Craig Cooper

Through the teaching of the first chapter of James, we discover that genuine Christianity is not merely a matter of talk but demonstrates itself through appropriate Christlike action. In fact, a declaration of faith without any sign of the transformational power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life is useless.

The one word for which the closing verses of chapter 1 have prepared us is absent at the beginning of chapter 2. James never uses the word again. The word is “religion.” Yet, as we jump into James chapter 2, we discover that James continues to teach on this vital subject, and that’s the link between chapters 1 and 2. Remember that religion is the specific ways that a heart-relationship with God is expressed in a believer’s life.

This is how chapter two of James begins, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” (James 2:1). James very practically shares how we should live out our faith in the way we treat those who come into our lives, and specifically, into our churches. We are to avoid showing partiality.

James mentions “the Lord of glory.” Glory can be understood as shorthand for the personal presence of the Lord in all His goodness and in the fullness of His revealed character. Partiality reveals the values of the world, not the Kingdom of Christ. It does not demonstrate the Lord’s glory.

As we proceed through James, we read, “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts” (James 2:2-4)? James writes that the tendency is to warmly welcome those who are rich and invite them to sit in a place of honor. Where the tendency is to treat the poor differently. The point is that God shows no partiality, and neither should we.

James explains, “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called” (James 2:5-7)? In context, James’ original audience is believers scattered throughout the Roman Empire, who lost great wealth due to persecution, and their persecutors were mainly wealthy and people of position. James is not encouraging believers to discriminate against the rich but to understand that true value in the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with bank accounts, gold rings, or fine clothes. The truly rich in the Kingdom of God aren’t those who have earthly possessions but are those who are spiritually rich, laying up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity.

James’ overarching point is made in verse 1, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” Here’s the point. Those who follow Jesus Christ as Lord are to avoid partiality towards the rich, poor, or anyone else.

James offers three points to align with Christ by avoiding partiality. First, think of Jesus as the (true) glory (v. 1). Jesus is our example. He humbled himself and left heaven’s splendor, placing humanity upon His divinity, identifying Himself with the least and the worst. If our faith rests in Him, how should we reflect Him in our relationship with others? Second, think of God’s economy (v. 5). God chooses the poor to be rich in the Kingdom. The last is first, and the first is last. The true leader is a servant. Third, think of your new position in Christ (v. 1). Those of us in Christ were spiritually bankrupt before coming to the Lord. However, we were enriched in faith and hope when we received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Believers have been granted this amazing, loving relationship with God; we are His heirs and have been called by His name. The crucial question James 2:1-7 calls us to answer is, in what way will the family likeness of our Father God show itself in us? I pray it is by showing no partiality, displaying the Lord’s glory. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

James has proceeded throughout chapter one of the book bearing his name to deliver us a couple of understandings of our heavenly Father: first (v. 5), that He is ready to give wisdom to us, and second, that it’s His nature to do so (v. 18). As a result, we may ask, what will life be life be like if it’s controlled by God’s wisdom? And, what will it look like if it’s the outworking of our new nature in Christ?

James answers these questions by writing, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:26-27). James writes about genuine religion.

Religion is the specific ways that a heart-relationship with God is expressed in a believer’s life. James offers us three marks of genuine religion. James’ first mark of genuine religion is a controlled tongue (v. 26). James does not tell us to silence the tongue but to bridle it. The word “bridle speaks of the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached. Our tongue is not to lose its power, but it’s to be harnessed like a wild horse, still with all its power. The heart and the tongue are linked so that the tongue is an accurate index of what we are at our core. In other words, if our heart is right, our tongue will show it.

The second mark James shares of genuine religion is a caring ministry to the needy (v.27). James mentions caring for orphans and widows. Still, we don’t need to think that James limits or restricts ministry to orphans and widows. However, such care is on God’s heart, as revealed throughout the Bible. For instance, we read in Psalm 68:5, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” We understand biblically that ministry is responding to the authentic needs of others with the love of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must love in action. Religion is pointless unless it corresponds to the heart and will of God.

