[Thought questions for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 9, 2014] 1. Parousia. Does the word “parousia” echo a sense of majesty and anticipation in you? Did it for New Testament Christians as they applied the word to the Second Coming of Jesus? What two conditions does James propose to Christians who want to be ready for … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : As we wait for the Lord to return, James encourages believers to strive to be patient in the face of evil and injustice and not to take heart. [Lesson Plan for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 8, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 5:7,8. a. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Weep and Howl December 2, 2014] 1. Weep and howl! Can you imagine the impression those words made on James’ readers and listeners? What if you went to church one week, and the pastor walked to the pulpit wearing his usual invisible robe of humility but places his hand in the open Bible … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Meaningful relationships, job satisfaction, and a purposeful life gives one more happiness than wealth. [Lesson plan for Weep and Howl December 1. 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 5:1-5. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What kind of wealth … Continue reading –>
Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for One Lawgiver and Judge November 26, 2014] 1. Introduction. Have you ever complained about a new stop sign in your neighborhood? Or about the lack of stop signs or posted speed limits nearby? Imagine that you live in the capital city of the United States, Washington, DC. What would the term “diplomatic immunity” … Continue reading –>
I thought that I would focus this week on the “not judging” part of the One Lawgiver and Judge lesson. After all, the phrase “judge not” is probably one of the most oft quoted and misquoted Bible verses of our generation. It sometimes serves as our “get out of jail free” card. The discerning of right and … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Our attitude towards law affects how we relate to others and to God. Law governs how we relate to others. [Lesson plan for One Lawgiver and Judge November 24, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 4:11,12. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
After getting this far into the book of James, chances are you might be a bit confused. After all, James seems to contradict nearly everything Paul says in the book of Romans. He consistently talks about “works” whereas Paul was the “champion of grace.” However, how can the Bible contradict itself on such a major … Continue reading –>
“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10 NASB) [thought questions for The Humility of Heavenly Wisdom November 11, 2014] 1. “He will exalt you.” Some struggling Christian might read these words by James and say, “Okay. Small price to pay. I’ll humble myself before the Lord, and he’ll … Continue reading –>
