James 2:15 KJV [15] “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,” We know that our text today is connected to the context of this chapter. However, I want us to dwell on this verse and consider the poor and needy. As Americans, it is difficult for us to think about people going without the bare necessities of life. Even the homeless in America can find shelter, a soup line, or a local charity to feed and clothe them for free. America is still a land abounding in wealth, allowing even the poor to rise above …
“Balancing the Scale”
James 2:14 KJV [14] “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” We have all known people who claimed they believed, but their lives contradicted that claim; there seems to be no fruit of faith in their lives. We have all met this crowd and wondered, “Do they truly know the Savior?” Just because someone claims to have faith does not mean that they do. James is not teaching us that works are an essential part of salvation. He is simply balancing the scale for …
“A Fair Trial or Free Pardon?”
James 2:13 KJV [13] “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” We have often heard people say, “Life is not fair.” We all know that God is the Giver of life, so if we say life is not fair, it is the same as saying that God is not fair. Christians believe in the providence of God. We know God is sovereign and providentially works in the affairs of men. The Lord does not judge based on fairness, but He judges based on mercy. If we got what …
“How Did You Use Your Liberty Today?”
James 2:12 KJV [12] “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” You would not think that the words “law” and “liberty” would be together in the same context. However, we see both of these words in our verse today. We understand as Christians that we could never keep the law. We know that Christ fulfilled the law. We know that we are not under the law, but we are under grace. We know the Bible is the law of liberty. Most would agree that these are all facts. …