Lastly, the third mark we discover from James of genuine religion is personal holiness (v. 27). Personal Holiness is the believer, by the Spirit’s help, loving God with their whole being, becoming increasingly like Christ, sharing His character, love, and mission. We are to love the world of people, but we are to hate the world system, which robs us of the joy Christ has for those who place their faith in Him. Personal holiness begins with receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, continues as His Spirit does the ongoing work of making us like Christ, and is completed when we see Christ face-to-face.

James’ words are so crystal clear that he leaves no middle ground for a sort-of-religion or a spirit of self-excuse. Although it’s possible to consider ourselves “religious” when we are not by gauging ourselves by the world or self. It’s impossible to look at God’s Word in general, and specifically James 1:26-27, and not determine our actual progress with Christ. Genuine religion must be carried out in action. It’s expressed by controlling our tongue, being involved in caring ministry to the needs of others, and experiencing a growing personal holiness?

I am excited about what God is doing in our weekend gatherings. We have our live services Sunday mornings at 9 and 11am. We have nursery and children’s ministry at both services. You can also go to www.crosswinds.church and participate by streaming the live services or through the week join in through our recorded service, which is posted every Monday afternoon. It can be viewed for the entire week until the following Monday, after which you can still find the message of the week and weeks past posted.

Won’t you take time today to ask the Lord to help you examine your life to determine whether or not it gives evidence of genuine religion, as well as what next step He’s calling you to take to assure it continues or begins from this day forward?

A key to growing and flourishing in Christ is the Word of God. An estimated 69% of American adults are professing Christians. Yet, only 9% of these professing followers of Christ claim to have a biblical worldview. In other words, 91% of professing believers receive their understanding of God, the world, themselves, and others from sources other than the Bible. This is a tragic reality since God’s Word is critical for a believer to grow and flourish in Christ.

In the first 18 verses of the first chapter of the book of James, we discover that we believers live amidst conflict, just like everyone else. However, there is an inner conflict that we contend with also between two natures at play within us (sinful nature or old self and sanctified nature or new self). The good news is that God’s Word has the power to lead us to victory over the old self and walk in the newness we have received in Christ. Although this conflict lasts while on this side of paradise, it might be hard, but it’s not fruitless. What must the believer do to live in the liberty granted to us by the Lord? We must be doers of the Word.

James writes, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” ( James 1:19-20). In order to be doers of the word, we must first hear the word. It’s by hearing the Word of God that the energies of the new nature (sanctified nature) are moved into action. James seems to mix together the two ideas of getting on with people and going on with God. Our growing in Christ is easily understood by gauging our ability to not have to speak all the time and not allow anger to fester into sin. In this sense, life is the pressure test; it determines the genuine integrity of what we are hearing from God from His Word. Those determined to listen to God train themselves to be listeners, controlling the tongue and possessing a calm temper.

Further, to be a doer of the Word, a believer must receive God’s Word. We read, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Here, we discover four aspects of receiving the Word. First, we must “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness.” Second, we ought to have an attitude of “meekness.” Thirdly, we should understand that wheat needs to be received is the “implanted word” or Word of God. Lastly, the expected result is that the Word has the power to save. We dig out the weeds of filthiness and wickedness, understanding they can grow back, but with God’s help, in part by conforming to His Word, we can do the continual work to have a well-manicured growing field for Christ. Every day should provide us with some fresh evidence that we are saved, that God’s Spirit is at work within us, and that the Lord is increasingly making us whole. James is not arguing that we are saved by works but that those who are saved do righteous works.

In order to be doers of the Word, James shares one last thing. We must obey the Word. He proclaims, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” (James 1:22-25).

The example James presents us with is a man looking in the mirror. He looks into the mirror and compares himself with himself. Then he goes away, forgetting what he sees. That is the problem. When we look into a mirror or into a theology that is established by our standards, usually, we tend to look alright. We’re deceived into thinking we’re okay. But, glancing into a mirror is not enough. We need to peer into God’s Word day by day. We must listen closely to what He is saying to us through His Word. After listening, by faith, we can be doers of His Word – following Him in active obedience.

You could say, “I spent fifty minutes this mourning reading the Bible – and I can remember what I read. It was a super, uninterrupted time.” James would say, “Well done! But now, what about obeying the Word you read? Have you actually changed your mind so that you now hold to be true what you learned in the Word? How are you going to apply what you just read? We grow and flourish in the Lord when we express God’s Word in Christlike conduct.

