Discuss James 1 Page 2

I've appreciated what you have shared here Lbooth1955 and in agreement that we need to consider the Bible in its entirety, rightly divided, to learn its Truths and the correct application of them in our lives and ministries.

So when we come to James 1:1, we should correctly believe that James is addressing Israel's twelve tribes scattered into other lands. But when we read James 2:1, he gives us insight as to who these people actually are: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." Yes, they are his kinsmen by blood, but also joined to them by faith in Christ. It seems, even as Apostle Paul also writes in his epistles, that their heart-strings are still very much attached to and in great concern for their people, but that is only in reference to those of Jewry who are believers, one with them in faith and Spirit. Given all this, would you still maintain that James was written to the unbelieving scattered tribes of Israel?

2 Corinthians 5:21

"For our sake he made him who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

James 1:14-15

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desire and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

Meditation for my the coming years.

God Bless Yours.

James 1:5

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Romans 10:9

"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."

Galatians 3:26

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."

Blessings

Satan's greatest debacles #2 "Selling your soul"

Suppose I told you to pay me for something you already bought and then after the extortion you find out you don't actually own the item. Well I suppose corrupt telemarketers or internet schemes come up; but I am referring to Satan's dealings.

As we know from scripture God says that all souls are His ( Ezekiel 18:4). Encapsulated in that verse is the idea that any soul that sins will die so clearly Satan's offer to us to live forever is fraudulent; but I am still convinced that is tied in with the mark of the Beast if everyone takes it not written in the Book of Lile. As they say I digress...

Satan's bargaining chip is usually with those who are in the entertainment industry who arguably (although it sure is hard for me to tell with today's music) someone overnight is given some great talent or charisma to basically make a ton of money along with the worldly perks of such influence. Now of course Satan knows that a lost soul is already in his camp; but also that he is ultimately defeated. In order to propagate his deceptions he figures a person will make some sort of bargain. Many times of course he will appear to actually have someone's best interests in mind but that usually sours; particularly when the Lord gets through to someone. In truth not only does God decide who is saved or who isn't but also is the one who gives someone natural abilities and talents.

Satan only perverts that which God Himself has given as all good gifts come from above. ( James 1:17). Just as all converts to Christianity aren't genuine; not all those who seem to be on Satan's side are serious about serious study into the subject. Some for strange reasons seem to think it is worth it for temporary pleasure.

My point here is what I often emphasize; that we can't let the current state or outward appearance keep us from witnessing (especially with today's tatoos). And we can't assume the nicest person is saved.

Listening to the tree frogs and crickets again. Seems like with the cool spells coming they won't be around much longer.

As we see in scriptures; all creation groans awaiting our redemption; Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Just how our glorification affects things is interesting; certainly God is concerned for and created all animals and plants for a perfect earth that has been marred but will be renewed in the Millennium and recreated thereafter. Death has affected animals as well; Solomon mentions this in Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? I don't see any reason why animals can't be resurrected as well but can't necessarily prove it-clearly though they were created originally to live forever but man has a unique comprehension of eternity as other Ecclesiastes verses show.

Since we face spiritual battles daily; we always want to be cognizant that indeed we are in enemy territory. Whether or not we are currently recipients of physical persecution or not evil can; if the Lord allows will come at us often unexpectantly. Just because humans as agents of the enemy are not always present the battles in the heavenly places are raging constantly.

We won't know on this side of heaven how those praying for us or vice versa has preserved us from many more things than would be otherwise; and also how local communities can be improved by the consistent prayers of a remnant still committed to consistent prayer.

All good gifts come from above. ( James 1:17; translated in part). The context of the rest of the passage shows God's consistency. In this world; health; beauty; mental acumen and other traits of youth change as our outer man slowly dies away. As a father pities his children,

So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

14 For He [a]knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust. ( Ps. 103

Greetings

Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Blessings

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.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof

1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"

Blessings

God's love: The compromised viewpoint

It would seem; as the old saying goes that you wouldn't have to be the sharpest tool in the shed to comprehend that God's love is something we should seek Scripture on. Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality. - Lewis Carroll (one of 21 quotes on the Fearless Motivation cite). That quote fairly well sums up the attitude of the world; and the whole host of sickening quotes that comes up is too much for me to handle at present. I suppose there is some merit to the woeful illiteracy of our youth today if they don't hold up some of these spurious humanistic philosophies today. Just for the record; nothing personal about any particular site but I had to quote the source.

