Uncompromising and Unwavering

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

While preparing our Sunday School lesson this week, the Lord impressed on me, that we seem to be constantly compromising with the world. Christians, Churches, and Christian based organizations have continually been backed into a corner about what we can and can't say, what we can and can't do, how we present our faith, when and where we pray, witness, worship, and present the Gospel.

What does this mean?

It means that every time we compromise on what we know to be right, what we know to be correct, what God has told us to do. The world wins, satan wins, and we sin...

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Every time God's people compromise with the world, every time we fail to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, every time we allow the world to silence us, we fail to do what God has commanded us to do.

Acts 5:17-29

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,
Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

What if Peter and the apostles would not have obeyed God? How many would have been lost? How many are lost today because we compromise our faith in God, because we obey man rather than God?

Man put Peter and the apostles in prison, God released them and commanded them to stand and speak in the temple. God is Glorified and souls are saved.

Lets look at a few other examples...

Daniel 6

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel did what was right, praying and giving thanks to God, an act of disobedience to the king. Daniel did not compromise, Daniel kept his faith, and God protected him from death, removed his enemies, and caused Daniel to continue to prosper. The whole kingdom knew the Glory of God because Daniel did not compromise, even in the face of death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego refused to compromise and worship the idol. They declared what they stood for, they stood for the One True God. Under the threat of death, they refused to worship a false idol. God delivered them from death, without being singed, or the smell of fire on them.
Look what happens next, God was again Glorified because of uncompromising and unwavering faith.

When we compromise our faith, we fail to Glorify God.

So then, what is our duty? What is our job? What is our purpose?

Our purpose, our singular reason for existence is to Glorify God.

Isaiah 43:5-7

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

How do we fulfill our purpose? How do we bring Glory to our Savior and Lord, to our God?

We love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourself.

Mark 12:30-31

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

We go into all the world teaching, preaching, and baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

When we compromise with the world, we have lost our purpose, we have lost our faith, we are not trusting God, the Creator of all. Without God we are nothing, we have nothing, we can do nothing.

We must stay steadfast in the Faith! We must not compromise or waver on God's Word!

Look at God's promise to us.

Matthew 6:25-34

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Do we not understand God's promise to us?
Do we not have faith in God's Word?

If we compromise our faith, we become of no effect for the Lord.

I pray for strength, and steadfastness in faith, to the Word of God, that He will work in our lives to renew us, and impress upon us to be unwavering and uncompromising in the work and purpose of the Lord our God.

Swear not, prayer, and conversion - James 5:12-20

James 5:12

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Matthew 5:33-37

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

But above all things, James is stressing the importance of not swearing, just as Jesus told us, James is reemphasizing the importance of watching what we say, to speak with truth, the first yes is the promise and the second yes is the action. You do not need an oath to speak the truth, but only to say what you will do and do what you say.

Numbers 30:2

If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Our words have weight, and we should use them carefully. God tells us that if we make an oath, a promise, and we fail to keep it, we sin.

James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

In the Christian's life look at the importance of prayer and praise, when we are afflicted, we need to pray. When we are merry, prosperous, blessed, we should give praise and thanksgiving. We should be in constant communication with God through prayer and praise.

James 5:14-15

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Matthew 18:19

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

John 14:13-14

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

These are great promises, if we are sick, pray. Who should pray? The elders of the church, and pray with faith in the name of the Lord.
Why do you think James is having the elders pray?
I believe it has to do with wisdom, with maturity, the prayer of faith, who better than the elders of the church to understand the importance of faith based prayer. To not pray amiss, to pray towards the glory of God.
In studying this a bit deeper, we can take "sick" to mean physical ailment, or spiritual ailment, and the anointing with oil as applying a balm or salve to physical wounds or ailments, or a metaphorical anointing of the spiritually ill or weak with correction, encouragement, and strengthening of Godly fellowship.
Either way, it seems the importance is on mature, righteous, faith based prayer, all done in the name of the Lord, for the glory of God, to bring about the healing, and strengthening of those that are "sick" or in need.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Proper and effectual prayer, in Jesus name, with faith to the glorification of God will do great things!

