Recent Blogs Posts

"A Strong Word of Warning...Part II"

As we have seen, James opens the fifth chapter, which is really a continuation of the last paragraph of the fourth chapter, with a condemnation of those who abuse and lust after riches. He is talking to a culture that viewed the rich as largely favored by God, and the ones who were closest to Him. But, as James cries out, they are saving up a treasure which will rot and consume them. It is a warning to those who abuse the things of this world, ...

'A Stron Word Of Warning'

The pivot from the end of chapter four to the start of chapter five is very important to catch. It is masked by the misleading chapter and verse markings that were never in the original manuscripts. In the original, 4:13-5:6 is all one paragraph and is a description of one main thought. But, in many translations this is broken up into several thoughts, and so the unity of James on this issue is lost:
'Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow ...

In 'It Is All a Matter of Attitude'


When I was in college my professor, whom you never challenged for accuracy, told us this report of fish as a scientific fact. (Yes, I know, 'facts are facts' but he did describe the experiment; so some one actually spent time and money messing around with fish.) It seems that someone wanted to study reactions to various situations and relate it to behavioral growth in children. ('Fish and children' sounds like someone is 'angling' for ...

'A Certain State Of Undivided Mind'

He was traveling under orders, and he had to go where he was ordered. Obedience was very important, for the state of the nation was in peril. The leadership had lost it's bearings, the people were in disarray, and he was getting so old. He had led the nation for many years, but was now commanded to pass it on to another. This was not the first time. Once before he had been told to announce the choosing of another. But that one had failed. ...

Doing What It Takes

8-10 Come close to God and he will come close to you. Realise that you have sinned and get your hands clean again. Realise that you have been disloyal and get your hearts made true once more. As you come close to God you should be deeply sorry, you should be grieved, you should even be in tears. Your laughter will have to become mourning, your high spirits will have to become heartfelt dejection. You will have to feel very small in the sight of God before he will ...