“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17Many of us are familiar with the story of King Solomon, who in 1 Kings 3 was told by God that he could ask for anything he wanted, and he would receive it. Instead of asking for a long life, riches, popularity, or power like many o...  Read More

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though...  Read More

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17How do faith and actions fit together? What role do good works and obedience play in the life of the Christian? Did the reformers place too much emphasis on “faith alone” that now we’ve lost the other side of the coin? Is there any truth to the idea that many people have walked away from the faith because th...  Read More

There’s an old preacher phrase that goes something like this: “No sin is too heavy for Christ to bear, and no sin is too light for Christ to spare.” The idea is that we often try to trivialize our wrongdoing by projecting our thinking onto God. Well, James spends most of the first part of chapter 2 dispelling that idea. Even something as seemingly benign as showing favoritism is offensive to God. ...  Read More

Hearing and Doing the Word (NIV)19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.22 Do not merely listen to ...  Read More

"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." James 1:13Trials and temptations both have a similar impact on our lives, but they are significantly different. Trials arise from the challenges and crises of life. Temptations mainly arise from within our hearts, from our inner motivations.Trials are as numerous and varied as the ...  Read More