January 26, 2025 Recap - Part 2

The Book of James is a goldmine of wisdom and how faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated by our works.  James gives the early Christian Church a plumb line of how we approach our daily lives and circumstances.  

One such nugget is verses 9-10. 

9. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position

v. 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

These two verses are the exact opposite of what we see in our society.  We look around and see the poor are in a low position and the rich exalted.  

James is telling us that the poor, or those in a humble circumstances, are in a high position.  Why does he say that? How is that true?

When the person in v. 9 has no means, no power, no prestige, no money, he is able to be full of faith.  He must fully trust in the LORD to provide and will see the power of the LORD to meet the need.  There is no confidence in material or the flesh to make things happen.  Faith and prayer are the driving force.

On the other hand, a rich man can place his faith in his circumstance.  He can be self-confident, self-reliant, self-absorbed.  Believing he is in the position because of  his own works and that he earned the riches. James says that the rich man should be humble!  Realizing that the man with riches has been blessed by the LORD.  It is an undeserved gift with responsibilities to steward.  Just like the grass he will soon pass away.  This life and its riches is a vapor.

The Kingdom of God and this world are polar opposites.  James later tell us in 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Jesus teaches us:

Matthew 23:   1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5“But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6“They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8“But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11“But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

January 26, 2025 Recap - Part 1

 Living in Jerusalem, James penned his only letter to the twelve tribes.  He gave instructions on the mature life of a believer and how to demonstrate our faith to those around us.  A clear, concise, and very direct epistle shows the follower of Jesus how we are to conduct ourselves regarding our fellowman. Although written around 45 AD, his teaching and practical instructions are as applicable now as they were then.

During these first few years, believers of Jesus were persecuted.  Many heard of the stoning of Stephen and fled the city.  It was during and following these persecutions, that James instructed Christians on the purpose and result of trials and temptations.  And that we should consider it joy because the finished product is perfection.  Either perfection here or in eternity when we receive the crown of life.

These trials, or as the King James translates it as temptations, are a testing of our faith.  And when faith has been tested its result is endurance that leads us to perfection.  We are blessed when we persevere. These tests of our faith are to remove the doubt, instability and double-mindedness.  It's an opportunity to walk through hardships and temptations with the faith that God can be trusted and He will never leave or forsake us.  Faith is the anchor that holds so that we are not tossed around and driven by the wind on the sea.  And one way to strengthen faith is to test it.

But, be not deceived, when we are tempted to sin, we know that it is not God that is tempting us.  He does not tempt anyone.  James 1:14 says that it's our on lust that causes us to sin.  And that lust, when it is accomplished brings death.

So how do I know the difference between v. 1 - trails and v. 14 - temptations. In both verses it is the same Greek word 3986. peirasmos.  "In the New Testament, "peirasmos" primarily refers to a situation or process that tests a person's character, faith, or endurance. It can denote both external trials and internal temptations. The term is used to describe circumstances that challenge believers, either through persecution, hardship, or enticement to sin. The context often determines whether the emphasis is on testing or temptation."

When we face trials or temptation we must ask ourselves, what is the outcome of this situation?  Will it result in perfection or death?  Does it strengthen my faith?  Will Jesus be glorified?  OR  Am I turning from the LORD?  Is this for the edification of my flesh?  Does it create doubt or shame?

You can trust the WORD and know... we can consider it joy when you encounter trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance! And when we let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James the Just

 Each time I approach a new book or new person in biblical history, I always like to take some time to understand who, what, when, and where the events/person lived or took place.  It helps to have a timeline or reference point so that there is a better understanding of the writings.  Such is true with James.

Looking at the book in the canonized Bible, you miss much of the purpose of his writings.  James, the half-brother of Jesus, is living in Jerusalem in the years after crucifixion and resurrection.  Stephen has been martyred and many of the Jewish believers were dispersed into nearby cities and far off regions. Saul has been converted and he has joined with Barnabas in ministry at Antioch.  Peter has traveled the coast and has performed miracles and has witnessed God's filling of the Gentiles.  He returned to Jerusalem and testifies to this miracle; that God has granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life.

Being the half-brother of Jesus had its challenges.  While Jesus was traveling around teaching, many in His home town claimed that Jesus had "lost His senses." Mark 3:21  Once His mother and His brothers heard what the crowd was saying of Him, His family went to talk to Him.  Jesus was told that they were there calling for Him and He said, "Who are my Mother and My brothers?"  He refused them and declared that anyone who does His will is His Mother and brother.  His family certainly did not follow Him or His teachings.  Even at His crucifixion Jesus placed His Mother in the hands of His disciple.  John, the disciple who tells us this, is probably the one chosen to care for Mary.  Where are her other sons?