We are genuinely free when we live the life appropriate to those created in God’s image. The law of God, His Word, safeguards liberty for us, but it does even more, for obedience brings life and power (Lev 18:5; Deut 4:1; Acts 8:32). The law of God is “the law of liberty” because it safeguards, expresses, and enables a life of freedom into which Christ brought us.

The blessings of a growing and flourishing life in Christ comes from not just hearing of the Word but being doers of God’s Word. Only in Christ can we actually be free. Only when we know the truth through Jesus Christ can we be genuinely free (John 8:32). The life of the doer of God’s Word enjoys the good life in Christ. There are lifestyles that are far easier, but there are none better. The doer enjoys life at its very best. He or she is not deceived but is set free in Jesus Christ to enjoy a life of liberty and blessing. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

In James 1:12-18, we discover teaching on God’s promise of the crown of life to those who stand the tests of life, our problem with sin, and God’s solution, leading us to victory. James writes, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). To be blessed is to be filled with joy and fulfillment. God promises that the steadfast will be blessed and receive the crown of life. To those willing to “fight the good fight” for Jesus’ sake, they’ll discover an abundant life awaiting them from the very hand of God.

God promises that the steadfast will be blessed and receive the crown of life, but we have a problem. We read, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:13-15). So the problem we have is sin.

James shares two things about God in verse 13. First, God can not be tempted with evil. Then, God does not tempt anyone. Further, he describes the downward spiral of sin. First, we are tempted when we are drawn by our own wrongful desires and lusts. Second, we are enticed by sin. Third, when lust conceives, it gives birth to sin. And finally, when sin is fully grown, it brings death. This is a real problem since “the wage of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

We should be thankful that the passage does not end with bad news but good news – God’s solution. James writes, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18). The solution is found in that every good we need is found in, and from, God.

J. Alec Motyer declares, “If anything is to be done, God must do it; if any blessing or change is to come to us, it must come from outside; if any agency is to be at work, it must be other than ours, for we are dead.” Paul shares that God has indeed offered this great work to us. He writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Those who give themselves to sin, not receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, will die both physically and eternally. In contrast, those who place their faith in Christ for salvation are assured eternal life. This offers good news, indeed.

I have already shared the downward spiral of sin. Let me share the upward spiral of salvation from sin. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The believer does not just have hope for the future, but hope for today over sin. We learn first that every temptation that we face is common to others. You might feel alone in your temptation, but others have faced similar temptations. Second, God is faithful. The importance of realizing God’s faithfulness can’t be overstated. Third, we must believe God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to stand. And, fourth, and finally, God will make a way of escape so that we can bear the temptation. Even when believers face morally confusing situations, they should never think they have no options other than sinful ones. God always provides a morally right solution and the power to take it.

Our trust must be in the Lord. We must walk in the Spirit rather than lusting in the flesh (our sinful inclination). We must keep our minds and focus on the Lord. In short, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, depending on His strength, wisdom, and power. He will give us victory in this life and ultimately in the life to come. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

James writes in James 1:5-11 about obtaining godly wisdom. Now, there is commonly some confusion between what exactly is knowledge and what is wisdom. Knowledge is knowing the truths of something. Wisdom is the ability and utilization of knowledge in a beneficial way.

We may say of someone, “He knows the Bible really well.” This describes the knowledge he has about the Bible. But, if he knows how to use his Bible knowledge to form a biblical worldview and live Christlike through this maze of life, then knowledge has become wisdom.

Paul writes, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). This verse speaks of human wisdom or common think and the deeper wisdom of God that is offered to believers if asked. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). Believers need to ask God for wisdom, and they will receive it.

How we ask is important. We should ask in faith, without doubting. We read in James, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). We must believe God is capable of giving us wisdom as we need it, and He will give it to us as we request it from Him. Therefore, faith excludes doubt. This is to be understood in light of faith not being double-minded. The doubting James describes is that of a believer hedging his bets. How? He doubts by trying to put on foot in God’s kingdom and the other in the ways of the world. Jesus proclaims, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). We cannot be double-minded and flourish as believers.

