February 23, 2025 Recap

Reading from the Gospels and watching Jesus interact with those around Him always gives us a glimpse into the character of the Creator.  Seeing Jesus heal and teach reminds us that "the Law was given through Moses but grace and truth come from Jesus Christ." John 1:17  He is love and there is Light and Life in Him.  There is no shadow, darkness, or shifting.  So we can fully accept and believe that when He speaks truth, He does it with love and full of grace!

In Luke 11:37-54, we are told of a Pharisee who invites Jesus to lunch.  Jesus accepts and when the man adresses the fact that Jesus does not ceremonial wash His hands before the meal, Jesus begins to speak "the truth in love".  Jesus is perfect and He can not do anything contrary to His Divine Nature.

Jesus' first statement is that the Pharisees are greedy and full of wickedness.  What?!  Not only did Jesus accuse this Pharisee, but lumped them all together.  He then follows it by pronouncing Woes upon them all.  They are so worried for the outward appearnace and the rules made by man that they neglected the best part, the heart!

Jesus then turns His attention to a lawyer who also feels insulted by the remarks.  Not to be left out Jesus tells him in v. 46 “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you load people with burdens that are hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers.  Jesus is condemning those who oppress and defends the ones who are subject to their heavy loads.  Praise the LORD!  We can know that Jesus does not want us burdened with rules and rituals that are only outward works and do not testify to the condition of the inside.

We must stop and realize that speaking the truth can not only change the behavior of the those who are guilty but it can free those who are being oppressed by it!  It''s a win-win!  BUT, and it's a BIG BUT, the truth is not always well recieved. Jesus waited for the right time and right place for the right message and it was still rejected. Jesus didn't run in red-hot.  The Pharisee invited Jesus to his home and he opened the door when he confronted Jesus about His hand washing.  Many don't want the truth, can't handle the truth, won't accept the truth.  In verses 53-54 it says, "when He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects, plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say."  They became hostile and their hostility would lead to the crucifiction of Jesus.  

Jesus is brave and confrontational; yet, He is loving and just. He is full of grace and truth.  

XVI. G. Perean Ministry 2.b.(2) (3)

February 16, 2025 - Recap

James 4:1 asks and answers a profound question, "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?"

XVII B. Book of James 3. Evils that Cripple True Faith - Part 1

February 9, 2025 Recap

Have you ever been told, "this may sting a little."?  That's how I feel about the Book of James. Especially Chapter 3.   Yesterday we read verse by verse and discussed James 3:1-12.

James clearly teaches that true religion, or faith, can be recognized by its fruit.  There will be tangible evidence in the life of the one who loves Jesus.  A faithful life perseveres through trials, visits orphans and widows in their distress, does not show favoritism, and it also tames the tongue. 

The tongue directs the whole body and though it be small, can boast of great things.  It is like a fire and can set a blaze the course of our life.  Words can dramatically change the direction of events.  Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.  We all know that what we say has consequences for either good or evil.  Words have power and when we grasp the seriousness of our words, we then can begin to speak with purpose.

Another biblical truth of the tongue is that our words testify to the condition of our heart.  Therefore, justifying or condemning us.  What we think and what we believe sooner or later turns into what we say.  Words are an overflow of the heart, Luke 6:45  Therefore, the way we change what we say so that it reflects our faith and love for the LORD, is to change the attitude of our heart. My words are an outward expression of my thoughts and intentions.  James 3:9-10 says with the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.  

The number of times that I have gossiped, lied, boasted, been negative, judged, or degraded someone is countless.  My tongue can be full of deadly poison.  LORD, forgive me.  Help me to examine my heart  and repent before it spills out of my mouth.  Let me be like David and pray:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

XVII B. Book of James 2. True Faith will Perform Good Works

February 2, 2025 Recap

James chapter 2 is one of those sections in scripture that hits right to the core of what it means to follow Jesus.  I could drop a pin on any verse and hear the Holy Spirit's voice and conviction.  Yesterday's lesson was a challenge and a gracious restoration.  

James continues his letter to the early church by addressing the Royal Law, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. Leviticus 19:18   Mark 12:31 James 2:8 This is the Royal Law because it is from the King of the Kingdom, Jesus.   Just reading these words, it sounds simple enough, love everyone.  However, James gives us examples on how to do it.  When he does, I am convicted and have to examine myself.  Do I love my neighbor the same way I love myself?  The simple answer is, No.

Starting back in James 1:27 -Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.  Real faith. A genuine walk with the LORD means I care for those around me that are without support.  They may be alone.  They need financial support.  They may need encouraging.  If my faith in Jesus is real, I will notice them and will help them.  

He continues by addressing another way we can demonstrate our love for Him and loving others.  We will not be prejudice.  Or the way James says it, show an attitude of personal favoritism.  James 2:1  Prejudice can come in many forms.  Outward appearance is just one of them.  We can judge someone by where they live, their education, their hobbies, their family, or their political views, the list is endless.  But, it can get really dangerous when we judge them by their sin, lifestyle, or choices.  Dangerous because pride makes us justified by judging them.  And we certainly shouldn't love them.  Regardless of any of that, I am commanded love everyone.  Love meaning that I am kind, I pray for them, I help them if I can.  I do not judge, spew hate, ignore them, or belittle them.  Loving them is what I will do if my faith is real!

James goes even farther to say that real faith without works is dead.  Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.  Tying all this together, James is driving home the point that we demonstrate our faith by following the Royal Law.  By loving one another, our obedience to Jesus will be evident in our works and by the fruit that it bears.  We are not justified by our works but by faith; but our works are the result of our faith.  Jesus says that the greatest command is to love HIM and love one another.  And by this all people will know that we are His disciples: if you have love for one another.”