logo
episode-header-image
Jul 27
29m 30s

The Spiritual Reality of the Rich and Po...

Live in the Light
About this episode

Today’s message takes us to James 1:9–11. Known for its practical wisdom, the book of James is often called the "Proverbs of the New Testament," and today’s passage is a clear example. So far, we’ve looked at trials and wisdom—now James turns to the realities of wealth and poverty. While the world elevates the rich, God does the opposite. Earthly riches offer no spiritual advantage. In fact, even if we have nothing materially, we can have everything in Christ. The gospel reorients our view, reminding us that this world is temporary and our true worth is found in our identity in Him. Through salvation, regardless of status or income, we become co-heirs with Christ. Our bank accounts mean nothing in eternity. The question is—do we really believe that?

Up next
Today
We are Called to Grow! P2
The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of salvation. At the moment of conversion, we are justified—saved from the penalty of sin, declared innocent, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. But that’s just the beginning! From that point on, we enter the lifelong journey ... Show More
29m 30s
Yesterday
A Crash Course on Character P2
Today’s sermon, brings us to James 1:19-21, a crash course on character. James has been consistently firing massively important subjects at us so far in this series, and today is no exception. Again, James challenges us as believers to put feet to our faith and prove its authenti ... Show More
29m 30s
Aug 22
We are Called to Grow!
The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of salvation. At the moment of conversion, we are justified—saved from the penalty of sin, declared innocent, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. But that’s just the beginning! From that point on, we enter the lifelong journey ... Show More
29m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
#215: The Parable of the Rich Fool (Seek God's Kingdom)
Luke 12:13-34.Jesus called the man who became rich in this life but not rich towards God a fool. There is nothing wrong with saving and building wealth, but if that is all we seek for our salvation and security, then we are considered fools. To be rich towards God is to seek Him ... Show More
10m 9s
Jul 2024
Spending Money Like This World is Not Our Home
As followers of Jesus, we often say that this world is not our home, but is that reflected in the way we view our money? Do we spend our resources on that which will matter for eternity, or are we primarily focused on temporary comforts and pleasures? In this message from David P ... Show More
44m 17s
Oct 2024
The Rich Glutton and Poor Lazarus - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus speaks of generosity through the story of a glutinous rich man and a poor beggar. The rich man gorged on his wealth with no attention to the sick and cold beggar right at his door. As a result, the rich man suffered when he died, but the poor man was re ... Show More
12m 58s
Nov 2023
Walking in Wisdom Part ll
In this episode, Jonny Ardavanis continues his study on the subject of Biblical Wisdom and looks to the book of James. In James 3, the Scripture delineates the wisdom of this world from the wisdom that is “from above.” In doing so, James reveals that the tangible fruit of true wi ... Show More
22m 34s
Aug 2021
Does 2 Corinthians 8:9 Teach the "Prosperity Gospel?"
Prosperity preachers confuse a great deal of people by twisting 2 Corinthians 8:9 to mean that Jesus became poor so we could become financially rich. At first glance, this passage may even appear to be the slam-dunk verse for affirming the prosperity gospel. In this episode, Cost ... Show More
17m 17s
Jun 4
Money: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Bible says probably 20 times more things about money than it does about sex, maybe more than that. So if you’re trying to know the Bible, you’re gonna know a little bit of something about money. We all have our own filters. We all have mental maps, assumptions about God and t ... Show More
37m 1s
Sep 2024
The Just Shall Live By Faith
Pastor Jack speaks of a new perspective when we live our lives by faith. The struggles that we experience, our perception of current events, and the way we interact with others are all affected by this new point of view. Learn what it means to live by faith in today’s podcast epi ... Show More
20m 56s
Apr 2025
What Do We Really Value? | Bill Koogler
Money, status, and position have a way of grabbing our hearts and running away with our focus, and while there is nothing wrong with a rich Jesus-follower, Pastor Bill brings us an important warning as we continue in our series in the book of Matthew and learn that a Community re ... Show More
36m 24s
Jul 16
Treasure vs. Money
If we actually take the gospel, the essential message of Jesus Christ, and we live it out, what will it look like? That’s what the Sermon on the Mount is about. And in this part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we get to the area of money and possessions. Jesus tells us three thing ... Show More
38m 42s
Sep 2024
Trust & Obey | Bill Koogler
In today's world, things that define "living successfully" or "victoriously" are widespread and varied, coming at us from all different angles. But as believers, we know Jesus is the key to living "life to the fullest". Pastor Bill helps us unlock the secret to living a victoriou ... Show More
42m 30s