So what changed for James?

Jesus proved to James and to us that He is the Son of God.  The greatest miracle of all is that the Power of God was demonstrated when Jesus rose from the dead.  According to  1 Corinthians 15:7, Jesus rose and appeared to James and His disciples.  There was no denying that his half-brother was The Lord Jesus Christ!  Death and the grave could not hold Him and James witnessed Him and it was more than he could resist.  After seeing the resurrected Christ, Mary, Jesus' mother, and His brothers joined the disciples in the upper room and experienced the outpouring and filling of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:14

Because of the Resurrection I too can say "I am a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ"!

XVII B. Book of James 1. Temptations Try Faith

Outline of the Book of James

Book of James - Points of Maturity

Am I becoming more patient?

Do I play with temptation?

Do I experience joy in obeying the Word?

Am I prejudice?

Can I control my tongue?

Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

Am I a friend of God or the world?

Do I make plans with God?

Am I selfish with money?

Do I depend on prayer?

Do I support others in prayer?

Do I criticize and judge or do I restore?

January 19, 2025 Recap

Yesterday's text continued the story of the relationship between Barnabas and Saul.  It may help to be reminded of the backstory of these two men.  

After leaving Arabia, Saul went to Jerusalem. He wanted to join himself with the disciples.  He no longer belonged with the Pharisees.  His place was not in the Temple. Saul had joined himself with Jesus Christ and the followers of Christ were now his brothers.

There was only one problem, the disciples did not trust Saul.  They were afraid of him and didn't believe in his conversion.  Maybe he was a spy.  Maybe he wanted to drag them off to the chief priest or to prison. Worse yet, he may want to kill them.

But Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement according to Acts 4:36, stood in defense of Saul.  He took Saul to the apostles and told of how God had spoken to Saul on the Road to Damascus, struck him blind, and then Jesus healed him.  Barnabas stepped out and stood beside Saul.  What great courage it took for Barnabas to testify of the Lord's transformation of this one-time persecutor of The Way.

When Saul returned to Jerusalem, he traveled freely in the city, speaking out boldly in the Name of the Lord.  Many were angered because of  his strong preaching of the gospel.  He was not timid and even argued with the Hellenistic Jew.  Because of this, he found himself with a target on his back.  Acts 9:30 says the brethren, in order to save his life, put him on a ship in Caesarea and set him off to Tarsus.

Picking up on Sunday's scripture...

In Acts 11 we read that the church was scattered to many coastal cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Cyprus because of the stoning of Stephen. Large numbers believed on the Lord.  When Jerusalem heard of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Verses 25-26 says Barnabas left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Everyone needs a Barnabas.  The one person who will encourage us, defend us, and believe in us.  Saul's ministry flourished because Barnabas remembered his tenacity and his love for the Lord. In my life, I look around and I see several Barnabas. 

On the flip side...

Shouldn't we be like Barnabas?  When we see someone suffering in ministry or in conflict with other Christians, we should always seek peace and resolution.  We should stand with and defend those who need a friend.  Loving God's church and our brothers sometimes takes courage.  Be a Barnabas! 

XVII A. First Records of the Early Church at Jerusalem 6.c.(1)(2)d.

January 5, 2025 Recap - Part 2

After performing two miracles, Peter goes to Joppa and stays at the house of Simon the tanner.  You may remember Joppa from the days of Jonah.  Joppa is a port city on the coast of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea.  Jonah went there to board a ship to Tarshish, a city in current day Spain.  This city, Joppa, was a major port city that received imports from all over the world.  It was a busy place and Peter decided to stay there.

While visiting Simon the tanner, Peter goes to the roof of the house to pray.  He's really hungry, and while lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance.  During this time, God gives Peter a vision, about food, no less!  God speaks to us where we are and He used Peter's hunger and a trance to get his full attention.

This vision involved meat.  God gave Peter a vision of all kinds of beasts, creeping things, and fowl and told Peter to arise, kill and eat.  Peter's response to God was "No, I have never eaten anything this is common or unclean."  Peter was a Jew.  And according to the law given to Moses in Leviticus 11, Jews ate only a very few meats and they must be prepared with great detail. This was for the protection of the nation.  God told Peter three times that he could eat because what "God has cleansed is no longer considered unholy or common."  This was probably very scary to Peter.  You mean that everything I have ever thought or believed or practiced is now unnecessary? YES!

