Further Study: “His brothers often brought forward the philosophy of the Pharisees, which was threadbare and hoary with age, and presumed to think that they could teach Him who understood all truth, and comprehended all mysteries. They freely condemned that which they could not understand. Their reproaches probed Him to the quick, and His soul … Continue reading –>
James had the opportunity to observe Jesus when Jesus was a child, a youth, and an adult. Then, at some point James not only believed in Jesus as the Messiah but became a leader of the Christians in Jerusalem. And yet, James calls himself not a brother but a bondservant (James 1:1, NKJV) of Jesus. … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:1; Acts 11:19-21; and 1 Peter 2:9-10. Who are these twelve tribes, and how did they become so widely scattered? As we have seen, James wrote to believers. At first, the gospel work was focused in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47); but, as a result of persecution, which intensified after the stoning of Stephen, these … Continue reading –>
Unfortunately, perhaps because of Luther’s influence, many Christians have been unable to see the important message James’s epistle contains. Without diminishing the contribution Luther made for the church of his day, we must remember that the Reformation did not . . . end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 and Acts 1:14. What do they tell us about the changes that happened to James? Jesus appeared to many after His resurrection, including Peter and the Twelve (minus Judas Iscariot). Then he appeared to over five hundred people at one time. James, apparently, wasn’t at this meeting with the five hundred; … Continue reading –>
The author of this letter must have been well known in the church because there is no more specific information in this letter as to who he is other than what we find in James 1:1: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: John 7:2-5; 1 Cor. 15:5-7; James 1:3, James 2:5; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Matt. 7:24-27. Memory Text: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you (John 15:14, NKJV). We, today, are a long way from the early days of the Christian church, both time wise and culturally. Thus, … Continue reading –>
“An Epistle of Straw”? The epistle of James has been one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. In the Leipzig Debate of 1519, Roman Catholic scholar Johann Eck used it to challenge Martin Luther’s view of justification by faith alone, insisting that works needed to be added to the equation. Luther, in response, … Continue reading –>
Ivan and Raveta grew up in the traditional church in Macedonia. After their marriage, Raveta continued attending church occasionally, though Ivan didn’t. When the Bible became available in the Macedonian language, Raveta bought a copy. But she didn’t read it; she put it on a shelf and forgot it. Years later Ivan, a lawyer, had … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, On the Mount of Olives, p. 627-636, in The Desire of Ages; Heralds of the Morning, p. 299-316, in The Great Controversy. Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which … Continue reading –>
