Four Oaks Midtown Podcast

Sermon | Two Wisdoms, Two Harvests (James 3:13-18)

James 3:13–18 shows that true wisdom is made visible in how we live together, either cultivating peace through humility or unleashing chaos through self-seeking hearts. James contrasts earthly wisdom, marked by envy and selfish ambition, which produces disorder, with wisdom from above that is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and sincere. 

Understanding 2 Corinthians | Unveiled Glory (2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18)

Here’s a Schmidlin-style episode description for 2 Corinthians 2:12–3:18, followed by concise title options.

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Episode Description

In this episode of Understanding 2 Corinthians, Paul pulls back the curtain on the nature of true Christian ministry. From restless anxiety in Troas to the triumphal procession of Christ, he reframes weakness as victory and suffering as participation in God’s saving work. Ministry is not self-commendation but divine commissioning—not letters of recommendation, but lives transformed by the Spirit. As Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the surpassing glory of the new, we see that the heart of ministry is not external performance but unveiled beholding. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—and where Christ is seen, His people are transformed.

Understanding 2 Corinthians | The God of All Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:1-2:11)

In this episode of Understanding 2 Corinthians, we enter the opening movement of Paul’s most personal letter. From blessing the “God of all comfort” to explaining his delayed visit, Paul reveals a ministry marked not by triumphalism but by suffering, sincerity, and costly love. His change of plans was not indecision but mercy; not self-protection but pastoral restraint. As accusations swirl, Paul anchors his defense in the unwavering faithfulness of God, whose promises are always “Yes” in Christ. In these verses, we discover that authentic Christian ministry is forged in affliction, shaped by integrity, and sustained by divine comfort.

Sermon | Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12)

James 3:1–12 confronts us with the reality that the tongue, though small, exercises immense influence through words. God Himself treats speech as powerful and purposeful. From creation onward, God brings new realities into being through His Word. He speaks, and what did not exist comes to life, order, forgiveness, and restoration. This passage calls us to submit our words to God’s renewing grace, so that our speech reflects the creative, truthful, and life-giving power of the Word we confess.

Sermon | A Living Faith (James 2:14-26)

James 2:14–26 warns against reducing Christianity to a faith of empty words, void of action. While we are not part of God’s family because of what we do, the faith that saves is never alone, it is living and active. James points us to Rahab and Abraham, where we see faith both proclaimed and demonstrated through mercy and obedience, even when trust in God was costly. Saved by grace through faith, believers are called to a living faith that bears fruit and longs for God’s righteousness.

Understanding 2 Corinthians | Introduction to Paul’s Most Personal Letter

Second Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal and contested letters. Written amid misunderstanding, criticism, and strained trust, it reveals both the depth of Paul’s love for the Corinthian church and the cost of faithful ministry.

In this episode of Understanding 2 Corinthians, Brian Seagraves introduces the circumstances behind the letter, explaining Paul’s changed travel plans, the challenge posed by his opponents, and why Paul is compelled to defend himself—not for his own sake, but for the good of the church. What emerges is a surprising vision of ministry shaped not by strength or polish, but by weakness, suffering, and dependence on God.

We’ll also see how Paul reframes credibility and authority in light of the gospel, showing that God’s power is most clearly displayed through human frailty. This episode lays the groundwork for reading 2 Corinthians as both rich theology and a deeply pastoral response to conflict, suffering, and hope.

Sermon | Faith Without Partiality (James 1:27-2:13)

James 1:27–2:13 shows us that God is a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows, one who seeks out and protects those who need to be held. If we desire to be like God, we must remain impartial in our compassion, hold justice and grace together, and humbly recognize our own weaknesses and limitations.

Sermon | Cultivation and Application (James 1:19-26)

James calls believers into a posture of humility that is quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This posture reorients our hearts toward God’s righteousness rather than our own. However, true faith takes shape as we apply God’s Word to our daily lives, allowing it to root out the hardened places in our hearts that resist God’s righteous work. James therefore invites us to pay close attention to our speech, since our words reveal the desires of our hearts.

Sermon | Trials with the End in View (James 1:9-18)

James calls us to look both ways in our trials, honestly facing our present struggle while lifting our eyes to the end God has promised. Trials expose what our hearts are holding onto, but wisdom guards the soul with gratitude, remembering that every good gift comes from an unchanging God. 

Sermon | Count it All Joy (James 1:1-8)

In times of trial, we are called to active faith, strengthening our spiritual discipline rather than retreating or remaining passive. James urges us to turn our eyes to God, asking for His wisdom with confident faith and a humble willingness to receive what He gives. Through God’s Word and prayer, we choose to trust His sovereignty and endure faithfully until the end.