Know When to Run
Kenny Rogers 1979 hit song “The Gambler” is the story of a man down on his luck who’s given sage advice about gambling and life from an old man he encounters on a train. One of the lines in the song is: “Know when to walk away, know when to run.” Recently I began studying the book of James with another man at church and was struck by the importance of this advice for Christians. We must “know when to run” – and also when not to. In James 1:2-18 we see a contrast between trials and temptation. We must … Continue reading
Read more »What Causes Fights Among You?
War is an unfortunate way of life for this fallen world. The 20th Century was perhaps the bloodiest of all. But wars between nations are not the only types of conflicts we endure. The result is destroyed friendships, divided families, ruined businesses and even split churches. Today, we look at the root cause of wars, quarrels, and fights as is described in James 4:1-3. MP3 download.
Read more »Who is Wise and Understanding Among You?
Last week we were reminded that “no one can tame the tongue”. That is because the heart is depraved and that translates into the tongue being depraved. James continues addressing those who would presume to be teachers. Our text today, James 3:13-16 begins with a question: “Who is wise and understanding among you”? This is an ecellent question that we can use as a test for our own lives everyday. James spends the concluding verses of Chapter 3 contrasting two kinds of wisdom. The characteristics of these two types of wisdom can serve as indicators of the kind of wisdom … Continue reading
Read more »Testing Our Focus – Faith? Works!
Last week we were resuscitated in our understanding that true spirituality never remains hidden between just you and God. Our spiritual health can be seen in how we relate to others around us. The New Testament drips with the dynamic that how I treat others corresponds directly with how much I love God since God tells me to love my neighbor (2:8). Put in another way, my relationship to the invisible, omnipotent God of the universe is directly connected with how I relate to you in this church and my neighbor when in need. However, what if someone says, “I … Continue reading
Read more »Testing our Focus – Love
Last week we considered how favoritism is something the church can live without. When we treat some people better than other people (based on what they can do for us) we are guilty of playing favorites. When favoritism happens, we all lose. The person who is treated better can be led to resist and even reject the Gospel itself. Why? Because the Gospel demands we confront sin and who wants to tell a person (that they are trying to impress) of his or her desperate need of God’s forgiveness in Jesus? Conversely, the one who is “sucking up” also loses … Continue reading
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