James 2:18-19
18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.
What is belief? What is faith? The Bible says that even the demons believe and they shudder. What they have is an understanding and knowledge of the fact that there is one God – they have actually seen Him. What they do not have is a life committed to that one God. They have never trusted in that one God nor have they given their lives to Him.
Jesus Christ came to die for all mankind but people still ignore His sacrifice and still refuse to give their life to Him. They may understand what Jesus did or at least they can repeat what they have heard but a person who truly believes – trusts in God with all they have – they give their life to Him.
I have heard that the greatest distance in all of human kind is the distance from the head to the heart – many understand but few commit their lives to God. What do you believe?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Dead or Alive - August 6
August 6
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.“
Dead or Alive? How do we know if our faith is dead or alive? How will those who don’t follow Christ expect us to act? How will our lives be transformed?
It is at the crossroads of faith and action that real things happen – lives are changed – people come to know Christ – communities are transformed. Faith in action is what authenticity is all about. Living out what we believe in front of everyone – being transparent and dependant on God is where it all takes place.
Can you imagine what it would look like to have a church full of people living out a radical faith – prepared to act on God’s calling at any and every second? Prepared to help those who are needy? Prepared to say to God – if you ask – I will say “yes”. At the heart of every person who makes a difference for God is a life transforming faith that is acted upon. People of faith change lives.
For a vivid description of such a place look at the book of Acts in the Bible – Chapter 2 and see what this looks like lived out.
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.“
Dead or Alive? How do we know if our faith is dead or alive? How will those who don’t follow Christ expect us to act? How will our lives be transformed?
It is at the crossroads of faith and action that real things happen – lives are changed – people come to know Christ – communities are transformed. Faith in action is what authenticity is all about. Living out what we believe in front of everyone – being transparent and dependant on God is where it all takes place.
Can you imagine what it would look like to have a church full of people living out a radical faith – prepared to act on God’s calling at any and every second? Prepared to help those who are needy? Prepared to say to God – if you ask – I will say “yes”. At the heart of every person who makes a difference for God is a life transforming faith that is acted upon. People of faith change lives.
For a vivid description of such a place look at the book of Acts in the Bible – Chapter 2 and see what this looks like lived out.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Mercy and Judgment - August 5
James 2:8-13
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Mercy triumphs over judgment. That is a huge statement. We deserve judgment – we receive mercy. Whenever I am faced with a choice between mercy and judgment I need to choose mercy whenever possible. That is acting like God. It doesn’t mean giving in to evil – but it does mean that at times we will have to suffer the consequences of someone letting us down or not coming through for us. It’s easy to sit in judgment of others – it doesn’t require anything of us except to accept the idea that we are right and they are wrong. ( I am not talking here about those in authority such as teachers or law enforcement))
What mercy is about is this – where there are opportunities to offer mercy we should – because that is what God does. Let us be authentic before others as we demonstrate mercy – that way they can see God in us.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Mercy triumphs over judgment. That is a huge statement. We deserve judgment – we receive mercy. Whenever I am faced with a choice between mercy and judgment I need to choose mercy whenever possible. That is acting like God. It doesn’t mean giving in to evil – but it does mean that at times we will have to suffer the consequences of someone letting us down or not coming through for us. It’s easy to sit in judgment of others – it doesn’t require anything of us except to accept the idea that we are right and they are wrong. ( I am not talking here about those in authority such as teachers or law enforcement))
What mercy is about is this – where there are opportunities to offer mercy we should – because that is what God does. Let us be authentic before others as we demonstrate mercy – that way they can see God in us.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Playing Favorites
Playing Favorites
James 2:1-7
"1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?"
There is a story that has been passed down – I heard that it was true – not sure of that but it is a good story none the less.
It takes place back in the beginning of the Jesus Movement during the 70’s out In California. There was a church there – a pretty healthy, vibrant and prosperous church which sat in the midst of a cultural change. It was the time of the hippies and counter cultural shock waves where everything was being redefined – everything that is accept for the churches.