James proceeds to offer an example of godly wisdom. We learn how to be rich and poor. James writes, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits” (James 1:9-11). The poor are to understand the richness of humble circumstances. We could put it this way. Those who find themselves in humble circumstances or a low position ought to take pride in the fact that a high position awaits them in paradise. Those rich are to recognize the poverty of riches. Riches can be very deceptive because they can be lost, taken, and will be resigned upon one’s death. Therefore, James instructs those who are rich to not foolishly trust in their wealth but rather to glory in their humiliation or servanthood in Christ.

In essence, James maintains that the rich and the poor are to live, in godly wisdom, with the same priorities of living. Whether rich or poor or somewhere in between, we are the Lord’s if we are genuine followers of Jesus, and He is indeed the Lord of our life. Godly wisdom leads us in holy living where we trust the Lord for all things; whether steadfastness amid trials (James 1:2-4) or any of life’s situations (i.e., rich or poor), we are to place our hope and joy in the Lord, grateful, and walking humbly in Him, awaiting the true riches of heaven.

It’s only by the wisdom of God that we can navigate life, journeying down the path God has for us of knowing Him and making Him known. The good news is that godly wisdom is ours for the asking. So, do you admit your need for wisdom? Are you willing to ask God for wisdom? Are you committed to the Lord and what He reveals to you? If yes, then be assured God will answer your prayer for wisdom. He is generous and always to be trusted. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The book of James is historically understood to have been written by a brother of Jesus around 60AD. Both Paul and James deal with the topic of faith. It can be said they come at it from two sides of the same coin. Paul, in Romans, answers the question, how is salvation acquired? The answer is by faith alone. James answers the question, how is genuine Christian faith recognized? The answer is by its fruits. Though Paul clearly instructs us in Romans that salvation is by faith alone and not by good works (Romans 3:28), James clarifies that good works will follow genuine faith (James 2:14).

The most important thing in your life, and the greatest gift to others, is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, James first deals with the duty of self-care in the things of God then deals with our relationship with others. The truth is that before we care for others, we must look after ourselves. You know the whole flight attendant’s spiel, “put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.”

James begins with a customary greeting. He writes, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings” (James 1:1). He uses Old Covenant language dealing with Israel to address the Church that is under the New Covenant. Therefore, James writes as a humble servant of Christ and His Church to fellow believers scattered due to persecution, instructing them with practical counsel on how to follow Christ amidst all the circumstances of life. As a result, he proceeds to write not merely about what Christians should do but how they are to go about doing it.

James first writes about three practical principles on how to benefit from trials. He writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

The first principle is to count it all joy when you meet trials (v. 2). Let’s be honest. Trials are seldom met with joy. However, James does not instruct us to face trials with mere joy but with all joy. In other words, our joy in such situations is not to be contrived or forced out of some spiritual obligation. Rather, our joy should be genuine, with the awareness of the truth that the trials that come from living in this world can bring maturity.

The word translated for trial is often translated as temptation. For instance, Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). With this in mind, we can face trials with hope and joy.

The Bible describes life as hard and difficult, even for believers. Christ’s path led to the cross. Yet, he trod this path with joy. How? The Hebrews writer tells us when he writes, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Christ found joy heading towards the cross because he knew it had a glorious destination, our salvation, and His eternal glory. The truth is that we may not always know the reason for trials, but we can be confident in our decision to trust Christ amidst them.

The second principle is to grant the testing of your faith to produce steadfastness (v. 3). God is not the author of evil, suffering, or trials, but He has a glorious capacity to use them for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). The word testing in verse three literally means proving. God invites us to trust Him with our very selves and, in return, realize that the testing of our faith is for our good, developing steadfastness in our lives. It’s only by meeting and passing life’s tests that faith grows in steadfastness or strong consistency.

The third, and final principle, is to allow the work of steadfastness to make you perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (v. 4). This is a journey of growing and becoming. Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12, 14). As the church, God calls us to grow and mature, becoming more and more like Christ, which is our present target, and as we’re maturing will experience its future fulfillment when we see Christ face-to-face. When we believers allow steadfastness to have its perfect work in our lives, we’ll grow to become more and more like Jesus – being perfected, maturing, growing onward to completion, perfect in every way, lacking in nothing, deficient in nothing, wanting nothing.

