Bethel Community Church Orlando

JAMES // Week 7 // COUNTERFEIT FAITH

Have you ever bought a fake that looked real—until it wasn’t? James 2:14–26 warns us that faith can be the same way. In this episode, we break down three kinds of faith: dead faith that talks but never acts, demonic faith that believes but never loves, and dynamic faith or the real deal that trusts God so deeply it shows up in everyday obedience. Discover how true faith is more than words or knowledge; it’s a life that bears fruit, fueled by love for Jesus and empowered by His grace.

JAMES // Week 6 // WHERE'S YOUR SEAT?

James 2 warns against favoritism in the church—whether toward the rich, poor, or any group—because all people are equally made, sinful, and saved in Christ. The only seat that matters is Jesus’ throne, and He alone deserves the glory.

Build Your Hope

Guest Speaker Mark Hodges speaks from Lamentations 3 about how to build our hope. 

JAMES // Week 5 // KNOW AND DO

James teaches that the Christian life requires both knowing and doing God’s Word—like two pedals on a bike. We begin by remembering we are God’s beloved, saved and transformed by His implanted Word. But knowledge alone is not enough; true faith shows itself in obedience. Real religion means controlling our words, caring for the vulnerable, and staying unstained by the world. Though sin leaves us filthy, Jesus takes our rags and gives us His righteousness. Because of His love, we live out the Word with both understanding and action.

JAMES // Week 4 // TEMPTATION'S PATHWAY

Temptation is a human experience, not caused by God, who is not able to be tempted and does not tempt anyone. Instead, temptation arises from our own desires, which, if indulged, leads to sin and ultimately death. The pathway to sin involves lust, longing, lingering, and loss. However, God is the source of all good and perfect gifts, unchanging and trustworthy. Through His truth, He enables us to overcome temptation.

JAMES // Week 3 // TEMPTATION

Week 3 of our James series explores the theme of temptation through the lens of Jesus' experience in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13) and the teachings of James (James 1:12–15). The core message is that every divine opportunity is met with Satanic opposition, but through steadfastness and reliance on God, victory is possible. Temptation isn’t sin; Satan targets our vulnerabilities. Ultimately, Jesus’ sinless life and death empower believers to overcome temptation (Hebrews 2:17–18).

JAMES // Week 2 // TESTING OF YOUR FAITH

James’ book distills the practical wisdom of Jesus into concise, actionable insights, likened to a modern Proverbs. It urges listeners to "count it all joy" amid trials, as these challenges test faith and foster steadfastness. He gives three key commands for navigating hardships: Perspective—finding joy by trusting God’s purpose in trials; Patience—allowing trials to build character through perseverance; and Prayer—seeking God’s wisdom with unwavering faith. We are challenged to lean fully on God’s generous, loving nature to transform suffering into spiritual growth.

JAMES // Week 1 // LITTLE BROTHER

Initially skeptical, Jesus' brother James and His family doubted Jesus' divinity (Mark 3:21) but became believers after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). James, a humble "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1), led early churches and wrote to Jewish Christians. The James sermon series urges believers to join Jesus’ family by obeying God’s will (Mark 3:35), moving from belief to action.

BROKEN SAVIORS // 12 Tribes of Israel

The end of Judges depicts a morally decayed Israel without a king, where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes." A Levite’s concubine is abused and killed, sparking a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The strong oppress the weak, reflecting God’s absence. This despair contrasts with the hope in the parallel Book of Ruth, where a weak, foreign widow’s faith leads to King David’s lineage and ultimately Jesus. The gruesome crucifixion of Jesus mirrors Judges’ darkness, showing He took on humanity’s sin to redeem and transform, offering grace that restores value to all.

BROKEN SAVIORS // Samson - Part 2

Samson's story shows a strong man weakened by impulsiveness, pride, and compromise, driven by personal desires rather than God’s will. His choices lead to his capture and blinding. God uses Samson’s flaws to disrupt Israel’s complacent captivity under the Philistines. In his lowest moment, Samson’s repentance restores his strength, enabling him to destroy the Philistine temple. His life foreshadows Jesus, who became weak to save humanity.