Preacher’s Letter — Theme Preface 2026

Introduction: Why James? Why Now?

We live in a time when many want faith without the weight of obedience. Culture says, “Just believe.” Religion says, “Grace only.” And even among those who claim loyalty to the Scriptures, a quieter message has taken root — one that lowers the call of discipleship, that treats obedience as optional, and that speaks of grace but not repentance, of faith but not faithfulness. But James speaks with Spirit-given clarity: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:17).

Our theme for 2026, Living the Word: Faith in Action, is not chosen by accident. It rises from the pressing need to build disciples whose faith is alive, active, and enduring. It is about homes that train their children in wisdom. It is about churches that show the world what faith looks like in action. It is about a people who live the Word, not just hear it (Jas. 1:22).

Every Lord’s Day morning, we will walk carefully through James—expository lessons that demand response. Every Lord’s Day evening, we will anchor those truths in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and apologetics, so that our minds and hearts are trained to live as disciples in a skeptical world. Together, these lessons will press the Word into action.

Discipling the Young

Young hearts are easily drawn away by voices louder than Scripture. James brings them back to center: resist temptation (Jas. 1:12–15), bridle the tongue (Jas. 3:1–12), walk humbly (Jas. 4:6–10), and live with wisdom from above (Jas. 3:13–18). Proverbs calls the young to “get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). Ecclesiastes reminds them, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1).

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” — Psalm 119:9

But roots will not grow without presence. To gain the full strength of these lessons, our young must be with the saints. Hebrews 10:24–25 warns us not to forsake the assembling, because it is in gathering that faith is modeled, habits are formed, and examples are seen. Parents, bring your children to every service—morning and evening—so they grow up knowing that faith is lived in the company of God’s people.

Restoring the Faith of the Weak

Some are weary. Some have stumbled. Some have almost given up. James lifts them with hope: “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial” (Jas. 1:12). He calls us to pray for the sick and confess sins so that healing may come (Jas. 5:16). Lamentations weeps, yet sings: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” (Lam. 3:22–23).

“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3

But restoration does not happen in isolation. It happens in the gathering. Hebrews 10:19–39 tells us that drawing near to God and holding fast to our confession is tied to stirring up love in one another—and that cannot be done if we forsake the assembly. Saints, do not stay away. Children, come with your parents. The weary soul regains strength when it sees the family of God stand together.

Strengthening the Faith of the Mature

Even the seasoned can grow comfortable. James warns against presumption (Jas. 4:13–17), pride (Jas. 4:6), and compromise with the world (Jas. 4:4). The mature must keep pressing forward, living out wisdom that is “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17).

True faith obeys. True grace transforms. We guard against the quiet drift that empties faith of obedience—where grace is redefined as permission and discipleship becomes optional.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

The strong also need the flock. Hebrews 10:36–39 reminds us endurance is not learned alone but in fellowship. Our elders model steadfastness as they watch for souls (Heb. 13:7, 17). Evening lessons will arm the mature with answers against false teaching and humanism, preparing them to give a defense (1 Pet. 3:15). The church grows strong when her strongest members stay close to Christ and close to His body.

Developing Spiritual Leaders for the Next Generation

Faith that lives must also lead. Every generation of the Lord’s people must prepare the next to carry the work forward. We cannot borrow leaders from elsewhere or hope they appear by chance—they must be formed intentionally, from the cradle up.

“And these words which I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Our children should grow up seeing what service looks like. Boys must learn to read Scripture publicly, lead prayers, and develop hearts that serve. Girls must see in their mothers, teachers, and elder’s wives examples of quiet strength, reverence, and compassion. Every home is a training ground. Every class is a seedbed for future teachers. Every song service is an opportunity to grow the next song leader.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

We must cultivate spiritual leadership early—training teachers, deacons, elders, preachers, song leaders, mothers, and preacher’s wives who live the Word first and then lead others to it. These roles are not titles to be claimed but fruits of years of faithfulness, humility, and growth.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

When we fail to prepare the next generation of servants, the work weakens. But when we train them early, the church flourishes.

In Him,

Living the Word: Faith in Action — 2026

© 2026 Ex Verbo Vitae — Ed Rangel — Waupaca, Wisconsin
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