Heaven keeps no VIP list
- James warns the church about showing partiality.
- The visitor in plain clothes carries the same image of God.
- How we greet is part of how we preach.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Where Everybody Is Somebody
The gospel has no back row. A word about how the family of God treats the people God sends us.
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Scripture
James 2:1-9
Preached by
Rev. John G. Byrdsell
Delivered
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Sermon Notes
Somebody found me
- Every member here was once a stranger somebody welcomed.
- Concord's calling is a house where nobody is overlooked.
Love your neighbor as yourself
- The royal law is not a suggestion.
- Fulfilling it looks like a handshake, a phone call, a ride, a meal.
Transcript
James asks the church a question that still stings: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
He paints a picture. A man walks in with a gold ring and fine clothing, and another man walks in poor and plain, and the church rolls out the carpet for one and points the other to the corner.
Church, we have a motto around here. Where everybody is somebody and Jesus is Lord. That is not a slogan on a sign. That is a standard for how we treat the person sitting beside us.
Because there was a day when somebody had to make room for you. Somebody learned your name. Somebody called when you were sick.
If Jesus is Lord in here, then everybody in here is somebody. Turn to your neighbor and tell them, I am glad you came.