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 –>
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself. Genesis 18:11-12 Sarah had just overheard Abraham being told again that his wife would bear him a son. It was humanly impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a child. Although firm … Continue reading –>
Introduction…After surgery and 74 days in rehab for a broken hip joint, I’m back and headed for full recovery! Don’t read this if you’ve never done anything stupid, but I put on an ankle weight and forgot it was on until I decided to leap from my bedroom to the kitchen. For a split second I was … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:6-8. What is he saying to us here? The word for doubt refers to one being inwardly divided; this helps us to understand its connection to double-mindedness. We see a clear example of this at Kadesh-Barnea. Israel faced a choice there: move forward in faith or rebel against the Lord. Amazingly, they chose … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: James shows us how trials and difficulties help us to strengthen our faith and purify our lives… [Lesson Plan for The Perfecting of Our Faith October 6, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 1:2,3 and Ephesians 4:13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:5-6. How is wisdom different from knowledge? What connection does James make between wisdom and faith? It may seem a bit odd that James says, If any of you lacks wisdom. Who thinks he or she has enough wisdom to begin with? Solomon, for instance, recognizing his need, humbly asked for an understanding … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:2-4. Notice the progression: faith, testing, patience, perfection. James begins with faith because that is the foundation of all true Christian experience. He then says we need trials to test the genuineness of our faith. Last, James states that trials can teach us perseverance, so that eventually we will not be caught by … Continue reading –>
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:1-2 NKJV Being unthankful is more than just bad manners. It is one of the perils of the last days. Being unthankful goes … Continue reading –>
Read James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12-13. What is the common attitude of both James and Peter in regard to trials? How are we supposed to relate to this incredible biblical injunction? No one likes suffering; we almost always avoid it if we can. The Greek word used in verse 3 for the … Continue reading –>
