Tonight, at bedtime, we read from the book of James:
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
James 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Highlights:
-if we offend one point in the law, we've broken the entire "law"
-if we hope to receive mercy, we should deal with others in mercy
-if your brother or sister have a need, if you have the means to help, you should
(help younger siblings tie their shoes, give them a drink if they ask you, play with them if you aren't doing anything...and we pointed out things that the children new we had done for others...not to brag, but to show by example being careful to remind them to keep quiet about others needs and don't allow one hand to see the other when giving)
-the devils believe in God, over 90% of Americans believe in a 'god', but to believe in God is not enough and the demons are proof
-the father of faith=Abraham was not justified by faith- his justification came when he did a "work"
-'justification' is made complete by 'works'; faith alone is not full justification
*******
It is very convicting to examine one's works.
But it is more important now than ever to do so.
We are living in a time where "sin" is not even preached in some churches, much less 'not measuring up'.
We're being taught that God is "love love love" but His justice and wrath are shunned.
We cannot have part of Him, nor can we recreate Him.
We must look to His Word to learn who He really is!
May God bless you and your homes, as you seek to search His word, and truly know Him!
4 comments:
I used to counsel at a Christian crisis pregnancy center. When asked, most girls respond that they are Christians because they are "good" people. This is also the response that most of American will give. I always had them read James 2:10 and then explained that only one "sin" has us as guilty. I have always wondered why pastors in this cultural time period don't often use this verse to start out the explaining of "all are sinners." We, of course, are blessed to know the rest that Jesus Christ died for those sins!
Well said M!
I used to be a volunteer at a CPC as well, for 9 years. My son took a mission trip some time back and saw exactly what you are saying too.
Another problem is the 'new jesus'. He is not the One the Bible talks about. This new one loves everyone and hardly says a thing about sin...I'm sure you've heard about him. ;-)
Many say "God is love" but they don't understand what love is really. Jesus said, "if you love me you will keep my commandments" (Jn.14:15). Too often we separate love and obedience but we must have both just like faith and works. Works could be considered obedience as well. If you believe God(faith) and you love God then you will obey God as the scripture has said(Jn 7:38).
Sarah,
Well said!
Love certainly requires action and faith certainly requires works.
Thank you!
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