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 –>
I have thought a lot about James over the last week. The discussions about his identity have been interesting. The evidence seems to support the view that James was actually a brother of Jesus, although no one can say with 100% certainty that he was. As a leader of the early church, James distinguished himself … 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 –>
Key Thought: James, the Lord’s brother, gives us an excellent example of moving from unbelief to faith and action. He was a well-respected leader in the early Christian church. [Lesson Plan for James the Lord’s Brother September 29, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 7:2-5 and Mark 3:21. a. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
Former Muslim religion teacher, now a deacon in the Cornerstone Seventh-day Adventist church, Abbas believes that all Adventists are Muslims, because being a Muslim means being “submitted to God.” And when you are Muslim and learn of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, you have no choice except to become an Adventist. In this interview of Abbas … 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 –>
After Evangelist Steve Wohlberg1 held some meetings at our church, we had several baptisms. One of those was “Wayne.” Wayne and I started hanging out as he loved to talk to me about prophecy. More specifically he liked talking about the mark of the beast. Okay, all he wanted to talk about was the mark of the … Continue reading –>
The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, ‘Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one … 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 –>