One Sunday morning the church was packed – everyone dressed in their typical Sunday best. (It was the 70’s so you try to picture Sears clothes in a 70’s style.) Almost every seat was taken when in walked a young man who seemed to have missed the dress code for church going in those days. He had long hair – 70’s casual clothes (think extreme) and generally looked out of place.
He walked down the center aisle and everyone assumed he saw what they did – that there were no empty seats. He kept walking. Eventually he found himself in front of the first pew where he promptly sat down on the floor in front of the podium.
Of course everyone was a bit shocked at his behavior but being too polite to do anything about they argued with him in their thoughts – giving him quite a number of reasons why he shouldn't’t do that but mind reading wasn’t one of his gifts.
Nothing happened for a while until one elderly gentleman – dressed appropriately for church got up and began to walk toward this young mind. Hundreds of silent cheers filled the hearts of all the people – finally someone had the courage to do something about this.
The elderly man walked up to the front and grew nearer and nearer to our young hippie friend. Everyone wondered what would happen when the confrontation unfolded.
Finally, he got there and to the surprise of everyone there, he sat down beside the young guy and both listened to the service from there on the floor.
The Jesus Movement in the 70’s supposedly grew out of this one act of refusing to give in to what everyone else feels was important.
Favoritism – lack of acceptance – close mindedness – lack of love – these are all things which should not characterize the church.
The Bible tells us that God so loved the world - the whole world that He gave His Son for the whole world. Let us love others as our Father loves - without favorites.
James 2:1-7
"1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?"
There is a story that has been passed down – I heard that it was true – not sure of that but it is a good story none the less.
It takes place back in the beginning of the Jesus Movement during the 70’s out In California. There was a church there – a pretty healthy, vibrant and prosperous church which sat in the midst of a cultural change. It was the time of the hippies and counter cultural shock waves where everything was being redefined – everything that is accept for the churches.
One Sunday morning the church was packed – everyone dressed in their typical Sunday best. (It was the 70’s so you try to picture Sears clothes in a 70’s style.) Almost every seat was taken when in walked a young man who seemed to have missed the dress code for church going in those days. He had long hair – 70’s casual clothes (think extreme) and generally looked out of place.
He walked down the center aisle and everyone assumed he saw what they did – that there were no empty seats. He kept walking. Eventually he found himself in front of the first pew where he promptly sat down on the floor in front of the podium.
Of course everyone was a bit shocked at his behavior but being too polite to do anything about they argued with him in their thoughts – giving him quite a number of reasons why he shouldn't’t do that but mind reading wasn’t one of his gifts.
Nothing happened for a while until one elderly gentleman – dressed appropriately for church got up and began to walk toward this young mind. Hundreds of silent cheers filled the hearts of all the people – finally someone had the courage to do something about this.
The elderly man walked up to the front and grew nearer and nearer to our young hippie friend. Everyone wondered what would happen when the confrontation unfolded.
Finally, he got there and to the surprise of everyone there, he sat down beside the young guy and both listened to the service from there on the floor.
The Jesus Movement in the 70’s supposedly grew out of this one act of refusing to give in to what everyone else feels was important.
Favoritism – lack of acceptance – close mindedness – lack of love – these are all things which should not characterize the church.
The Bible tells us that God so loved the world - the whole world that He gave His Son for the whole world. Let us love others as our Father loves - without favorites.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Authentic religion
August 2 James 1:26-27
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
This is what I am preaching on over the next couple of weeks so you can listen to the podcasts or join us on Sunday mornings at the Carmike 10.
But until then I have some questions to consider. Please post your comments and let me know what you think.
What do you think of when you hear the word “religion?”
What images come to mind when you hear “polluted by the world?”
What have you found to be helpful in keeping a tight rein on your tongue?
What is authentic religion?
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
This is what I am preaching on over the next couple of weeks so you can listen to the podcasts or join us on Sunday mornings at the Carmike 10.
