As we continue our study of James we focus on James 1:19-27. This passage begins with a huge challenge…the need for us to be “quick listeners” and “slow speakers.” James then brings attention to the crucial issue of sins of omission.
James then again addresses the challenge of keeping a tight rein on our tongues and concludes the first chapter with a call to practice pure and faultless religion.
We conclude with a reminder that the only way to apply James’ instruction in our lives is to have a “well-ordered heart.”
Geoff Bohleen
James Study Session One
James is a unique book in the Bible. It is often considered the most “practical” books in the Bible, and its clear teaching is very challenging! Our first session begins with background information about this short yet powerful book. We then focus on James 1:1-18 and consider James’ teaching about facing trials, the need for wisdom and the reality of doubt, humility and pride, temptations in our lives and also the multitude of gifts God has given each of us.
Introduction to James
Jesus: The Teacher – The Sermon on the Mount
Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to hear Jesus preach? The best account we have of Jesus’ preaching is called “The Sermon on the Mount,” and it is found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus teaches like no one else and he describes life with God in a new, fresh way. Jesus tells us about “life in the kingdom of God,” and addresses our attitudes, how we are to relate with each other and how we can relate personally with God. His teaching is new, it is challenging, it is clear, it is unsettling and it changes lives. As we study it together let’s pray that it changes our lives!!
This Man Welcomes Sinners!
Jesus loved sinners and He was punished for it by the religious leaders of His day. When confronted about His practice of eating with sinners, Jesus responded by telling three powerful and familiar stories. They are so well known that some mistake them for being actual events! What is real is that God loves sinners. That includes you and me. It also includes those in our families, our neighborhoods, our workplaces and our classrooms. The unsettling question we must answer is, “Do we love sinners?” And, if we do, “What are we doing to put our love into action?”
Work: What was God Thinking?!
Work is a central part of each of our lives, whether young or old, employed or not. God is a worker, Jesus did His Father’s work, the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in our lives. We are made to do meaningful, impactful work. We will even work in heaven. Work is good and necessary and it is important to understand God’s design for work as He originally created it.