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Confessing our faults to one another, that can be hard, we all have faults, we all have struggles, and the confession of those faults, the asking of forgiveness, the fellowship with our brethren, heals, and strengthens us.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Acts 2:42

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 6:4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

You see this fellowship, confession, ministry, prayer, living in the doctrine and ministry of the word is the only way for Christians to grow, and mature. This is how Christians build a strong church, a strong walk with God. This is how we prepare ourselves to be instruments used by God for His glory and purpose.

James finishes up the verse stating that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, that means it is useful, helpful, advantageous, and will produce or result in a benefit or advantage.

James 5:17-18

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

James now gives us an example of the power of prayer, but look at this, Elias (Elijah), was a man just like us. Subject to like passions as we are. He was human and depended on God just as we do.

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Here we have Barnabas, Paul, and Peter declaring they are just like us, human flesh and blood, dependent on God, just like we are.

Elijah prayed earnestly, with faith, for the glory of God, so that we might know who God is, and it did not rain for three and half years...
Then Elijah prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit. All for the glory of God, so that we might know who God is.

James 5:19-20

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Christians should be working to perfect their walk with God, having fellowship with our brothers in Christ, studying God's Word, so that we do not err from the truth. If we have brothers that err, we should work to convert them back to the truth.

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

We are to be soul winners, ambassadors for Christ, to reconcile the world to God. James is stressing that importance, to correct, strengthen, and sharpen each other, to pray, to praise, to draw nigh God, and how we should behave as Christians.

Where are our Riches? James 5:1-11

James 5:1-3

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Luke 6:24

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

 Matthew 19:23-24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Why do you think Jesus says the rich will have trouble entering in to heaven, and James is rebuking rich men?
Would it be because it anchors us to worldly desires? Sins of the flesh, eyes, and pride? Is it because riches tend to hide or mask our need of God?
Riches allow for the fulfillment of worldly pleasures, remove the thought and need for God.

Matthew 6:19-21

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 1 Timothy 6:9-11

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Jesus and Paul urge us against laying up treasures on earth, the desire and love of money, providing strong reason against being rich in worldly wealth. Instead Jesus tells us to build our treasures in heaven, and Paul encourages us to flee from worldly desires and follow after righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. These are Godly riches, and Jesus tells us that where our treasure is, where the things we really want are, that is where our heart is, that is where our attention will be. So what do we really desire?

James 5:4-6

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

The love of money, the desire for power, covetousness, the sins of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life, will cause men to do heinous things to their fellow man.
Look at our world today, wars, lawsuits and murder are everywhere. Usually based on the impropriety of one group taking advantage of another lesser group for some type of gain.

James is rebuking this behavior, calling out wicked rich behavior, providing full condemnation.

James now advises the oppressed, poor, and faithful to the Lord, calling for patience and faith, looking forward to the coming of the Lord and the treasures laid up in heaven.

James 5:7-11

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

We are to be patient and faithful, looking forward to the coming of the Lord, to not "grudge" against each other. Our reward is in heaven.
God will take care of all our needs, all we need to do is lay up our rewards in heaven, to seek after and love the Lord our God with all our hearts, all our mind, and all our soul, and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Luke 12:24

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 7:7-12

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.  

1 John 3:22-23

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Aren't these great promises, we don't need worldly riches, we don't need the sins of the flesh, eyes, or the pride of life.
We need God's love, patience, and faithfulness. We need to believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, to be Holy as he is Holy.

We need to gentle submission, allowing God to work through us, to meet each and every spiritual and physical need.

And we will be rich, with the wealth that really matters!

Speak no Evil - James 4:11-17

James 4:11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Think about this verse, as a Christian, is there anything Godly in this behavior? What reason do we have to speak evil of one another? Are we any better than our brother?

Matthew 7:1-5

Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Time and time again we want to play God, have our say, be the man, determine what is right or wrong. We judge with our own false sense of morality, reach flawed conclusions, and perhaps ruin our own, or others reputations.

God is the only one that is capable judgement, and clearly tells us as much.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Romans 14:4

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Romans 2:1

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

This is pretty clear, and it goes along with everything we should hold dear and aspire to. Love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We should humble ourselves, submit ourselves, do everything we do for the glory of God. We should do all things in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all your things be done with charity.

