Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)

All Locations:

Please check your email for a Life Group Leader Challenge that was sent out on October 29.  This challenge is for you to offer any member of your group that you feel should be leading a group.  

This challenge is two-fold as it will help leaders understand and navigate the apprenticeship process and it will encourage members to step out in faith knowing that they will have concrete tools to guide them as they lead their group.

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NEW ENGLAND: UPCOMING CONCERT – TAYA

Reminders:

✳ Please regularly check your Planning Center profiles for requests to join your life groups, remove members from the list that no longer attend, or add members not listed. Please ensure that you have added no-reply@churchcenter.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss an email from Planning Center and encourage your members to do so as well.  This will ensure you do not miss a member request or any emails that come from the Planning Center site. Thank you!

Waters Class Schedule:

• 1st Sunday: Discover Waters – after 1st service
• 2nd Sunday: NO CLASSES
• 3rd Sunday: Connect Class – after 1st service
• 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after 1st service

Waters Help: Need marriage and family care  or have a group member in need of marriage and family care?   Click here:  help resources page  or visit waterschurch.org/help

Location Text Alerts:

Key Verse: James 5

Ice breaker: What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?  

Opening Prayer: Father, we thank You for the gift of the Church, a place where we can gather, grow, and glorify You. Open our hearts and minds as we explore how we need the Church and how the Church needs us. May the Holy Spirit guide our discussion, encourage our faith, and inspire us to action. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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James was written for a church in the first century.  The church was persecuted, suffering for Christ, and experiencing trials and trouble.

Every generation of the Church will have trouble and trial on top of temptation.

The Church benefits those who struggle. It has many resources available to those who need help.

James 5 reminds us why the Church is essential for spiritual growth, healing, restoration, and strength in every area of life. We will explore why we need the Church and, just as importantly, why the Church needs us.

1. The Church is a Place of TRUTH – We Speak HONESTLY

James 5:12

James is talking about taking an oath, not cursing. It is unnecessary to swear to something, but always be truthful in your speech.

The people who have to “swear to God” most are the hardest to believe because they usually lie.

Taking an oath is not wrong, but it is unnecessary for our communications and can lead to suspicion within the church.  An oath cannot change your heart; only God can.

Q. Why do you think James emphasizes the importance of always speaking truthfully without the need for oaths? How can consistent honest communication strengthen trust within the church?

Practical Application: This week, evaluate your conversations. Are your words truthful and consistent? Seek forgiveness from someone you may have misled or wronged.

2. The Church is a Place of POWER – We Pray EARNESTLY

James 5:13 (ESV)

Because of prayer, we are never without recourse in our lives.  

James 5:14-16 (ESV)

In these concluding passages of the letter, James is fully aware that sickness, disease, bodily harm, and pain are inherent aspects of life until the arrival of the heavenly kingdom. However, as church members, we have PROVISION for addressing these physical challenges.

James 5:17-18 (ESV)

Elijah was especially used by God and especially devoted and bold for the Lord. Yet, he failed the Lord and ran for his life out of fear. He got caught up in his importance on a couple of occasions. YET… the Lord listened to him.

Q. How does prayer give us hope and power in the face of life’s challenges, and what can we learn from Elijah’s example about God’s willingness to listen, even when we feel weak or unworthy?

Practical Application: Dedicate time daily this week to pray for others, especially those in your group. Keep a prayer journal and note any answered prayers.

3. The Church is a Place of GLADNESS – We Sing JOYFULLY

James 5:13 (ESV)

On the heels of suggesting prayer for the struggling, James condones PRAISE for the joyful.

Giving praise to God is not a suggestion; it is a command.  If life is good, give God praise.  It is good for you.  Singing strengthens your body and brings healing to your soul.

Exodus 15:21 (ESV), Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Q. How has praising God impacted your spiritual health and relationships with others?

Practical Application: Choose a worship song to sing or meditate on each day this week. Reflect on its message and how it brings you closer to God.

4. The Church is a Place of HEALING – We Care HOLISTICALLY

James 5:14-15 (ESV)

Elders are permanent local leaders of the church. 

Any believer can pray for the sick, but Elders are called to a life of holiness and commitment, exemplifying dedication to the Lord and the Lord’s people beyond reproach.  You need people who love you and keep watch over you.

Elder-led prayer combines the anointing of oil and ‘the name of the Lord.’

1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)

Regarding bodily healing, God will heal. He died for our healing, but we should treat our bodies correctly and eat properly.

Waters Church believes in divine healing.  Yet, not everyone gets healing on this side of heaven. 

Scripture mentions that despite their unwavering faith, certain individuals were not cured of their illnesses. Paul performed numerous miracles but could not heal some of his companions.

Q. What does caring for one another holistically within the church mean, and how can we support those in our communities spiritual and physical well-being?

Practical Application: Reach out to someone sick or in need this week and offer prayer, assistance, or encouragement.

5. The Church is a Place of CONFESSION – We find FREEDOM

James 5:15-16 (ESV)

Confession of sin is one of the healthiest things you can do for your life.

Notice that James connects confession of sin to prayer and HEALING.

Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV) 

We need to do our research and fight for our health.  

Psalm 32:3-4 (ESV)

David knew firsthand the cost of unconfessed sin to the soul. Having committed adultery and conspiring to have the husband killed, he was crushed by the weight of his sin. The exposure leads to his mental and spiritual release.

Don’t be bound by tradition or foolishness when it comes to confession.  According to James, we are to confess to one another.

Also, not everyone who says they are a believer is a believer.  If necessary, and for grave sin that may affect the rest of the Body, contact our Elders. 

Leader: This might be a good time to your members aware of who the Elders are.  

Q. How can practicing confession lead to freedom and strengthen our relationships with God and others?

Practical Application:This week, confess one personal struggle or sin to a trusted friend or mentor and ask for prayer.

6. The Church is a Place of RESTORATION – We RESCUE People

James 5:19-20 (ESV)

We don’t cast people off. We bring them back, work things out, and try to make amends where they can be made.

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Peter messed up – and Jesus restored him.

Moses messed up – and the Lord raised him to lead.

Abraham messed up. – and God restored him again and again.

The church doesn’t give up on people who get stuck in sin.

Q. How can we effectively reach out to someone who has wandered away from their faith? Can you share a personal expample?

Practical Application: Identify one person who may have wandered from their faith. Pray for them and consider reaching out with a message of encouragement or an invitation to reconnect.

Sermon in a Sentence: The church is God’s GIFT to us—a place where we find TRUTH, experience His POWER, discover FREEDOM, and rescue PEOPLE—changing the world, one soul at a time.

Key Takeaways:

1. The church is vital for spiritual growth and accountability.
2. Prayer and confession within the church bring healing and freedom.
3. Through joyful worship and restoration, the church transforms lives.

Scripture for Meditation: James 5:16  ^(ESV) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you  may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Church, where we find truth, power, gladness, healing, freedom, and restoration. Help us to live out these truths daily, bringing hope and healing to those around us. May Your Spirit guide us as we walk together in faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.