Pastor Ross's sermon today focuses on the idea that while trials often bring temptations, God isn't the source of these temptations. Drawing from James 1:13–18, he emphasizes that temptations originate from our own desires. However, by anchoring ourselves in God's truth and remembering His unchanging nature and love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, we can overcome temptation and endure trials with love and obedience to God.

Pastor Marty introduces the new series on the book of James, emphasizing James' background and his aim to challenge believers to integrate faith into every aspect of their lives. He focuses on James 1:2-12, which urges believers to find joy in trials because they produce perseverance, maturity, wisdom, perspective, and ultimately lead to rewards in eternity.

Today we dive into our final sermon in our series. Pastor Ross brings us into the intimate moments surrounding Lazarus' resurrection, inviting us to ponder our own relationship with Jesus. The message resonates deeply as it unveils Jesus' declaration of being the resurrection and the life, offering not just a future hope but a transformative present reality. As the sermon draws to a close, Pastor Ross extends a heartfelt invitation for each listener to consider where they stand in our belief in Jesus.

Jesus, walking with his disciples, describes himself as the true vine and God as the gardener, with his followers as the branches. He stresses that their main task is to abide in him. Abiding means finding identity, growing in communion, and obeying his commands. It's about recognizing dependency on him for life and purpose.