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

1 Peter 2:1

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

So we put away our speaking evil of one another, our petty judgements, and listen to the Scripture, pay attention to God, love one another, because God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us.

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

James goes on to warn us against presumption that we control anything, that we can do anything of ourselves.

James 4:13-14

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

We do not know what the next day will bring, we are but a vapor that quickly disappears, we are nothing without God. We can not add one cubit to our stature, or change the color of our hair.
The following verse lays it out, gives credit where credit belongs!

James 4:15

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

But by the grace and mercy of God will we, or can we do anything. We should never forget or ignore that sentiment, it should be with us at all times, in everything we do. That way we give God the honor and glory for our lives, for the accomplishments that He works.

James 4:16

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Otherwise we want the honor and glory, we take the credit, a credit that is not ours, and we knowing this: Knowing to do good, knowing to love, knowing to humble and submit ourselves to God, if we do not do these good things, we sin.

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

What do we want? James 4:1-10

James 4:1-3

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

What do we want?
Are we seeking the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life?

1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Are we trying to get what we want, what our mortal flesh desires, by ourselves? Should we be seeking after those lusts and desires?
When we do ask for God's help, we do not receive it because we are asking for the wrong reasons, or the wrong things. God is not our personal genie, someone to provide our fleshly desires.

James 4:4-5

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

I will ask again, what do we want? What do we desire?

James 4:6-8

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

We should be mortifying the lusts of the flesh, resisting the devil, drawing nigh to God, submitting and humbling ourselves.

James 4:9-10

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

We must crush these worldly desires, recognize the afflictions of the flesh, be repentant, sorrowful, mournful of our sinful nature, humble ourselves to God, knowing that through Him and Him alone we have Salvation and relief, that without God we are nothing, and can do nothing.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

We should want to praise and glorify God. Everything we do and think should be God centered.

Psalm 96:1-9

O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Psalm 118:28

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

Psalm 34:3

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 86:12

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Everything we do, everything we say, everything we are, should be glorifying God!

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

We should want to honor and obey God, bring glory to God, and with that our needs will be met.

Psalm 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Matthew 6:31-33

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

So, it is not what we want, it is what we need!

We live for God, bring glory to God, praise God, honor and obey God, witness for God, be God's ambassadors to reconcile the world to Him.

God will provide all of our needs! Our cup will be overflowing!

Careful what we say

Words have weight, words have meaning, words communicate ideas, thoughts, and intentions.
Once spoken, words can not be taken back. Words betray your heart. You are what you say.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Luke 6:45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

 Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

If you don't have something good to say, then don't say anything at all, or how about we don't say anything at all...
It seems that more we talk, the greater chance we have of saying something we shouldn't.

James 3:5-6

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Our tongue, for such a little member, will boast such great things, things we have no right to boast, serving our pride, hypocrisy and vanity. Think of how a little spark can ignite a whole forest.

We know that we do nothing of ourselves, it is all by and through God, for the glory of God.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

How should we control our tongue, and speech, what are the rewards of control, and what is the consequence of a "loose" tongue?

1 Peter 3:10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Proverbs 15:1-2,4

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Matthew 12:36-37

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Through the control of our tongue, and speech we are able to show the world whose we are, and who we serve.
We serve God, promote peace and love, minister to the world, show grace, and have fellowship with our fellow man. 

Without control we fail. We fail God.

James 1:26

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

If we allow God to speak through us, using his Holy Spirit to communicate, we can not fail.

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 

 Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

We should speak with charity, and love.

1 Corinthians 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

This verse has always stuck with me.

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

I think of it like this, if my actions or words offend someone that I should be witnessing to, someone I should be setting an example for, someone I should be leading to Christ, that verse points out how difficult I am making it to win them for Christ. I have gotten in the way of God.

I certainly do not want to do that!

Through prayer and supplication to God, studying His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to control my thoughts, actions, and words. I hope to bridle my tongue.

Faith without Deeds - James 2:14-26

James 2:14

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

As Christians what good is it to say we have faith, but don't live in, or through our faith? Are we just boasting, saying we have idle belief? If we truly have faith wouldn't we have something (good works) to show for it? Can that faith without works produce Salvation?

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.

