You Can’t Have One Without the Other
This section of James sets forth the message of his entire letter in a nutshell. It revolves around the easily misunderstood subject of faith vs. works.
This section of James sets forth the message of his entire letter in a nutshell. It revolves around the easily misunderstood subject of faith vs. works.
In the life of the church, there have always been those who fall short of God’s ideal standard. But James just had to call out the sins of partiality and prejudice.
James’ major theme was to encourage his readers to align their behavior with their beliefs. If we claim to follow Christ, we must demonstrate it.
Temptations aren’t the same as trials. Trials are to be endured, knowing they are for our good. But enticing temptations are to be avoided.
The lives of first-century Christians had been turned upside-down, so James addresses right away the importance of enduring those tests that refuse to go away.
Chuck Swindoll begins his series on the book of James with a survey of this “penetratingly practical” book that “gets in your face.”
The people in the Bible are neither airbrushed nor polished; they’re portrayed “warts and all.” That’s certainly true of Jonah. As we revisit Jonah one last time, let’s glean four lessons that linger.
Jonah had many reasons to be grateful and humble before God. But instead, he was angry at God for not destroying the Ninevites. His prejudice was intense, and he remained angry to the bitter end.
You would think the complete change in the Ninevites’ hearts would thrill Jonah’s heart! Instead, he sulked and resented what happened. But let’s not be too quick to criticize him.
Did you know that the greatest revival in history is recorded in the third chapter of Jonah? The Ninevites’ widespread repentance moved God, in His grace, to replace His plan of annihilation.