Trials are life’s hidden rocks that either lead us to personal disaster or serve as stepping stones to glory. Life is often not fair. The victories in the Christian life are not always obvious. But we can be sure of this, ultimate victory is ours in Christ. As we are faithful, steadfast, all of heaven awaits us in the victory circle.

Are you receiving the benefits of trials? Are you counting it all joy when you meet trials? Are you granting the testing of your faith to produce steadfastness? Are you allowing the work of steadfastness to make you perfect and complete, lacking in nothing? Don’t miss this. Our Lord wants us to experience the full enjoyment of our salvation. Won’t you take the next step God’s calling you to take with Him by His strength, power, and leading? Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Over the years, I have heard people comment about the different “types” of Christian churches. Statements like, “I don’t see how there can be such differences among those who worship the same God.” I get the confusion. Yet, God shows His creative brilliance in variety. After all, there are over 16,000 known species of bees. Therefore, I don’t consider differences between church structure, worship style, or ministry offerings as negative but demonstrative of God’s desire to reach the various peoples of the earth, utilizing different ways and approaches.

Where Christian churches are to be united is in Christ and our right understanding or belief, what the New Testament calls “sound doctrine” (i.e., 1 Tim 1:10; Titus 1:9; 2:1). Orthodoxy properly reflects in summary form all the scriptures by which the church is therefore bound to believe and obey. Such sound doctrine is defined in the early church creeds as well as confessions and statements of faith.

What differentiates church types or denominations is not the essential or major doctrines of scriptural teaching but minor doctrines or nonessentials. An example of a major doctrine is Jesus Christ’s Deity that He is actually God. An example of a minor doctrine would be how a person is baptized in water after they believe in Jesus Christ. The Person of Christ and the authority of Scripture are of utmost importance, while the particular way a person receives water baptism is not that crucial.

The early church wrestled with the question of major doctrines. The church was spreading like crazy. Gentiles were coming to Christ in great numbers. A question began to arise about whether or not a Gentile had to become a Jew in order to be saved. Questions developed about how they needed to behave befitting the name or gospel of Jesus Christ, also known as orthopraxy. We call this first recorded gathering of early church leaders the Jerusalem Council, which occurred in 51 AD, about fifteen years after Christ’s ascension. The account is found in Acts 15.

What was the outcome of the Jerusalem Council? It was determined that Gentiles did not have to become Jews in order to be saved. They needed to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. They needed to believe the gospel, which is the good news of Christ for the salvation of all people. The gospel is the message that the Son of God became incarnate, lived a sinless life, suffered, was crucified and buried (died), rose again (resurrected), and ascended into heaven. This is the accomplishment of salvation. Therefore, sinful human beings who hear the good news are instructed to repent of their sins and believe in Christ, where they are justified by grace (made right with God), sanctified by the Spirit (becoming more and more like Christ), united with Christ, adopted into God’s family, and baptized by the Spirit (indwelt by God’s Spirit).

The Jerusalem Council also addressed three other beliefs and practices of a genuine believer. We read, “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). In other words, they are to embrace a belief in the “Sanctity of Worship,” “Sanctity of Sex,” and the “Sanctity of Life.” It’s important to note that the account makes it crystal clear that this was not a new directive but was part of God’s plan all along. It is, however, freshly articulated.

What was affirmed at the Jerusalem Council, and believers should affirm today, is that salvation is by faith in Jesus, not by keeping the law (works). The principle was settled that the Gentiles were not required to keep the ceremonial or civic law of the Old Testament, nor did they need to be circumcised. They were directed to “abstain from the things polluted by idols” (Sanctity of Worship). Today, our equivalence would be introducing something into worship gatherings antithetical to biblical teachings. They were also to abstain “from sexual immorality” (Sanctity of Sex). The complete disregard of the scriptural teachings on sex and sexuality is not merely a current issue but one also faced by the first-century church. Finally, they were directed to abstain “from what has been strangled, and from blood” (Sanctity of Life). The biblical understanding that life is in the blood led Jews to treat all life respectfully and with dignity. The church’s stance on the sanctity of all life is biblically rooted and historically exemplified.

