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Faith
James 2:14–18 (NIV) 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs,…
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Pure Religion
Of course, then someone has to ask, “Who’s gonna pay for THAT?”
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All is Ours
Having the understanding that “all is ours” in Christ needs to be held in balance with the understanding that it is not a life free of obstacles. In fact, the obstacles test that understanding that “all is ours.” Our faith (given to us by Christ, not earned) is then revealed as precious gold. That balance is tough to keep in…
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Long Haul Christianity
James 1:2-4 brings us a picture of faith that does not shy away from trials. We don’t go looking for trials, but we also need to understand that trials are not necessarily fearful. Trials produce the ability to stand the test of time. With that comes maturity. Maturity is understand that all we have in Christ is enough. It isn’t…
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Strengthening Our Resolve
In case you haven’t heard, we’ve reached the end of the world. I find it interesting there is far more interest in the Mayan calendar and how it might be right, while we readily dismiss Christians who regularly predict the end of the world. So, the end is upon us. Unless, of course, it’s not. When 2013 rings in and…
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Knowing and Doing Are Two Different Things
There are different definitions of “sin” throughout Scripture, but James weighs in on this one: 17 It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it. (James 4:17, CEB) We can know all day long what the right thing to do is… and just not do it. We can see shades of racism in…
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Willing to Yield
My wish for the political season as it kicks off: Everyone running for office needs to read the Book of James. Knowing that will not happen, I am still struck by the words compared to the political arena. 17 What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions,…
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The Advantage of Adversity
The old saying goes, “Live and learn.” I have found that isn’t necessarily true. There was a friend in college who just didn’t really understand the purpose of the speed limit. Not understanding the speed limit in Wisconsin in those days was costly. He was winging his way through Wisconsin one year with some friends he was dropping off in…
Tag: Book of James
