There are several statements in James’ epistle that are contrary to popularly held religious beliefs. Let us briefly consider these passages in light of what many churches teach today.
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November 10, 2015
Was James a Heretic?
November 9, 2015
The Psalm of the Word (Part 17): Grace
Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.I opened my mouth wide and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.Turn to me and be gracious to me,
After Your manner with those who love Your name.Establish my footsteps in Your word,
And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.My eyes shed streams of water,
Because they do not keep Your law.(Psalm 119:129-136)
We typically think of grace as a New Testament feature, and it is certainly emphasized there. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). However, grace still existed in the Old Testament and this passage reminds us of that fact. Let us notice how God’s grace and God’s word are related.
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October 26, 2015
The Psalm of the Word (Part 15): Consistency
I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love your testimonies.My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.(Psalm 119:113-120)
This lesson will focus on the theme of consistency. Though the word is not used in these verses, the concept certainly is. If God’s word was not consistent, we could not trust it or follow it. But because it is consistent, it provides us with protection, sustenance, and safety if we follow it.
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October 20, 2015
Conversion
In the second recorded gospel sermon following the healing of the lame man, Peter told the crowd that had gathered, “Repent…and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, KJV).
What is conversion? The dictionary would define this as a change in form, character, or function. In the New Testament, it refers to a change to follow Christ. In this article, we will notice three things that happen in our conversion – not only to see how conversion happens, but also to learn how to keep from reverting back to the world.
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October 19, 2015
The Psalm of the Word (Part 14): Guidance
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.I have sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your ordinances.My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.(Psalm 119:105-112)
Many people wonder why we are here and where we are going. The word of God provides the answers for us and guides us in the path we should go.
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October 12, 2015
The Psalm of the Word (Part 13): Understanding
O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.(Psalm 119:97-104)
God meant for His word to be understood and it can be understood by anyone. Furthermore, with the right attitude, we can continue to progress in our understanding, even to the point that we surpass those who might be expected to be “older and wiser” than we are. So let us consider what the psalmist said about the understanding we gain from God’s word.
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September 29, 2015
Mediocre Christianity
The church in Laodicea was condemned for being “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16). They thought they were in “need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17), but they were not healthy spiritually. Jesus told them they needed to “be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).
At times, we may be like the Laodiceans – not what we should be as Christians, but not completely unfaithful either. We may not be zealously serving God, but are also not willfully rejecting Him either. Instead, we are in a state of spiritual mediocrity. What does this look like in our individual lives? When we find ourselves in such a state, how can we change it? That is what we will consider in this article.
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