These three directives teach us three things about life together in a culturally diverse church. First, we must say no to any form of cultural hierarchy that demands others’ conformity to our cultural standards before we will accept fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Further, we must say yes to mutual respect for differences. Finally, we must live out that respect even to the extent of using our freedom to forgo what is permissible in other circumstances. The differences represented by God’s church are to be celebrated and where believers are to be unified in Christ with a right understanding or belief (sound doctrine or orthodoxy) is to be held tightly. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

I recently received a great question from a friend. He did not necessarily word it this way, but “What place does obedience play in the believer’s life?” Is it like a bartering relationship where I do X and God gives Y? Is it out of fear? I am sure we can come up with numerous thoughts on the subject, but what does the Bible say?

First, we can’t earn salvation through works, and we don’t remain saved due to works. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” By faith, we are saved from sin and made holy. Therefore, we can’t ever earn salvation by works (good actions).

Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus, explained, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is the gospel in a nutshell. God gave His son by sending Him into the world and by giving Him over to death on a cross. Christians receive eternal life through faith (believing) in Christ and accepting Him as Savior and Lord. Such a full and abundant life starts now and extends into the never-ending future.

Paul writes in Romans 4:25 that “Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. It was a debt we owed but had no personal resources (i.e., good works) to pay. Jesus did not owe it but paid it for us out of love, being the only one who could. His resurrection demonstrates that His finished work on the cross was indeed acceptable to God the Father and that those who place their faith in Him for salvation will also experience resurrection. We can’t earn salvation. We receive it by faith in Christ.

Second, not only is salvation not something we can earn, we don’t remain saved due to works or obedience. The Bible has much to say about obedience. In fact, obedience is an essential part of the Christian life. For the believer, the act of taking up the cross and following Jesus means obedience (Matthew 16:24). We obey God, in part, out of duty. God deserves our obedience. But, it is crucial to remember that our obedience to God is not only a matter of obligation but because we love Him (John 14:23). Therefore, the spirit of obedience is as important as obedient acts. Hence we are to serve the Lord in humility and love.

It would be mistaken to believe we come to salvation in Christ by faith and not continue in Christ by faith. We read in Romans, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). God is righteous and always acts in accord with His holy character and promises to people. Because God is righteous, He condemns sin and judges sinners. The good news is that He has provided through Christ forgiveness to all who believe as well as power for living a holy life in a right relationship with Him.

The Christian life begins with faith and continues through faith. Simply stated, faith is the only way we can be in a right relationship with God. So, what place does obedience play in a Christian’s life? First, obedience demonstrates our love for God (1 John 5:2-3). It also is a practical exercise of our faithfulness to Him (1 John 2:3-6). Further, it glorifies the Lord in the world (1 Peter 2:12). Lastly, obedience opens the resources of heaven or avenues of blessing for us (John 13:17.)

Faith is what God requires of us to be saved. Genuine faith is exemplified through a life characterized by being transformed more and more into the image of Christ. Therefore, Paul writes, “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). When we turn in repentance and faith to look at Christ through the mirror of God’s word, we are gloriously transformed more and more fully into His image by the Holy Spirit. This reality is why I commonly explain that I know I am not what I ought to be. But, I am thankful I am not what I used to be. I am a work in progress.

Obedience allows us to express our love for God as well as enables us to reap the benefits of right living. For instance, when we tell God our needs, thanking Him for past blessings, and trusting in His workings, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). We obediently trust, and He fills us with peace. Another example is love. When we love as Christ loves, our relationships tend to be much healthier, and even if not, we are healthier in the midst of them. We can go on and on with examples of how obedience allows us to glorify God, be blessed, and be used by Him to bless others.

We can even respond obediently when we are disobedient. We discover in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we divert our attention from Christ and walk contrary to His path for us, we sin. How do we get back on the right track? We confess our sins, asking for forgiveness, and God faithfully forgives us. He cleanses us, enabling the Holy Spirit to lead and work in and through us again.

Obedience is an essential aspect of the Christian life. However, works don’t save us, but those saved work for God’s glory. God’s love for us has provided us with this opportunity to enter into such a wonderful life with Him, and love ought to be our motivation to serve Him in obedience. We do this while keeping in mind that faith, not works save us, and continue in Christ, not by works, but by faith. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Some Bible scholars have divided the book of Psalms into eight categories. One such category is the Songs of Ascent. Songs of Ascent are a special subset of songs. The word for “Ascent” refers to a pilgrimage upward – to the city of Jerusalem. The Law required Jews to make their way to the temple for certain festivals every year. These songs may have been a means of preparing the travelers’ hearts for worship – and we all know a good song can help pass the time on a long trip. All the Songs of Ascent are grouped together. There are 15 such songs from Psalm 120-134.

