This sermon is part 2 of our 6 part series on reconciliation. In James 4.1-10, we find the source (vv.1-5) and solution (vv.6-10) of conflict. Here we learn that the source of conflict is never the devil, or our biological issues, or other people. Rather the source is always our own sinful desires. We also learn that the solution is humility before God. And James gives us 5 expressions of humility that God desires in our conflict (submitting and drawing near to God, resisting the devil, cleansing and lamenting our sin).

Conflict is unavoidable, even in the church. We desperately need to understand and practice biblical reconciliation. This sermon part 1 of a six part series on reconciliation. Reconciliation can be categorized in two ways: 1) vertical (between us and God) and 2) horizontal (between one another). Before we can practice horizontal reconciliation we must understand vertical reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5.17-21, we consider: 1) The Model of Reconciliation, 2) The Ministry of Reconciliation, and 3) The Message of Reconciliation.

Conflict is unavoidable and God has called the church to be a people who walk wisely through conflict. If we're going to do that there are four postures to avoid: 1) A greedy-heart, 2) a slanderous-heart, 3) a scoffing-heart, and 4) a contentious-heart. We also find two practices to apply: 1) we need to stay out of unnecessary conflict and 2) we need to proceed slowly of necessary conflict.