James was not talking about this faith, this faith is heart belief, not head belief, this is faith provided by God from faith to faith through grace. A gift of God, it has nothing to do with how good we think we are, or how much we think we have done, or donated.
It is the belief in the heart that God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins.
It is the heart belief that we are sinners and undeserving of the greatest gift ever given.
It is the knowledge, acceptance, obedience, and trust in God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This faith is the faith of salvation, and this faith will have good works.

James is showing us the difference between true faith and "pretend" faith.

James 2:15-16
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Cheap words and charitable wishes do nothing, we must live our faith, love our neighbor, brother, and sisters as ourselves. Provide for the needs of others. What good is it for those in need if we do not provide, the stomach is not filled with kind words, or the back clothed with wishes. Salvation is not witnessed without testimony, faith to faith, ministering to those in need.

Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 21:16

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

James 2:17-18

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Faith without works is dead, true faith, God living in Christians and Christians living in God, must produce good works, fruit, evidence of God, evidence of real faith.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Matthew 8:29

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Acts 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Even devils and demons know that there is one God.

James 2:20-23

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James is rebuking those with head belief, those that are not living by faith. Providing an example of true faith, showing how the trust and obedience in God by offering his son on the alter, manifest as works with faith, fulfilled scripture, and was counted for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James 2:24-26

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

We are able to discern our Salvation, and other Christians by our works, deeds, and behavior, along with our knowledge, acceptance, obedience, and trust in God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit (True Faith), not just head faith, because even the devils and demons know and fear God.

The body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also...

We must live our faith, we must live our lives for the Lord.
Every moment of every day!

Favoritism - James 2:1-13

Christ died for all mankind, God shows no partiality, rich or poor, great or small, we are all the same before our Lord and Savior.
Christians should treat each other and the world with the same equality and love.

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

1 Timothy 5:21

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

James 2:1-4

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

James lays it out for us, do not show favoritism, do not differentiate between persons, based on riches, apparel, or status. If we do, then we judge, harboring evil thoughts.

James 2:5-8

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

James reminds us who is chosen of God, the poor, rich in faith, and those that love Him, they are the heirs to the Kingdom of God. Not the rich and powerful that oppress Christians, and demand respect and adulation, they care not for the things of God.

Notice: It always comes back to this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:".

If we can learn to do that simple thing, to love our neighbor as our self. We will do well.

James 2:9-13

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

James shows us the sin of favoritism, judgement, and its consequences. Laying out how there is no difference in sin, all sin is equal, all sin carries the same weight and consequence.
Teaching us to behave as we should, as children of God and the liberty afforded to us, to not judge, instead to show mercy and love.

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Love - This love is not warm fuzzy feelings, this love is God's love, this is unselfish, unabashed, genuine love of God and others as you love yourself. This love is good will and devotion to others. This love is given freely without deserving, and with no expectations.

Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:9-13

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joy - Happiness does not equal joy. Joy is completely independent of happiness, joy is not based on the good or bad things that happen in life, it is based on God's purpose for your life rather than the daily circumstances.

John 15:11

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 27:6

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Peace - Is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of tranquility, the contentment of knowing that God controls the events of the day. The ability to turn life over to God and His Will.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Proverbs 16:7

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Long-suffering - Patience, lenience, perseverance, steadfastness. Enduring the trials and tribulations of daily life without lashing out.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Ephesians 4:2-3

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Romans 5:3-4

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Gentleness - Kindness, meeting the needs of others, and the absence of malice.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Colossians 4:5-6

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Goodness - The character of God, to do good and see good done.

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 Galatians 6:9-10

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Matthew 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Titus 3:8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Faith - Unwavering knowledge, belief, and trust in God, his Son, and the Holy Ghost, God's purpose for our life and His plan for the world.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

2 Kings 18:5

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2 Corinthians 3:4-5

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Meekness - Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is the selfless, humble, controlled power of God in the Christians life.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Psalm 25:9

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 3:15-16

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Temperance - Control, self control, allowing God's will and Spirit to control our fleshly desires, all things in moderation. Putting away of self, selfish desires, separation from the world.

Titus 2:12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

2 Peter 1:5-8

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 25:28

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Philippians 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

 Against such there is no law. - Living in fellowship with God, His Son, and the Holy Ghost (Spirit), partaking of these fruits, provides the Christian liberty and freedom under God's wonderful grace.