This vision has a much deeper meaning than Peter's lunch.  And, it even goes deeper than the abolishment of unclean and unholy meats.  Because God is going to use this as a truth that not only applies to meat but to all people!  

God is Sovereign.  And He is at work at all times in any situation.  He has a plan, a purpose, and a will that is accomplished through every circumstance.  He is all powerful and all-knowing and He has complete control.  He is above all, over all, in all!  He is I AM!  Praise Him!

While Peter was dreaming of lunch in a vision from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit was giving a vision and a word to a Italian centurion in Caesarea named Cornelius. (say that ten times fast!)  This man, Cornelius, was devout and God-fearing.  He gave to the needy and prayed daily.  And so was everyone in his house.   God had a plan for him that would change mine and your lives.  God gave him a detailed vision of a man named Peter.  He told Cornelius that Peter was staying in Joppa near the sea with a man named Simon.  Go there and get him.  Simon trusted what God had revealed to him and he sent two servants and a soldier to find Peter.  When these three men arrived in Joppa at the house of Simon, they sent for Peter.  Peter was waiting for their arrival.  Not only had God spoke to Peter in a vision about His cleansing of unclean meat, He also told Peter that three men would be coming for him.  God said, "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them." Acts 10:20

What is so satisfying about this is that the Holy Spirit was speaking and revealing details and information to these men miles apart.  One a Jew and one a gentile.  God divinely directed these two men to do His will.  They trusted Him and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit spoke to these men and there was no doubt or mistake.  There was confirmation that could not be denied.

Once Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius, there were many that were gathered there.  Family, friends, and kinsman had come to meet this Peter.  Cornelius knew that Peter had to be someone special, why else would God want Peter to come there.  Upon entering the house, it all made perfect sense to Peter.  The hunger, the vision, the meat.  Peter says, "it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but, God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." Acts 10:28  The Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that was God cleanses He calls holy.

Peter begins to speak truth, "God is no respecter of persons!" Acts 10:34  In Joel 2 the prophet tells us that the LORD:

         28“It will come about after this
            That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
            And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
            Your old men will dream dreams,
            Your young men will see visions.

      29“Even on the male and female servants
            I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

He preached Jesus to this household that every nation that fears God and works righteousness is welcome to Him.  He testified to Jesus' anointing and power and he told of His healings.  How Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead and how He ate and drank with chosen witnesses. While Peter was speaking, the GIFT of the Holy Ghost fell on these Gentiles and the Jews that were there were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on them and they were speaking in tongues. Seeing this, they were baptized with water.

The Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles.  Jesus came to all people and God has given His indwelling presence to all people.  He is no respecter of persons!

January 5, 2025 Recap - Part 1

 God still does miracles.

Although we don't always ask for them or acknowledge them, He can still perform them.  The same God who worked through Peter and healed the paralytic and raised Tabitha from the dead is fully capable, willing, and able to work in you, through you, and for you.

God is alive.

God is active.

God is all-knowing.

God is all-powerful.

God is never changes.

God is sovereign.

God is good.

God is holy.

God is just.

God is love.

The reason we may not be experiencing miracles is because we are not asking and believing.  It is not because He can't or won't.  It's us.  Not Him.

Everyday we see and face situations that can only be changed with a miracle.  It's OK to say it. Healing requires a miracle.  Freedom from strongholds requires a miracle.  Salvation requires a miracle.  Life after death requires a miracle.

As Peter stood over Aeneas, the paralytic, he said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up.  In Joppa, Peter knelt and prayed and said, "Tabitha, arise."

Peter chose to pray and believe that in the name of Jesus Christ, this man would walk and this woman would live again.  Truly he trusted God to do miracles.  In confidence and faith, he spoke to these two people and saw God perform a physical healing.  Peter knew that he was not the one.

What are you facing?  Who do you know that needs a miracle?  Pray and ask in the name of Jesus Christ.  Go to them.  Speak over them the name of Jesus. Pray for them.

Because, God still does miracles.

XVII A. First Records of the Early Church at Jerusalem 6.a.b.

January 5, 2025

 Happy New Year! 

I'm already looking forward to what the LORD will do in 2025!  Paul said to the church at Philippi in 1:6 that "he was confident that He who began good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  The LORD will continue to grow us as long as we are committed to His will!

We will start the new year in the book of Acts 9:32-43 and Acts 10-Acts 11:1-18.  It's a large amount of scripture and it details the beginning of the Gospel message to the Gentiles. 

Let's continue to open our hearts to His Word knowing it is like medicine to our souls!