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 –>
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 –>
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 –>
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 –>
Read for This Week’s Study: James 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; Phil. 3:12-15; James 1:19-21; Luke 17:5-6; Luke 12:16-21. Memory Text: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of … Continue reading –>
Jacques Cesaire As teens my friends and I enjoyed the pleasures of the world. We partied and drank, but I was not satisfied. I was searching for something meaningful, but didn’t know what it was or where to find it. Often when we were away from the crowd, our conversation drifted toward religious topics. Frequently … Continue reading –>
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 –>
