Lessons from the book of James (#11)

James, one of the writers of the Bible, asks the question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?”

Would you like to know if you are wise and understanding?

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18 ESV)

Using James 3:14-15, I created a chart to help you answer this question.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

  Are you wise and understanding?

 Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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Taming the Tongue

Lessons from the book of James (#10)

• Teachers, be careful!  You are accountable for your words.

 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (James 3:1) (Note:  Most of us take on the role of a teacher in various ways throughout our lives. Most of us teach Biblical principles to others on numerous occasions.  We would be hard pressed to say that we never teach anyone.)

  “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:5-6 ESV)

•  Watch your words. Words spoken carelessly are destructive

 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. … but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  (James 3:6 & 8 ESV)

•  Scripture instructs us to only use words that will build others up.

 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:29-30 ESV)

•  Do you know where your words come from?

 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45 ESV)

•  Remember:

 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2 ESV)

 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:6 ESV)

 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)

 A simple conclusion: On our own, no one is qualified to teach anyone or anything.  We need the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to be the teacher that God wants us to be.  Here are some prayers that we all need to pray:

 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 ESV)

 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

Now go and be the teacher that God planned for you to be.

 Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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For us to be truly thankful, we need to be growing in our knowledge of God.

We need to “Know that the LORD, He is God!”

Always Remember to Be Thankful (#4)

Psalm 100 is a great Psalm for us to use when we want ideas of how to give thanks to the LORD.  This post will focus on Psalm 100 verse 3.

Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3 ESV)

We learn to know God better by studying Scripture. Listed below are a few of the facts that scripture teaches us about God.

• There is only one true God.

 There is … one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)

For there is one God, …(1 Timothy 2:5 ESV)

• God created and sustains the universe and everything in it.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. …(Genesis chapters 1 & 2 ESV)

• God created us.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.  And God blessed them. (Genesis 1:27-28 ESV)

• God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

•  God sent a Savior into the world.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV)

• God loves his children with an immeasurable love.

 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1 ESV)

• God is our shepherd.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  (Psalm 23:1-6)

Know that the LORD,
He is God!
It is He who made us,
and we are His;
we are His people,
and the sheep of His pasture.
(Psalm 100:3 ESV)

 We will look at Psalm 100 verse 4 in a future post.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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Always Remember to Be Thankful (#3)

Psalm 100 is a great Psalm for us to use when we want ideas of how to give thanks to the LORD.  This post will focus on Psalm 100 verse 2.

Worship is a significant part of Thanksgiving.

Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:2 ESV)

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2 NIV0

We serve the LORD with our worship. Scripture tells us to serve with gladness.

When we worship we should do it:

• Cheerfully
• Willingly
• Happily
• With singing
• Gladly

Our service to the Lord should be done joyfully and rendered freely.

We serve the LORD with our worship.  We also serve the LORD by serving others.  We should look for ways to willingly, cheerfully, happily, and joyfully serve others during this holiday season, and throughout the year.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,   I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’   “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?   When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?    When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’   “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  (Matthew 25:35-40)

 Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

We will look at Psalm 100 verse 3 in a future post.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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Always Remember to Be Thankful (#2)

Psalm 100 is a great Psalm for us to use when we want ideas of how to give thanks to the LORD.

This post will focus on Psalm 100 verse 1.

 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1 ESV)

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1 NIV)

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1 NASB)

• Our thanksgiving needs to be directed “to the Lord”. He is the focus of our praise.
• Our thanksgiving should be done with energy and enthusiasm.
  • “Make a joyful noise.” “Shout joyfully.”

Psalm 95:1-2 reinforces the idea of enthusiastically and joyfully praising and thanking God for all He has done for us.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:1-2 ESV)

Psalm 150:3-6 also encourages us to “Make a joyful noise to the LORD”.

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150:3-6 ESV)

Wow! I guess some of us have some things to think about.

We will look at Psalm 100 verse 2  in a future post.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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Remember to always be thankful. (#1)

Sometimes the words are easy to understand, but the application seems to be nearly impossible.

• God’s Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; whatever happens, always be thankful; in everything give thanks.

….give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ERV)

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

•  God wants us to always be thankful.

… giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:20 ESV)

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20 ERV)

^… always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; (Ephesians 5:20 NASB)

•  How can we always be thankful in all circumstances?

 We can begin by reminding ourselves that:

Our God is a sovereign God.

 God loves us.

 God “gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)

 God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

 God has given all believers the Holy Spirit to teach, guide and comfort them.

 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

•  As we approach the Thanksgiving season, and throughout the entire year, we need to remember that God’s Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.

  Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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How are Christians able to celebrate the death of loved one?

Christians are able to celebrate death, because Christians are a people of H O P E

What is this hope?

Hope, in scripture, is not hoping that it will rain, when maybe it will rain or maybe it won’t rain.

Hope, in scripture, is not hoping that your favorite sports team will win, when maybe they will win or maybe they will lose.

Hope, in scripture, is absolute certainty.

Biblical hope is “An unbreakable promise”.

Today I want to share some of the promises of scripture that talk about the hope all Christians have.

