James 1:1-27

Bam Bam

The book of James is tucked away just after the letters of Paul which seem to dominate the theological landscape of the church and just before the last four books from the beloved apostle John. This would seem to be the ideal place to take a breather and simply drift for awhile. Five short chapters all seemingly very simple and straight forward. 

Ah, but the book of James is a sledgehammer not a sleeping pill. In places it is also a stick of theological dynamite, and we will reach those places soon enough. For today, just some plain old straight talking heavy lifting.

Are you going through hard times? Do trials seem to be all around? That’s great. No, I mean that is great. Consider it pure joy because this is helping to make you mature and complete. 

If you need wisdom about anything ask God. But don’t doubt.

Does the world think you are poor? You really aren’t. Does the world think you are rich? You really aren’t. The world doesn’t know anything.

Got a sin problem? It’s your own evil desire. Be careful. It wants to kill you.

Everything good comes from God. Anything not good does not come from God. Next question?

Don’t talk so much. Your “righteous indignation” doesn’t do anyone any good; not God and not you. 

You should listen more but listening isn’t really enough. Even if you stay awake through the whole sermon you might as well have slept if you aren’t going to allow it to change your life. If you will let it change you then you will be blessed.

You want to be religious? Take care of those less fortunate than you and don’t go running after what the world runs after. Everything else that pretends to be religious is phony.

Bam. Bam.