Morningside Live

Morningside Baptist Church

The preaching of Josh Crockett

  1. 6d ago

    Do You Have Saving Faith (James 2:14-18)

    1. Examining the Reality of Our FaithQuestion: James challenges believers to ask whether their faith is genuine. What evidence of spiritual fruit do you see in your life right now?“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:52. The Difference Between Profession and PossessionQuestion: Why is it possible for someone to profess faith outwardly while lacking true inward transformation?“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:213. Faith That Takes ActionQuestion: What are some practical ways genuine faith should affect everyday decisions, habits, and priorities?“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:224. Compassion Versus SentimentQuestion: Have you ever confused feeling moved emotionally with actually acting compassionately? What is the difference?“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:185. Seeing Needs Around UsQuestion: Who in your church, neighborhood, workplace, or family may need practical care and encouragement right now?“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:26. The Gospel as the Engine for Good WorksQuestion: How does remembering God’s grace toward us motivate us to love and serve others?“We love because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:197. Fruit Reveals the RootQuestion: Jesus said we recognize trees by their fruit. What kinds of spiritual fruit should increasingly characterize a believer’s life?“You will recognize them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:168. Avoiding Hypocrisy Before the WorldQuestion: Why do you think hypocrisy damages Christian witness so deeply, and how can believers guard against it?“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.” — 1 Peter 2:129. Living Faith in a Watching CultureQuestion: The sermon described the world watching Christians closely. What opportunities do believers have today to demonstrate authentic faith publicly?“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:1610. Looking to Christ as Our ExampleQuestion: How did Jesus perfectly demonstrate compassionate, active, living faith during His earthly ministry?“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45

    Do You Have Saving Faith (James 2:14-18)
  2. 6d ago

    Prejudice Breaks the Law of Love (James 2:8-13)

    1. The Royal Law of LoveJames 2:8 – “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”Question:How would your daily interactions change if you intentionally treated every person as you treat yourself?2. The Sin of PartialityJames 2:9 – “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”Question:Where are you most tempted to show favoritism or prejudice, and why?3. Defining Your NeighborLuke 10:36–37 – “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?... You go, and do likewise.”Question:Who has God placed in your life right now that may be difficult to love?4. Love and Obedience Go TogetherJohn 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”Question:Why is it impossible to truly love God while ignoring His commands?5. The Danger of Selective ObedienceJames 2:10 – “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”Question:In what ways do people justify “small sins” while condemning others?6. God as the LawgiverJames 2:11 – “For he who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’…”Question:How does remembering that God gave all the commands change how you view obedience?7. Living What You BelieveJames 2:12 – “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.”Question:What is one area where your actions need to better match your beliefs?8. The Law of LibertyGalatians 5:14 – “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”Question:How does obedience to God actually lead to freedom rather than restriction?9. The Warning of Judgment Without MercyJames 2:13a – “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy…”Question:What does this verse reveal about the seriousness of an unmerciful heart?10. Mercy Triumphs Over JudgmentJames 2:13b – “…Mercy triumphs over judgment.”Question:How has God’s mercy toward you motivated you to show mercy to others?

    Prejudice Breaks the Law of Love (James 2:8-13)
  3. May 11 ·  Bonus

    The Humble King (Matthew 21:1-11)

    Palm Sunday: 1. Trusting God’s Plan Over Your Own Path Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” As you think about your major, career path, or future plans, where are you tempted to prioritize your own agenda over God’s will? What would it look like to truly surrender your plans to Him? 2. Handling Anxiety About the Future Psalm 139:16 — “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me…” What specific fears do you have about your future (job, marriage, finances), and how does this verse challenge the way you think about those uncertainties? 3. Obeying God Without Having It All Figured Out Hebrews 11:8 — “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out… And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Where is God calling you to step out in faith right now—even if you don’t have clarity on the outcome? 4. Letting Jesus Have Authority Over Your Life Colossians 1:16–17 — “For by him all things were created… and in him all things hold together.” What area of your life (relationships, dating, time, money, social media) do you struggle most to fully place under Jesus’ authority? 5. Choosing Humility in a Self-Promoting Culture Philippians 2:5–8 — “Have this mind among yourselves… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death…” In a culture driven by image and followers, what would it look like for you to intentionally choose humility this week? 6. Redefining Success and Greatness Matthew 20:26–28 — “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant…” How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge the way you think about success, platform, or influence? 7. Serving Instead of Being Served Galatians 5:13 — “Through love serve one another.” Where on campus, at work, or in your friend group can you intentionally serve others instead of seeking recognition? 8. Avoiding Superficial Christianity 2 Timothy 3:5 — “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” In what ways is it easy for you to “look Christian” (church attendance, social media, language) without truly surrendering your heart to Christ? 9. Answering the Question: Who Is Jesus to You? Matthew 16:15–16 — “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” If your daily choices were the answer, what would they say about who Jesus is to you? 10. Following Jesus Fully, Not Halfway Luke 9:23 — “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” What is one specific area of your life where you need to stop “coasting” spiritually and start fully following Jesus as King?

