STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY GOD’S ROYAL LAW

JAMES 2:1-13   James summed up man’s responsibility to his neighbor by urging him to fulfill the “royal law” (James 2:8). He who fulfills this law of Christ will love all men alike and will look with contempt on none. Because he will be concerned about the value of a...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY THE RELIGION GOD WANTS

JAMES 1:26-27   When Jesus Christ is really indwelling a person, it will result in true religion. The word “religion” as used in James 1:26-27 is not synonymous with the word “salvation.” James used it in the sense of an outward expression of that which is inward. The inner faith...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY OPEN EARS-CLOSED MOUTH

JAMES 1:19-21 James wanted all believers to be alert to comprehend the Word of God. This is very important since “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The Word of God gives us faith to believe, and when we believe, God creates new life...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY GOD ENJOYS GIVING!

JAMES 1:16-18 James left no doubt about the fact that God is the giver of all that is good. James cautioned, “Do not err” (James 1:16). The Greek word translated “err” means “to go astray” or “to go off course.” It was used to describe a ship that had been...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY THE BIRTH THAT BRINGS DEATH

JAMES 1:12-15 When temptations to do evil come into our lives, let us never think that they have come from God; instead, God is doing what He can to prevent us from falling into sin. However, our flesh is so weak that we disregard Him occasionally and follow evil. James...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED

JAMES 1:9-11 When James wrote concerning a brother of “low degree” (James 1:9), we must remember that he was writing from a human viewpoint. Only humans characterize one person as being of low degree and another as being of high degree, because God is not a respecter of persons. James...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY GETTING “ON TOP” BY “GETTING UNDER”

JAMES 1:1-8 The more often faith is tried, the easier it becomes to endure trials because they produce patience. And through trials, the believer becomes more steadfast in his faith. Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or stress. Patience is the ability to bear pain without complaint, evidencing self-control....

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY BEWARE OF FALSE PEACE!

COLOSSIANS 3:13-17 We must beware of false peace. Some who do wrong may have a peace about it, but it does not come from God. As someone has said, “Peace of heart alone is not always the peace of God.” A significant test to apply to determine the origin of...

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY GOD’S KINDNESS

COLOSSIANS 3:12; TITUS 3:1-7 The believer is to put on “kindness” (Col. 3:i2).This refers to a gentle, gracious disposition. When I think of this quality, a particular godly leader comes to mind. Years ago another leader in the area did him much harm and sought to ruin his reputation. In...

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