Psalm 121 speaks of our help coming from the Lord. Most of us have heard the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The question is, “Where is it they get going?” And, what do the fragile do, and where do they go? Where do we go when the storms of life hit us? The thought that leads us to Psalm 121 is that freedom does not come by denying the ultimate threats we face but through knowing the God who has conquered all things.

What does Psalm 121 speak of? Psalm 121 speaks of the threats of nature, evil, and death, and the God who is there through it all. Bible scholars have recognized Psalm 121 as a meditation due to the question raised in verse 1, “From where does my help come?” The thought of Psalm 121 moves from acknowledging the need for help (vv.1-2) to the character of that help (vv. 3-8).

We live in a culture that teaches a myth of ultimate self-reliance and self-sufficiency. We wrongly think, “I am the captain of my own fate and the commander of my destiny.” Here is a truth from Psalm 121. In life, we will face situations beyond our resources and understanding, where we need help.

What is help? Help is the admission that I need to ask someone for something beyond myself. Verse 2 answers the question, “From where does my help come” (v. 1b)? The answer is, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (v. 2). We are to look to the God who spoke the world into existence, Who placed the planets in orbit around the sun, Who brings order to all of life, Who made heaven, the angels, and the world and all that dwell in it. Here is the complete truth from Psalm 121. In life, we need help, and ultimately we are to seek help from the Lord.

There is no better help than that afforded us from our eternal, living God. The psalmist proceeds to tell us the character of help offered by the Lord in verses 3-8. What is the character of God’s help? First, God is our keeper (vv. 3-4). He is our foundation keeping us on His solid ground. The Lord is also our shade (vv. 5-6). He is our protector. Lastly, God is our preserver (vv. 7-8). He saves and maintains our souls. This is the help we need and the help we get from God when we enter into a saving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

We would be amiss if we didn’t see Christ in this psalm. It is easy to go through life feeling vulnerable. We feel vulnerable to financial ruin, physical illness, relational rejection, and emotional meltdown. At times we feel small, weak, and defenseless. However, we need to be mindful that the God who created the universe never ceases to watch over and actively protect us. Our Lord is never distracted, never turns away. In fact, our God never slumbers.

But how can we really know? Where is the proof? The proof is Jesus Christ. He became genuinely vulnerable and exposed to adverse circumstances, even the forces of hell, receiving the judgment we deserved. He died and was resurrected so we could walk through life with the sure knowledge that we are God’s children and He is always watching over us.

I personally know that this psalm is true. God has proved help from the day I came to Christ, which now was some time ago, to today. Our Lord has been faithful through the decades of being a believer on mission with Christ. He has been my help through my undergrad and graduate educational pursuits and during my over thirty years of serving in full-time pastoral ministry. God has been present and my help in over thirty years of marriage and parenting. He has been my rock and salvation in crises after crises, times of stress, and when I have experienced loss and grief. I have needed help, and ultimately my help has been the Lord who has preserved my going out and coming in, and He will keep on doing it into the never-ending future. This is not just true for me but for everyone who has come to receive salvation in Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Psalm 7 is a song of David, known as a Shiggaion. We get the word Shiggaion from the Hebrew word for reeling or going astray. According to the Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon, this could mean that this psalm is a “wild, passionate song.” This is only one Shiggaion in the Psalms, but there are two Shiggaions in the Bible. The last chapter in Habakkuk is a Shiggaion as well.

This psalm is David’s prayer for justice. He is being slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. A fellow Israelite is verbally attacking him. You don’t need me to tell you that there is a lack of justice in the world. Think about it. Where there is no sense of justice, moral responsibility, or accountability, society as a whole and individual relationships collapse. David uses images from the court of law and the battlefield in response to the unjust attacks of his enemies. He invites God to intervene and bring resolution. We need to remember that above our lives in this world stands our all-powerful, eternal God. God is the righteous judge; He always answers when we bring our case to Him.

