Golden Rule, Gospel, human-rights, James, Lessons, Liberty, Neighbor, prayer god, racial barriers, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Scott Krippayne, Society | 2 Comments

Rich in Faith

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

Think of people or groups that are favored by the world. Those wearing fine clothes, the pretty people on the outside, those with nice cars, and those that live in nice neighborhoods. In James 2:1-13, we are told that such … Continue reading →