Introduction: Today we will look at one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament describing the vital relationship between faith and works. Is faith alone sufficient to save a person, or does God require faith and works? Buckle your seatbelts because James’ answer may surprise you!

Introduction: Do you have genuine faith? Before answering too quickly, James encourages us to examine another area of our lives -- how we judge other people. Do you tend to judge people by their external circumstances: skin color, education, or wealth? Your answer to that question reveals the authenticity of your faith.

Introduction: How do you know if you’re really saved? One test of the authenticity of your faith is your response to the Word of God.

This episode is a recent sermon by Dr. Ben Lovvorn on Romans 12:1–2, preached at First Baptist Dallas on the first Sunday of 2025. God desires for you to experience a profound new beginning—one that so transforms your very nature that it becomes evident to everyone around you. Dr. Lovvorn challenges the church to reflect on what it means to make pleasing Jesus Christ our one desire. As Christ’s disciples, we must all answer this simple question as we begin the year: What’s your next step?

Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as the Senior Executive Pastor at First Baptist Dallas.

If you need some help taking your next step, we want to help you! Go here for resources and to complete our online form: firstdallas.org/nextstep

For an incredible library of biblical resources from our Senior Pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress, visit Pathway to Victory: ptv.org

To financially support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, you can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive

Introduction: What is the real cause of sin in our life? Should we blame other people, Satan, or ourselves for our disobedience to God? Today, we will discover how Satan masterfully uses external influences and our internal weaknesses to lead us away from God.

Introduction: How do you know if you are truly a Christian? James says that the first test of the authenticity of your faith is how you respond to the various trials that bombard your life.

Introduction: Today, we begin our study of one of the most practical, but misunderstood, books of the Bible.

Introduction: Angels have a greater understanding of the significance of Christ’s birth because they are eyewitnesses to the entire story from beginning to end.