Further Study: Read about sin and the power to change in Ellen G. White, Repentance, Steps to Christ, pp. 23-36 and summarize the key points. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:21. What role does the word have in what James is saying? This verse concludes all that has been said so far about faith and salvation. It is an appeal to put away all impurity and separate ourselves from wickedness. The command put away (RSV) is used seven out of nine times in … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:19-20. What important point is he making there? God’s Word is powerful. But so are human words. How often have we spoken words that later we wish we could take back? Unfortunately, just being aware of how hurtful wrong words can be, and how destructive anger is, does little to help us get … Continue reading –>
Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:16-17). Although sin gives birth to death, God is the source of life. He is the Father of lights (James 1:17), … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:13-15 again. When does temptation become sin? Several Greek words are used in this passage to describe how sin begins, and all of them are connected with giving birth. When a wrong desire is nurtured, sin is conceived, like a baby in the womb. Sin, when it is completely grown, gives birth to … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:13-14. Why is it important that God does not tempt anyone? Where does temptation originate, and how can this knowledge be helpful in our own struggle with sin? James is emphatic. Not only is God not the author of evil, He is not the source of temptation either. Evil itself is the source … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: James 1:12-21, Ps. 119:11, Gen. 3:1-6, Titus 3:5-7, Rom. 13:12, Eph. 4:22. Memory Text: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12). We all have experienced it. … Continue reading –>
Juan Caicedo Solis When 13-year-old Heidy Moreno and her cousin, Mirella began questioning their mothers’ rules, Heidy’s mother decided to stop their rebelliousness before it got out of hand. She took Heidy to a spirit medium-a witch. The medium claimed that Heidy had a bad spirit. “I see a gold feather over your head,” the … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, “The Sermon on the Mount,” p. 298-314, in The Desire of Ages. God would have his servants become acquainted with their own hearts. In order to bring to them a true knowledge of their condition, he permits the fire of affliction to assail them, so that they may be purified. … Continue reading –>
In this short letter, James shows great concern for poor people; some even consider it his major theme. But to modern ears, his diatribes against the rich and in favor of the poor seem extreme, even shocking. At the same time, however, James isn’t saying anything much different from what Jesus has said. Compare James … Continue reading –>
