July 25, 2010- James 1:12-15

As we discussed two weeks ago, James tells us to take joy in temptation because the testing of our faith helps to mature us as Christians.

• Again we see in verse 12 the theme of temptation but in more depth. If we endure the temptations, we shall receive the crown of life as promised by God. Note the crown is received after enduring and passing a test of temptation and to the Christian that loves the Lord. A parallel can be found in Revelations 2:10 where Satan is persecuting Christians and even killing them. God promises those who stand the test will receive the crown of life and also be unharmed in the second death.
• James states that through trials our faith will lead to developing perseverance. Paul continues in Romans 5:4 to say perseverance builds and strengthens our character which leads to hope.

FAITH--->PERSEVERANCE--->CHARACTER--->HOPE

• While a new Christian has hope found in salvation through Jesus Christ, the mature Christians better understands the magnitude of that hope, and the power is possesses to help us overcome any trials or tribulations we might face in this life. Hope is the confidence and assurance given the mature Christian to see past this life to the promised one spent in eternity with God. If that doesn't make you joyful and goose-pimply all over...we need to talk!
• James tells us that no temptations come from God because He is cannot be tempted nor tempt with evil. Temptation comes from our sin nature. It's our on lust that tempts us which leads to sin, and sin brings death (which refers to the eternal death found in Romans 6:23).

Next week- James 1:16-21 or so

July 11, 2010- James 1:1-12

• James addresses his letter to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Most scholars agree James is talking to the church as a whole. In Acts 8:1 and 11:19, the church at Jerusalem was being persecuted and scattered. As a leading elder of the Jerusalem church, it's reasonable to assume that James would feel responsible for those scattered and continue to instruct and give encouragement to them. You can tell by the the tone and content of the letter that James is very aware of their circumstances.
• James says to consider it pure joy when you we are surrounded by temptation. Why exactly should Christians be joyful of temptations? He states the trying of your faith builds patience, and patience. James instructs us that test and trials are not punishment but rather a test. Passing the test is as much about attitude and knowing where to get assistance with the test (wisdom), a sign of Christian maturity. Jesus spoke of these things in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:11-12.
• When James refers to the exalting of the brother in low degree, he is reflecting on the parable of Jesus found in Luke 18:9-14 on the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Also, Jesus spoke of the meek in the Sermon on the Mount as those that will inherit the earth.

Next week- James 1:12-15

July 4, 2010- The Book of James

We started the Book of James today after our rather length study of apologetics and Lee Strobel's book The Case for Christ. The post for this series will always be available here online for easy reference if you need them, and you can always call or email me too if you have a question.

Who wrote the Book of James and when?

• Most scholars agree James was written by the brother of Jesus. There are 4 distinct characters named James in the New Testament:

1. The Disciple James, son of Zebedee and brother of John. He was martyred in 44 AD under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2)
2. The Disciple James, son of Alphaeus. Mentioned three times in the New Testament always in a list of the 12 Disciples
3. James , brother of Jesus. One of four brothers of Jesus (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) and presumed the eldest . Died in 62 AD and is mentioned by Josephus in the Antiquities of the Jews.
4. James, the father of the Apostle Jude (Acts 1:13)

The Letter of James is often referred to as the book on faith. James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but rather how one should act as a Christian.

The underlying theme of James in his letter to the church is real faith produces genuine works. Not to state genuine works are a requirement of salvation (legalism), a doctrine which Paul warns against. Demons know and believe in the power of God, but real, life-giving faith should produce momentum to do on behalf of Jesus Christ.

Next Week- James 1:1-12

May 2 and 9, 2010- Chapter 6 Rebuttal Evidence

Moving forward in The Case for Christ, Chapter 6 deals with rebuttal evidence that might refute the Gospels of the New Testament.



Strobel interviews Dr. Gregory Boyd, an author of several well-respected books and a professor of theology at Bethel University.

Boyd addresses the rebuttal of the biblical Jesus being the real Jesus by a group called the Jesus Seminar.

The Jesus Seminar claims:

• the real Jesus was embellished with supernatural powers after the fact
• The Gospel of Thomas belongs with the four Gospels canonized in the NT
• Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith are two different entities
• Their goal was to free naive Americans from the belief the biblical Jesus was the real Jesus

Based their hypothesis that the Bible can't be accurate, because:

• They've never seen the supernatural
• Words attributed to Jesus were fabricated and can't be proven

The resurrection of Christ, according to Paul is a very significant supernatural event:

12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (NIV)

The second argument twist the principle that something quote from history should be considered reliable with corroborating or supporting evidence, since the person credited with the quote isn't available to confirm or dispute.

Apollonius is used as a means to discredit the story as but mythology or legend. However, the story of Apollonius (which in many ways parallels that of Jesus) comes from a single source and was known to originate after 230 A.D. or several generations removed from the life of the real man. In contrast, we have seen the mounting evidence that support the historical accuracy of the Gospels concerning Jesus.

Dr. Boyd states, "I don't want to base my life on a symbol. I want reality."

The Apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John had absolutely nothing to gain from writing the Gospels and the story of Jesus, but they lost everything including their lives AFTER a life of persecution for their teachings.

Next week: Analyzing Jesus

April 25, 2010- God's Grace

I want to thank Keith for a wonderful class. Our class seems more complete when Keith and Linda are with us, and I hope they will join us as often as they feel lead by God.

Summarizing Keith's lesson would be futile on my part. The questions concerning why bad things happen to good people is complex and difficult to understand in our temporal state. We all go through difficult times in life as a result of living in a fallen world. Just lean on the promise of God that He is always with us and through His plan of salvation, we will one day return to a perfect state where troubles will be no more. Hallelujah!

Thank you for being such a loving, caring class. Without exception, there's not a day goes by that I don't think about one or all of you and thank God for the blessing you are to both Candice and me. I love each and every one of you, and I will always be here for you...to listen, to cry with you, to pray, to celebrate, or just lift you up in whatever manner you need.

Next week we're back to Case for Christ in Chapter 6. See you there.