Our message of hope has four parts:

• Heaven

H:  We are able to make a reservation in the perfect community, Heaven.  Part one of our message of HOPE is that that we can have a relationship with God, our creator, the creator of the universe, through Jesus Christ, and we can reserve a room (a place) in heaven with a reservation that cannot be broken.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)

“Jesus said …, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’”   John 11:25

The gift of salvation is  “An unbreakable promise”.  God promised the Christian eternal life … and God cannot lie.

Hope for a Christian is living eternally in Heaven when we leave this earth.

Imagine just how awesome it will be to spend eternity in heaven.

Scripture gives us a tiny glimpse of Heaven.  A partial description of heaven is found in Rev.21: 4 where it says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)

 Using symbolic language, we will be “Walking on streets of pure gold”.  (Revelation 21:21)

•  Overcomers

O:  We can become an overcomer and can experience victory over sin and death.  Part two of our message of HOPE is that Jesus Christ overcame sin and death for us.  Jesus is an overcomer, and because of the work of Jesus Christ we too can be an overcomer.

Jesus overcame sin and death.  Jesus conquered sin and death for us.

John 16:33       I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We are overcomers

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4

^… giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (Colossians 1:12-13)

When we ask Jesus to transform our lives we are able to overcome sin and death and we became eligible to spend eternity in heaven.

• Promises

P:  We can claim the promises in scripture that can never be broken.  Part three of our message of HOPE is more promises from scripture.

Scripture tells us that we have “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, (Titus 1:2)

More promises:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.   You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28)

 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly NASB (have it to the full NIV). (John 10:10)

•  Eternity

E:  We can enjoy an eternity with the Lord.  Part four of our message of Hope is that the Hope  we have is for eternity.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

 We should be encourage, not discouraged. As Believers we will be reunited with loved ones, family, and friends who have accepted Jesus Christ as their redeemer.  We will live with Christ for all of eternity.

This message of hope is offered to everyone.

H:  As believers we are able to make a reservation in the perfect community, Heaven.

O:  We can become an overcomer and experience victory over sin and death.

P:  We can claim the promises found in scripture that can never be broken.

E:  We can enjoy an eternity with the Lord.

 Death for the Christians is not something to grieve or fear
but rather something to be celebrated.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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The 2014 Elections are over (except for a few runoff elections in some states).

What do we do now?

We pray.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)

Scripture clearly tells us to pray for those in “high positions”.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,

We need to be praying for those who are already in office as well as those who will soon be starting their new positions.

What should we pray?

We can start by praying that our leaders live their lives in ways that are pleasing to the Lord.  If they are already Christians, we can pray that they seek God’s guidance in all aspects of their personal and political lives. If those in “high positions” are not Christians, we can pray for their salvation.  We can pray that they will repent of their sins and embrace the gospel.

Why do we pray for our leader?

So … that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Does God really want us to pray for our politicians?  Yes!

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We want our leaders to be saved and we want them to know the truth and live their lives by the truths of scripture.

We needed to vote; now we need to pray.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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A changed life.

Lessons from the book of Acts (#5)

In Acts chapter 9, a young man named Saul goes from “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (verse 1) to being hunted by Jews who “plotted to kill him” (verse 23).

What happened?  What changed?

Jesus had confronted Saul on the road to Damascus and turned his life around.  Paul began living the life that God had planned for him and was becoming the man that God wanted him to become.

Almost immediately Saul proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” (verse 20) And all who heard him were amazed. (verse 21)

Saul discovered early on that being a Christian wasn’t going to be easy.

The Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill him and the Jerusalem disciples were afraid of him.

Paul was experiencing some of the things Jesus addressed in Matthew 10.

 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.  Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.  When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.  For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,  and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:16-22 ESV)

Paul chose to be obedient and to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 ESV)

What can we learn from these passages of scripture?

• If you are a Christian, Christ has changed your life.
• We are called to ambassadors for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
• The task of sharing Christ with others can be difficult.
• If we want to be effective in sharing our faith we need to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We should be wise in avoiding danger and harmless in not forcibly opposing our audience.
• We are not to be anxious how we are to speak or what we are to say, for what we are to say will be given to us in that hour. (Matthew 10:19 paraphrased)
• We need to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 ESV)

Remember what Jesus said to his disciples (and to us). “… behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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Faith Apart from Works Is Dead

Lessons from the book of James (#9)

James makes some clear, strong statements about “works” in chapter two of his book.  He writes:

… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (verse 17)

… faith apart from works is useless? (verse 20)

… faith was completed by … works; (verse 22)

… a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (verse 24)

… faith apart from works is dead. (verse 26)

James’ comments refer to faith, not the gift of salvation.  It is clear in scripture that our salvation is a gift from God.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

However, after receiving the gift of salvation, it is clear in scripture that we are to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1:22 ESV)

The book of James is not the only place in scripture that tells us the importance of “doing”.

Throughout the Bible we read about the importance of doing good works.

• When we put Biblical principles into practice we are like wise men.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24 ESV)

• We have all been given jobs “to do”.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV)

• Not everyone has the same work to do.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;  and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV)

• Christ expects us “to do” as He has commanded.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34 ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 ESV)

• God expects us to help others.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

• God recognizes our good works.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ … And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)

•  Good works are rewarded.

And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:20-21 ESV)

• Our good works are for God’s glory.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

 Conclusion:  We need to be doing the work that God is asking us to do.

Check out “Whoever Believes….”

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