Think About This
Since last October we have been studying the Book of James. But after taking a month off for the Advent season, we probably will need a little refresher before we start back next Sunday. So here are the first two chapters of James in seven (or eight) sentences.
1. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
2. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
3. God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
4. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
5. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
6. My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
7. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Hopefully that will jog your memory and get you back on James’ wavelength. Please join us on Sunday as we resume our study with James 3:1-12, taming the tongue.
Happy New Year!
RB