Bay Leaf Baptist Church

In this sermon on James 2:1-13, Pastor Jared Richard challenges believers at Bay Leaf Baptist Church to examine how they treat people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Using James's illustration of the rich man and poor woman visiting church, Pastor Jared explains that showing partiality is not merely inappropriate but fundamentally opposed to the gospel for three key reasons. First, it reveals a heart captivated by lesser glory rather than by Christ, "the glory of the Lord." Second, it demonstrates alignment with the world's kingdom rather than God's kingdom, which elevates those whom the world casts aside. Third, it shows we've forgotten the mercy God has shown us in the face of judgment. Pastor Jared reminds us that as recipients of God's unmerited favor, we should extend the same compassion to others regardless of their status. Our treatment of others, especially the poor and marginalized, testifies to whether we're truly holding the faith rightly and living according to godly wisdom rather than wor