VII.Why does James speak against “showing partiality” so strongly? I sense James wants to mount a strong campaign against such behavior. Do you get that sense from these paragraphs? As you read these words, take notice of the support he … Continue reading
IV.As you meditate on these words of James, notice again the examples he gives of “showing partiality.” See if you can imagine what it looks like for such “partiality” to be exhibited in a Christian fellowship. V.James 2:1-12 (New Revised … Continue reading
I.“… do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ while …” I wonder how many times this (or something very similar) might have been said to someone when their orthodoxy was being questioned? In these words from the … Continue reading
Here is this week’s Scripture from the Common English Bible translation –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A1-13&version=CEB VII.The Scriptures we have read during the last months have all, one way or another, focused on how we love, or don’t love, one another. How we put … Continue reading
IV.Here is how this week’s Scripture is translated in The Message –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A1-13&version=MSG James 2:1-13 (The Message) My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an … Continue reading
I.The very first sentence in this week’s Scripture assumes we act with “favoritism.” I guess in some circumstances “favoritism” might be a good way to act, but the passage makes it clear that is not what is in consideration here. … Continue reading
VII.This week we end for now our time with James. This might be a good time to review what James had to say – Scripture for August 2 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201%3A19-27&version=NRSV,ESV,MSG Scripture for August 9 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201%3A19-27&version=NRSV,ESV,MSG Scripture for August 16 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%202%3A14-26&version=NIV,CEB,MSG Scripture … Continue reading
Let’s go back to the Scriptures for a moment. Here are three translations to consider –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A13-18%3B%205%3A7-11&version=NRSV,MSG,LEB V.The other day I asked you to consider the two kinds of “wisdom” James speaks of and to note the words or phrases that … Continue reading
I.With this week’s readings from James’ letter we come to a close of our time with James. Or maybe not. We’ve only taken time to reflect on selected passages, so perhaps you want to find time to review the entire … Continue reading
How do James’ words catch you today?https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A1-12&version=NRSV,NASB,PHILLIPS VII.Did you notice how James mentions how we can “tame” so many different animals, For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed … Continue reading