This weeks Reading:James 2:14-26  Faith and WorksSometimes people get confused when they compare James’ and Paul’s teachings about faith and works. Such confusion is resolved when Bible students consider all that both men wrote that is contained in the Bible.Context is crucial. Paul wrote largely to Gentile believers, and James wrote largely to Jewish believers.Paul focuses on how works is not rel...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 2:1-13 FavoritismIn 2:1-13, James condemns favoritism (discrimination); particularly self-serving, judgmental treatment of the rich and poor. His comments equally apply to our lives today. Evil thoughts about what we can get from fellow believers must be rejected.Instead, God is to be glorified for what He has freely given to all. Jesus, the Lord of glory, laid aside His d...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 1:19-27 Saving Faith DefinedJames, Paul and all great teachers in churches agree on the three elements of authentic faith. God-given faith includes content, assent, and commitment:Content: The gospel message focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He carried out the Father’s will in His earthly ministry in dependence on the Holy Spirit. The eternal Son of God also ...  Read More

James 1:18 gives an essential truth: temptation and sin come from evil, never from God. Adam and Eve discovered how “their own evil desire” enticed them to sin (4). They received and passed on to all humanity the wages of sin – death, as God had forewarned (5). God knows and cares about every heartache and hardship. Jesus Christ will bring sin and suffering to an end when He returns.  Read More

How often do you substitute feelings, what ifs, peer pressure, past outcomes, cultural norms or governmental laws for God’s wisdom? James’ message to disciples of Jesus Christ is, “Seek God. Get wisdom. Do the Word.”  Read More

As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. An awareness of our Christian heritage helps us to understand our identity, and gives us a sense of where God is leading us.   Read More

Some years ago, I was in a financial wilderness. I had no way of earning money, and my greatest need was food.   Read More

There are eternal rewards for how we work in this life and it is good and right for those rewards to lead us to care deeply about serving others, and by extension the Lord, through the ministry of excellence at work.   Read More

Why are we commanded to steward our time wisely? Not so that we will have more time to spend on selfish pursuits. We are called to redeem our time because "the days are evil” and we are running out of time to do the will of the Lord.   Read More

When we do our most exceptional work, we will often be rewarded with financial excess. One God-honoring use of that excess is to share it generously with those who have none. The poor need our help, and we the Church are called to give it.   Read More

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  Read More

God loves you and me no matter how productive or unproductive we are today. Ironically, it’s that truth that gives us the ambition to be wildly productive. Why? Because working to earn someone’s favor is exhausting. But working in response to unconditional favor is intoxicating.  Read More