Anyhoo; those in the worldly churches attempt to cobble together this same sort of humanistic God of their own imagination in regard to their own self fulfilling prophecy of who Christ really was. Amateurs like to begin cherry picking things that sound pleasant to their ears; such as the Sermon on the Mount and not the more abrasive verbage our Lord had for hypocrites in particular. Come as you are is taken to mean that we can at best remain infants in the faith and at worst reprobates wearing sheepskins. Sorry I don't know how to sugarcoat this.

The concept of man being basically good still is the same issue as before that Satan has repackaged. Why take the time for fancy poetic stanzas or progressive music when it can all be dumbed down? That same idea goes to scripture reading which seems available to hurl accusations when needed against those who would dare rock the boat on what love really is. But it isn't useful for those who forget who they are in the mirror ( James 1:23-25).

Again the idea that God disciplines His own isn't in the minds of these men. Rather than looking at the tidal destruction of the past generations from "free love" men continue to think the God of the NT is different than of the Old.

Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 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.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof

Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

page 2

The Importance of Slowing Down

In contrast to quick or superficial Bible reading, a slow and careful study focuses on the context, grammar, historical background, and authorial intent of each passage. This method pays attention to words like "but," "therefore," "now," and "mystery," recognizing that each word was inspired by God ( 2 Timothy 3:16).

By slowing down, we allow the Bible to interpret itself. Instead of forcing a passage to fit a preconceived theology, we ask: What does the text actually say? What does the context reveal? Who is being addressed-Israel, the Gentiles, or the Church, the Body of Christ? What covenant or dispensation is in view?

A rushed reading can lead to confusion, especially when Scriptures appear to contradict one another. But when taken slowly and rightly divided, these "contradictions" often vanish, and the harmony of Scripture becomes evident.

Apparent Contradictions in Scripture: Real or Resolved?

Let's explore some commonly cited examples of biblical "contradictions" that, when studied slowly and without denominational bias, reveal deeper understanding:

1. Faith vs. Works for Salvation

James 2:24 - "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

Romans 4:5 - "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

At first glance, these verses seem to contradict each other. One speaks of justification by works, the other by faith without works.

But when we consider audience and context, the contradiction disappears.

James was writing to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1)-believing Jews under the kingdom program, where works demonstrated living faith (see Matthew 5-7).

Paul was writing to Gentiles in the body of Christ, saved under the gospel of grace, where faith alone justifies apart from the law.

Different programs, different audiences, different purposes-but no contradiction.

T-rex,

(Part 2):

Please, tell me, what is the greatest commandment you speak of? I'm guessing you are going to tell me that 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, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. If so, please tell me what the command is.

You quoted only part of my post where it says, "they are saved no matter what," only you misquoted me by saying "I am saved no matter what," and then you go on to tell me that is not what Paul means by having assurance of salvation.

Please re-read what I said. What I said was "Those who believe salvation cannot be lost often get accused of thinking that they can sin all they want to because they are saved no matter what."

Please, I respectfully ask that if you are going to quote me, please include the entire statement, not just a part of it and then go on to correct me by telling me what Paul says. In case you missed it, I went on to say that I do not think that way at all.

You say that "some believe obedience is only a suggestion and optional, like tipping." I have yet to meet a brother or sister in Christ who believes that obedience to Christ is optional. Do you know anyone who believes that way?

Thanks for sharing James 1:21 which literally reads, "On account of which, after having put off all filthiness and abundance of evil, in meekness receive the implanted Word, the one being able to save your souls."

What a great piece of scripture!

Blessings to you. My thoughts on this topic are below:

"If there is one command that we are to follow that would be sufficient and acceptable to God, it would be..."

God's Word has many commands to follow, not just a la carte. Jesus says what the greatest commandment is and it's not that one. If you're saying only one of God's commands are acceptable to God that's like saying God wants you to ignore what HE says. That doesn't make sense. Of course we're to obey all of God's moral commands.

"I am saved no matter what."

That is not what Paul means by having assurance of salvation. God favors the meek, humble, pure in heart. Proverbs 16:18, Matthew 7:21, Proverbs 22:4, James 4:10, Matthew 12:32, 1 Peter 1:5

"The command to follow Him means 24/7, not when we choose to do so or not do so."

Or else, does anything happen or not? Some believe obedience is only a suggestion and optional, like tipping. James 1:21 to the end explains it well.

Brother Jesse,

We are not far apart. First, to answer your question, will I walk away? The answer is NO! I know Romans 1:28 didn't fit, but it reflects what I was thinking of someone I knew when I wrote it. Only God knows the heart of man. What was in my mind was a person I knew, and anyone who knew them would say this person was a true Christian.