  4. May 11 ·  Bonus

    Easter 2026: Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:10-11)

    1. Knowing Christ Personally Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” Question: What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him, and how can you tell which one describes your life? 2. The Limits of Religion Philippians 3:7–8 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” Question: What “spiritual credentials” or good works are you tempted to rely on instead of fully trusting Christ? 3. Counting All as Loss Luke 9:23 “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Question: What might God be calling you to surrender in order to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus? 4. Resurrection as Reality 1 Corinthians 15:3–6 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins… that he was raised on the third day… and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time…” Question: How does the historical evidence for the resurrection strengthen your faith in difficult or doubtful moments? 5. Experiencing Resurrection Power Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Question: Where in your life do you most need Christ’s resurrection power right now? 6. Peace Beyond Understanding Philippians 4:6–7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Question: How do you typically respond to anxiety, and what would it look like to let Christ guard your heart and mind? 7. Contentment in All Circumstances Philippians 4:11–12 “…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound…” Question: What circumstances are currently testing your contentment, and how can Christ reshape your perspective? 8. Fellowship in Suffering 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” Question: How have you experienced Christ’s presence in suffering, or how might He be inviting you to trust Him in it now? 9. Purpose in Pain Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Question: How does the promise of future resurrection help you endure present struggles? 10. Responding to the Gospel Romans 10:9–10 “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved…” Question: What is one step of faith or obedience God is calling you to take in response to the resurrection?

  5. May 11 ·  Bonus

    Joy in Mission (John 17)

    From our 2026 Missions Conference. 1. The Dangerous Omission John 17:15 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” How does knowing that Jesus chose not to remove you from the world reshape the way you see your daily environment (home, work, school)? 2. The Meaning of Mission John 17:18 “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” If you are “sent,” where specifically has God sent you right now, and to whom? 3. Manifesting the Father’s Name John 17:6 “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” In what practical ways are you displaying God’s character to others—and where do you need growth? 4. In the World but Not of It John 17:11, 14 “These are in the world… The world hath hated them.” Where do you feel the strongest cultural pressure to compromise your faith? 5. The Joy of Mission John 17:13 “These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” How have you experienced joy when actively serving Christ? 6. Enduring for Joy Hebrews 12:2 “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” What hardship are you currently facing, and how might focusing on mission change your perspective? 7. Finishing the Course Acts 20:24 “That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” If you were to “finish your course” faithfully, what would need to change in your life today? 8. Ambassadors for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20 “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” If someone observed your life for one week, what would they conclude about the King you represent? 9. Let Your Light Shine Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” What is one specific action you can take this week to shine Christ’s light in your neighborhood or workplace? 10. Unity as Witness John 17:21 “That they all may be one… that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” How does your commitment to church unity strengthen—or weaken—your gospel witness?

  6. May 11

    Prejudice Opposes God (James 2:4-7)

    Discussion Questions 1. A Divided Heart James 2:4 – “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” In what ways do we subtly show partiality? What does this reveal about our hearts? 2. God Alone Is Judge James 4:12 – “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” How does remembering God as Judge change the way we treat others? 3. Discernment vs. Discrimination John 7:24 – “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” How can we be discerning without becoming prejudiced? 4. God’s Choice of the Poor James 2:5 – “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith…?” Why does God often choose those the world overlooks? 5. True Riches in Christ Ephesians 3:8 – “The unsearchable riches of Christ.” What does it mean to be rich in faith? 6. The Danger of Despising Others James 2:6 – “But ye have despised the poor.” How might we unintentionally look down on others? 7. The Deception of Worldly Status 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.” Why are we drawn to status and success? 8. Honoring the Wrong People James 2:7 – “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” Where are we tempted to admire those who oppose God? 9. Guarding Against External Prejudice 1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” What are some outward appearances that most strongly influence your first impressions? How can you intentionally train your heart to see people the way God does? 10. A Welcoming Church Romans 15:7 – “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” What practical steps can we take to welcome all people without favoritism?

    Prejudice Opposes God (James 2:4-7)
  7. May 11

    Prejudice Usurps God's Glory (James 2:1-3)

    1. The Incompatibility of Faith and FavoritismJames 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”How does James connect faith in Christ with the command to avoid favoritism, and why are the two incompatible?2. God’s Standard vs. Ours1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”In what ways do we tend to evaluate people differently than God does?3. The Danger of External ImpressionsJames 2:2–3 – “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly…”Why are we so easily drawn to wealth, success, or appearance?4. Favoritism as a Heart IssueMatthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”What does favoritism reveal about what we treasure most?5. Jesus as the Model of ImpartialityActs 10:34–35 – “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…”How did Jesus demonstrate impartial love in His ministry?6. Going Through SamariaJohn 4:4 – “And he had to pass through Samaria.”Who are the “Samaritans” in your life that you’re tempted to avoid?7. The Gospel Levels Us AllIsaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”How does remembering our own spiritual condition before Christ change how we treat others?8. Christ Became Poor for Us2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor…”How does the humility of Christ motivate us to reject favoritism?9. Unity in the Kingdom of GodRevelation 7:9 – “A great multitude…from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages…”What would it look like for our church to reflect this kind of unity now?10. Repentance and Real ChangeRomans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.”What is one specific way you need to repent of favoritism this week, and what step will you take?

    Prejudice Usurps God's Glory (James 2:1-3)

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The preaching of Josh Crockett