James’ Epistle – Page 2 – From the Chaplain

Rich Toward God

As James begins to draw his epistle to a close, he takes a moment to admonish those that were rich. “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you” (James 5:1). The Scriptures never condemn riches or being rich. They do, however, readily condemn wrong attitudes towardContinue reading “Rich Toward God”

True Religion

Previously we had examined the Apostle James’ admonition to be “doers of the word”. He makes the point that those who hear the word, but do not do it or, rather, obey it, deceive their own selves. He compares that person to a man who looks at himself in the mirror then turns away andContinue reading “True Religion”

Saving Our Souls

James teaches us in his epistle that God uses His word to impart spiritual life. We read that “of his [God’s] own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). James goes on to say to these born-again ones that this same word “is able to save your souls” (James 1:21), i.e.Continue reading “Saving Our Souls”

A Prayer That Avails Much

James closes his epistle with a simple declarative statement followed by a supporting illustration. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth by the space ofContinue reading “A Prayer That Avails Much”

No Respecter of Persons

James, the Apostle and the Lord’s half-brother, makes this simple yet binding command to his fellow believers. “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). This seems straightforward enough – as a Christian we are not to show favoritism and, consequently, treatContinue reading “No Respecter of Persons”

Walk as Dear Children

In James’ epistle he relates that God caused us to be born again according to his own will by the word of God. He includes in that revelation the purpose of the new birth, i.e. that those born-again ones “should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). What does James meanContinue reading “Walk as Dear Children”