This person lost a child, and they completely changed. Over time, they turned into the opposite of who they were, and this verse fits what I saw happen to this person. This is one of the reasons I believe someone can fall away; only God knows if that is what happened. John 6:44, we may see this as the gospel today, the words of God are preached, which draws people, but that is not coming to Christ himself.

Then we have Matthew 22:14: Many are called, but few are chosen. Some who hear will fully embrace it and be accepted by God, while others will not. We are drawn or called, but is it not up to us to go and believe?

How do we understand verses like Hebrews 3:12-14? This is directed at those in Christ. 1 Timothy 4:1-2, My understanding, this goes with 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 13:7-10; here is the patience of the saints. This is a true falling away, John 1.5:4-6; we must continue to abide in Him. Romans 11:19-22, we can be cut off.

James 1:12 is another blessed is a man that endureth, if he does, he will receive a crown of life. As in Revelation 2:10, faithful unto death. I respect you, but to me, there are too many warnings to endure and overcome until our death. We cannot ignore that; we must encourage each other to stay strong in our faith.

Not to spark another debate, I believe the great falling away is connected to when the beast rises and the persecution begins. Many think they will be taken out, but are not; they will be here. My understanding is Christ will never forsake us; the only thing that can separate us from Him is us.

Thanks again, brother,

God bless,

RLW

Luke 6:46

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

James 1:22

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Titus 1:16

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

Matthew 7:21

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Blessings

Hello Chris,

Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.

That would be like trying to mix oil and water.

PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW

Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)

Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)

Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises

Supporting Scriptures:

Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"

Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"

Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)

PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS

Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)

Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)

Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)

Supporting Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"

Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"

Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"

Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):

Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.

Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.

Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.

thanks again, God Bless!

Hi GiGi, peace. now I think you are writing a bit strange here. It is just as if you are describing God as changeable. Jesus brother James 1:17 describes God like this. For the Lord does not do, does not decide, does not make rules like we do. That means He saw us in His image when He created everything. Think about it, in all things it is so overwhelming that it is impossible for me to see how big it is. In the Old Testament we see that He could change. In the New Testament we see Jesus working, He can change things, but I am not so sure about that, not the basic things. But what is good to know is that He is in control. See: An answer to prayer when you talk to the Lord, and He knows all thoughts, motivates everything. And suddenly we are there one with Him. Believe then that is the most important moment for every christian. And know, get confirmation that the life of faith is alive. Stay close to Jesus Joh 3

I tried to start a post in regard to a "religious" spirit last night but apparently even without a complete url link I couldn't post a dictionary definition for the word "religion". Having lost the rest of the information there; I will just briefly comment that James 1:27 gives the Biblical definition of demonstrating true religion by helping orphans and widows. I had some other concepts but I'll leave it at that.

Basically we can't entirely dismiss religion as defined being worship of a deity with certain rituals when we are indeed called to have a certain church hierarchy structured of deacons; elders and bishops but we also don't make it the end all where men and their positions are worshipped lest we allow error to creep in because we hold them to a double standard from the average layperson. My other idea was in terms of worship and I used the concept of the Syrophonecian woman asking for her daughter to be delivered of a demon showing her understanding of Jesus as Messiah; contrasted by many others who didn't acknowledge this fact as only the Father can reveal it to us ( Matt. 11:27 and many other like verses).

When it comes to Satan he doesn't hide his light but his light is one of deception. Men through their sin nature usually aren't knowingly worshipping him; a few do but even of them there would be less if he showed his true nature and intention to destroy men. A "religious" spirit represents the version of Christ that assures one of acceptance with a works based mentality. It is what I call the narrowest way you can follow the broad road to destruction; or perhaps more simply the Pharisee in people today. And of course it can be found in all kinds of different flavors; with different religions each having their own nuances.

Playing church; of course no doubt gives the enemy and his minions great glee as desecrating any true house of worship causes the greatest collateral damage.

Proverbs 18:21

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Matthew 15:11

"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."

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."

Blessings

Jesse,

I pray that I do not offend you, brother. Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God, and God placed Him above all, not just humans, until the last enemy is destroyed. Jesus is worthy of these titles. We do not see the apostles teaching that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament, in Acts 3:13, where Peter says, "the God of our fathers hath glorified His Son."

