Four Oaks Midtown Podcast

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.

Sermon | Come and See (John 1:35-51)

In these verses, we see Jesus interact with the disciples, welcoming them with grace even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. The disciples longed to be with Him, to dwell in His presence, and through His life, death, and resurrection, we too are invited into God’s presence and promises. No one comes to Him on their own, yet His invitation extends freely to the whole world. As we receive His welcome, we are called to share it, pointing others to the hope, life, and love found in Christ.

Sermon | Jesus as the True Light (John 1:5-13)

John 1:5–13 confronts us with Jesus as the true Light of the world and the darkness that resists Him. It raises questions about why unbelief persists and what it means to receive Christ, while also revealing a profound truth about Christ’s identity and who we become through Him. Reflecting on this passage presses us to consider our response to Jesus as the true Light and to God as our Father.

Sermon | Who is Jesus? (John 1:1-5)

John opens his Gospel not with the details of Jesus’ birth or His earthly relationships, but with a revelation of His eternal identity. While the other Gospels show who Jesus is through His interactions, His family line, and historical moments, John steps back to unveil the divine nature behind it all. In John 1:1–5, we see Jesus as the eternal Word, present with God and fully God from the beginning. John declares that all life flows from Him, life that is everlasting. And in a world marked by darkness, Jesus shines as the true Light, a Light that darkness cannot overcome.

Sermon | A Common Life (Colossians 4:7-18)

Paul closes Colossians by showing that Christians share a common mission shaped by Christ’s love and courage. Even in his suffering, he reminds them that God is at work forming unlikely bonds and strengthening His people. Believers are called to comfort one another through presence, prayer, and living out Scripture together. In all things, Christ never abandons His people, and our lasting crown is our relationship with Him and each other.