Kim Riddlebarger comments in a sermon on James 1:1-18, in our reading plan today. James makes very critical two points in these verses. The first is that God does indeed allow trials to come our way. The second is that sin arises in us (because we have a sinful nature), not because God somehow tempts … More Trials and temptations
Pastor Kim Riddlebarger on James 1 as we embark on reading James over the next two weeks: Joy is simply the knowledge that it is well with our souls, despite our present circumstances. It may not be well with our bodies. It may not be well with our job, or with our particular circumstances. But … More Even in trials, it is well with my soul
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. James 2:1 Whenever we have favoritism in our hearts toward certain people, we not only sin against God and entertain evil thoughts, but we often end up with greater insecurities in our own hearts. When we … More Fruits of Favoritism
Are you ever struck by how God seems to speak directly to us through multiple Bible passages, saying the same things and reinforcing the message? Today, a unifying theme seems to run throughout our readings: God’s purposes and plans in our lives may not be clear, but we can trust in His grace and mercy. … More A unifying theme: God’s purposes
James 5:2-3 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, in a sermon series on James: The problem is not with wealth itself. … More What are you trusting…wealth or grace?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. … More “If God wills…”
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:7-8 ESV Pastor Steven Cole comments: On a windswept hill in an English country churchyard … More The battle to tame the tongue
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?—James 2:14 ESV From the conclusion of John Piper’s sermon, “Does James Contradict Paul?” When Paul teaches in Romans 4:5 that we are justified by faith alone, he means that the only thing that … More Faith and no works?
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. —James 2:1 ESV John Piper helps us understand why we should not show partiality… 1. Verse 1: Partiality contradicts faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of glory. 2. Verses 2-4: Partiality reveals a judging heart … More Why we should not show partiality
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. John Piper, in a sermon, “Receive With Meekness the Implanted Word” Receive it—this implanted word. In other words, if you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making … More Soul Survival
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 