Galatians 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13-14

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Galatians 5:18

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  

By God's wonderful love and grace, we are free from the consequences of sin. We have the promise of everlasting life. Abundant and full life, full of joy through our Lord and Savior.

Christ is Risen

Happy and Joyous Easter,

We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am sharing the scriptural accounts from the Gospel.

Remember, Christ's death, burial, and resurrection were prophesied and fulfilled so that we are able to be free from the Law, have Salvation, and live under Grace.

There is no greater love than this:

Matthew 28:1-10

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Mark 16:1-8

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Luke 24:1-12

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
And they remembered his words,
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

John 20:1-10

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

We serve a risen Savior!

In Peter's first sermon on the day of Pentecost, he directly preaches Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, both recalling the scripture, fulfillment thereof, and as a direct witness.

Acts 2:22-36

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

What an example! What a message!
We serve a risen Savior!

About 3000 souls were added that day... 

Christian Characteristics

What are the traits of a Christian?
How does a Christian know they have Salvation?
These questions can arise in the life a Christian from time to time, so lets explore some Biblical answers.

Romans 10:9-11

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

The first step is to believe on the Lord Jesus, and to confess him as your Lord and Savior, making the commitment to Him with and for your life.
Next, will be obedience to your Savior and Lord, baptism illustrates our new life in Christ, and our obedience to God, just as Christ was baptized and commanded us to baptize new believers. Baptism does not make you a believer it shows that you believe.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Matthew 3:16-17

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The obedient and committed Christian will have a hungering and thirsting for God, and from that, Godly traits and actions will build and manifest in the life a Christian.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Psalm 63:1

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 

Isaiah 55:1

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Sin will become a convicting force and Christians will seek to abstain from sin.

Hebrews 12:5-9

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 3:6-10

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Christians will love one another and seek to have fellowship with each other.

1 John 2:9-11

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 4:20-21

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Christians will seek to have constant communication with God through prayer, praise, and the reading of His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Acts 2:42

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 

Ephesians 5:19-20

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Hebrews 13:15-16

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Christians will want to spread God's Word and lead others to Christ.

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 12:8-9

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

A Christian's heart will be where his treasure is. (What do you care about?)

Luke 12:34

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-24

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Christians will want to spread love and caring to others.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

Christians will give God the glory and praise instead of themselves or the world. Christians realize that all things are accomplished through God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

And lastly examine yourselves.

2 Corinthians 13:5-9

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

I am sure this list is not comprehensive, I have tried to show Christ like, Godly traits that we as Christians should be striving for, these traits should be evident in our lives. This should be our daily witness to the world for God.

Christians (the Church), and our Responsibility

 I was studying in Acts for our Sunday School lesson, covering the establishment of the Church, and Christ's commandments to Christians regarding the work of the Church. Part of the lesson was to compare the Gospels against each other along with Acts.

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Luke 24:46-49

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 
And ye are witnesses of these things. 
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Acts 1:5-8

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

When comparing these passages you get a very powerful message about what Christians should be doing, preaching and teaching the Gospel to every creature, to the uttermost part of the earth.

God does not want anyone to miss out on Salvation! We do not know how much time we have! We must be acting with haste and intent! The times and seasons are known only to God.

Our responsibility: Win souls to Christ, and baptize new Christians into the Body of Christ which in turn increases and builds the Church. (You see how this loop feeds itself?)

Ephesians 1:22-23

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

You see what the Church is? It is Christians working together with one Spirit to proclaim the knowledge of God. His plan for all the world to have Salvation.

The Church is not a denomination or a religion, it is Christians, believers, having fellowship with God and each other to increase the Body of Christ.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Christ sent Christians the Holy Spirit to provide unity, tools, comfort, strength, knowledge, and wisdom, a way to know the Mind of God through His Word.

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We have God's commandments, tools, teacher, grace, knowledge, wisdom, and love. Christians should be sharing it in every way and at every time possible.

I pray that we as Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the Church of the Body of Christ, will take advantage of all that God has done for us, and be a witness, a beacon of light, to tell the world how great and marvelous our Lord and Savior is!

Don't hide your light under a bushel!

Matthew 5:14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.