But until then I have some questions to consider. Please post your comments and let me know what you think.
What do you think of when you hear the word “religion?”
What images come to mind when you hear “polluted by the world?”
What have you found to be helpful in keeping a tight rein on your tongue?
What is authentic religion?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Listening
James 1:19-25
“19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”
Do not merely listen to the word… do want it says. Everyone should be quick to listen…. Anyone who listens to the word ….
Listening is a key skill to learn as a Christ follower. To hear is one thing – to actually listen is something else entirely. I hear all kinds of things right now – the clicking of the keys while I type (slowly I might add) – the sound of the air conditioning keeping me from sweltering in this southern humidity – the sounds of other people in the offices – a car on the road going way too fast – all kinds of activity al over. But I am not really listening to any of it. I had to stop and even think about it. It was just background noise.
I don’t want to relegate God to background noise. To take what He says in His Word and store there with all the other things I read throughout a day. I want to really hear Him – to really listen to Him.
How can I tell that I am really listening? I do what it says. I live it out through the relationships I have with others.
I want to know Him better and better. I want to know Him Word. I want to live for Him. It all starts with listening to Him.
“19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”
Do not merely listen to the word… do want it says. Everyone should be quick to listen…. Anyone who listens to the word ….
Listening is a key skill to learn as a Christ follower. To hear is one thing – to actually listen is something else entirely. I hear all kinds of things right now – the clicking of the keys while I type (slowly I might add) – the sound of the air conditioning keeping me from sweltering in this southern humidity – the sounds of other people in the offices – a car on the road going way too fast – all kinds of activity al over. But I am not really listening to any of it. I had to stop and even think about it. It was just background noise.
I don’t want to relegate God to background noise. To take what He says in His Word and store there with all the other things I read throughout a day. I want to really hear Him – to really listen to Him.
How can I tell that I am really listening? I do what it says. I live it out through the relationships I have with others.
I want to know Him better and better. I want to know Him Word. I want to live for Him. It all starts with listening to Him.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Good and Perfect Gifts
Good and Perfect Gifts
James 1:13-18
"13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."
Who is this God that we worship? James tells us straight out that this God is not a God who throws things at us to trip us up or that wants to mess our lives up.
No this God is a God of good and perfect gifts – He has always been that way and will continue to be that way. We can count on Him. He gave us life – eternal life when we gave our life to Him. What more can we ask for?
It is easy during times of trials and troubles to think that God has forgotten or abandoned us. It is easy at times to forget that He loves us and is there for us.
That is where faith comes in – no matter how dark it may seem – we must continue on in faith – expecting Him to show up with exactly what we need exactly when we need it and not before.
It’s funny how God does things. In our Prayer study at Starbucks the last two weeks, we have discussed how we must continue to pray even when the situation we are praying about gets worse. It is then when we must demonstrate the most faith and patience with God. The temptation is to want to take it back from God and do it ourselves. That is not a temptation we want to give in to.
God is a giver of good and perfect gifts – may He rain gifts on you today!
James 1:13-18
"13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."
Who is this God that we worship? James tells us straight out that this God is not a God who throws things at us to trip us up or that wants to mess our lives up.
No this God is a God of good and perfect gifts – He has always been that way and will continue to be that way. We can count on Him. He gave us life – eternal life when we gave our life to Him. What more can we ask for?
It is easy during times of trials and troubles to think that God has forgotten or abandoned us. It is easy at times to forget that He loves us and is there for us.
That is where faith comes in – no matter how dark it may seem – we must continue on in faith – expecting Him to show up with exactly what we need exactly when we need it and not before.
It’s funny how God does things. In our Prayer study at Starbucks the last two weeks, we have discussed how we must continue to pray even when the situation we are praying about gets worse. It is then when we must demonstrate the most faith and patience with God. The temptation is to want to take it back from God and do it ourselves. That is not a temptation we want to give in to.
God is a giver of good and perfect gifts – may He rain gifts on you today!
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