Chapter 5 of James begins with a bang: Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! (James 5:1, NKJV). No doubt, that would have gotten his readers’ attention. In James 1:10-11, he reminded the rich of the impermanence of wealth. Here, in chapter 5 , he urges those … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: James 5:1-6, Ps. 73:3-19, 1 Sam. 25:2-11, Lev. 19:13, Luke 16:19-31, Matt. 5:39. Memory Text: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21). The worldwide popularity of the television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? suggests that many people vicariously enjoy the rags-to-riches fantasy … Continue reading –>
Dennis Rodrigues As a teenager Solomon was not so smart. He let his peers influence his decisions and began smoking and taking drugs. He experimented with every drug he could get, and often he grew weak because he was not eating. Drugs were all he cared for. Solomon and his friends were always together, smoking … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read about the value of time in Ellen G. White, Talents, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342-346, and share the points that impressed you with your Sabbath School class. Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by declaring that this spirit [of discerning the evil motives of others] is a … Continue reading –>
Seventh-day Adventists pioneers spent days and nights earnestly studying the Bible to arrive at the truths that now define us as a body of believers. They became known as a people who knew their Bibles. But how is it with you and me? Is our faith anchored firmly in the Word of God, or does it … 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 –>
Read James 4:15-17 in the context of the verses that come before it. What crucial point is he making here? James here is dealing with the attitude of self-dependence. In fact, he calls that attitude arrogance, and the words spoken as boasting; he says it is evil. That’s how important the right attitude is for … 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 –>
Read James 4:14. What crucial point is being made here? Life is uncertain. Every breath is a gift. James 4:14 uses a very rare Greek word (atmis), which is translated as vapor or mist. Like the Hebrew word hebel (breath, vapor), which occurs 38 times in Ecclesiastes and is often translated as vanity, it emphasizes … 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 –>
Read James 4:13. (Compare Luke 12:13-21.) How do we balance prudent planning for the future with our need to live each day in expectation of Christ’s imminent coming? How can we avoid the trap of merely building bigger barns? It may seem very reasonable to plan a year in advance or even more. Businesses commonly … Continue reading –>
While I love being with friends, it does not bother me to be alone. Being alone does not make me lonely. Being misunderstood makes me lonely. In a youth group I asked the young people what specific things do others not understand about you that you wish they did. An ordinarily quiet group suddenly became very vocal. Everyone … Continue reading –>