David begins his psalm, verses 1-2, with a call for deliverance. First, David takes refuge in God. Then, he flees to the Lord. David knows God is trustworthy, so he seeks salvation and deliverance from Him. We learn from David that we can call on the Lord for deliverance because of God’s character, His being faithful, loving, willing, and able to save.

David continues in verses 3-5 confessing his innocence of his enemy’s accusation. Why should God deliver David? If David has sinned, should not his sins find him out? How can a just God not allow His judgment to come upon David? David is ready to bare his soul before the God who searches and knows everything. David’s enemy has accused him of wrongdoing. David appeals to God’s justice and mercy. David has personally experienced both. David knows that his enemy is lying and is innocent of his charge. David, with a clear conscience, calls on the Lord for vindication.

Further, David asks God to bring judgment in verses 6-8. David does not take judgment into his own hands. He realizes that God is the true judge, for only God sees the heart and is totally righteous. We read in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” The feelings of revenge can be overcome by realizing that God will make all things right and that He will ultimately visit His wrath on those who deserve it. I learned long ago that I can defend myself and deal with a situation my way or allow the Lord to defend me and let Him lead, guide, and vindicate me. David placed judgment in the hands of God.

It’s important to be mindful that David is not presenting himself as one who has led a totally righteous life. He is not asking God for final judgment. David only asks for a limited judgment against the lies concerning his supposed wrongdoings toward friends and enemies. Again, it might seem odd that David asks God to judge him, even in this particular circumstance. Still, throughout all of David’s Psalms, he knows that his one hope is in God’s merciful hands (Psa 51:1, 143:1). David is not putting on blinders for his own sinfulness but for truth and objective honesty to be pursued.

Then in verses 9-13, David calls for salvation and acknowledges God’s righteousness. Having invited God’s judgment, David now cries for resolution. David knows it is God who will silence the lies and cease the attacks of his enemies. David cannot commit his case to the Lord and then execute his own judgment. Like David, we who place our lives in God’s hands must wait trustingly upon Him. David knows that God is righteous and confesses this truth. He knows God is just and punishes the wicked. However, David leaves room for repentance on the part of his enemy. He knows that God’s judgment is reserved for an unrepentant spirit. This is not merely an Old Testament picture of God. The New Testament also warns of severe judgment to come (2 Cor 5:10-11). This is why believers lovingly call people to repent and turn to the Lord. Without it, there is no hope! The certainty of the final judgment is not meant to cause anxiety for the believer; instead, it’s meant to be a matter of deep comfort.

In a rough image found in verses 14-16, David sees his enemy pregnant with evildoing. It’s these lies about David that led him in anguish to write this psalm. God’s judgment is sure. In fact, God is going to allow David’s enemy to fall by his own weight. The very pit David’s enemy dug for him, much like an animal trap, will trap him. Sometimes God executes His judgment by letting sin take its course. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” However difficult it is to see, at times, there is a judgment of people and nations in history. I am reminded that Caesar called himself a god, but his empire is no more. Indeed, the unjust will be condemned. We learn from David that God is the true judge Who vindicates His own and judges the unrepentant but gives mercy to those who repent and turn to Him.

David concludes Psalm 7, verse 17, with a call to worship. He declares, “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” Confident that his prayer is answered, David now concludes his psalm with praise. God will save him from those who persecute him. The Lord will judge and test all hearts and minds, destroying the wicked. David affirms all that he has declared earlier in the psalm. God is righteous; He restores His kingdom; He is trustworthy, and He vindicates the innocent. Sure of God’s rescue and His justice toward his enemies, David goes out from his lament with a song of praise, “I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” We learn from David that God is our resolution in distress, not ourselves, and before Him, we ought to sing our praises, for this is our proper response to our Lord who hears and answers.

We would be amiss if we didn’t see Christ in this psalm. After all, Jesus was perfect, did no wrong, but was treated wrongly. He was more wronged than anyone in human history, yet He opened not His mouth (Isa 53:7). And why? So that all the times we are genuinely wrong, we can be exonerated and acquitted despite what we actually deserve. Are you misunderstood today? Even if you are sure you are in the right, why not allow yourself to resist fighting for yourself and ask God to vindicate you. This psalm reminds us that in Christ, we are freed from insisting on defending ourselves now and how we can find genuine salvation in Him. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!