In Revelation 1:17-18 says "he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore". God is Spirit and eternal, and can not change, nor even any part of Him die. God sent His Son into this world to be the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 4:10. The law was for man, who could be tempted, Hebrews 4:14, God cannot be tempted James 1:13. Man had to live a perfect life, obedient to the Father, and die that through Jesus's blood, we have redemption, Ephesians 1:7, God is a Spirit.

The phrase "son of man" in the Old Testament is a metaphor or idiom referring to a human being or a mere mortal. God addressed Ezekiel as "Son of Man"; Jesus referred to Himself 80 times as the "Son of Man." In Daniel 7:13-14, Daniel was shown a vision of Jesus after His resurrection ascending to heaven, to His Father, Ephesians 1:17-23, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory. God does not have a God, 2 Cor. 11:31, Eph. 1:3, Eph. 4:6, 1 Pet. 1:3.

Daniel 10, this is not a vision of Christ; it is an angel, Gabriel. This chapter shows us that battles in the spiritual realm are going on that we do not see or hear. Daniel had prayed and was mourning about what he had been shown would happen to his people and Jerusalem in Daniel 9. In Daniel 10:12-14, Gabriel tells Daniel why he was late coming; this is not a vision of Christ.

I will leave it there; I hope you understand my reply is in love.

bless,

RLW

Hi WALKEC29,

You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.

These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.

Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.

There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.

God bless,

RLW

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There is someone who I know professionally who I cannot go beyond the bounds of that who I have in mind writing this post. As I have prayed for her she has split up with her boyfriend where she was likely compromising which is an answered prayer. I am hoping she decides to attend church once again as the enemy would see fit for that not to happen. I will keep her name anonymous but I see great potential as she is a very loving person and since her desire is to see family members saved as I do I believe she is a true Christian. Due to death she has lost much of her immediate family.

Keeping in mind Jeremiah 17:9 we understand that our hearts are desperately wicked apart from His saving grace. Now; our affections are caught between the flesh and the Spirit. "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." ( Galatians 5:17; but another version).

This verse shows that we can't just live in a vacuum shutting down the flesh but the Spirit must be in control of all things in our hearts. Fellowship of the saints is a healthy thing for a believer IF it is truly that and not something abandoning scriptural protocols and doctrines. One of the pinnacles of this is suffering as a Body of believers. Being insulated from such in our nation we have a few examples of those suffering being a witness for Christ but to find the majority of a local fellowship engaged with the struggle of the Great Commission is also rare. Usually with today's demographics the biggest issue is elderly individuals with physical ailments and it is certainly commendable for those that step up to assist. True religion is helping the orphans and widows ( James 1:27); which I can say our church is doing to some extent.

Let us build one another up in Him.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ( James 1:14-15).

If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ( Galatians 5:22-23).

Sin is sin and it's end is basically the same. There are different reasons for our actions; and the intent of the heart is always factored in to any actions man does; whether outwardly good or bad. Trusting the Lord is a key issue as well; whether say a man falls into sin through sexual sin for physical gratification primarily and a woman for emotional security; both are trying to bring an end through a means that is displeasing to God.

The world; of course sends us constant signals that immediate gratification is of paramount importance. The fruits of that are obvious; broken families; poor health; greed; covetousness and all the other sins indicated as warnings to us of those who will NOT enter the Kingdom of heaven if they make that their lifestyle. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ( 1 Corinthians 6:10-11).

One thing which needs to be admonished is that the very real joy in the Spirit that is produced by those pleasing God is not to be sought out in order to enhance an emotional experience as it regards the opposite sex. The only means to that is a legitimate marriage covenant; and that by default negates facilitating anything outside of God's boundaries including another man's wife. We are not to jump the gun either by pursuing actions ahead of legitimate marriage also

(James Part 3):

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Blessed is the man that endures trials. The word blessed, MAKARIOS, literally means to experience the fullness of something. It's the same word used in the beatitudes, to experience the fullness of something. The blessedness in the believer's life, especially the poor believer, is that they get to experience all the fullness of Christ. They're not distracted with the material wealth of the world.

That person is blessed. The most blessed person in the world is somebody who experiences the fullness of Christ with them during the day, all day long. We have the fullness of Christ according to Colossians Chapter 2. But we don't experience the fullness of Christ in our personal relationship with Him because we are distracted.

And that's what Spiritual growth is. The more we grow in Christ, the more we have His influence in our life. So blessed is the man who endures trials: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those that love him.

(James Part 2):

James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

And if you remember, the word count means to let the leading thought of your mind be all joy when you fall into various trials. Why is that? It's because of knowing something in Verse 3.

James 1:3 - Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Knowing this, that your trial of the faith, and I shared earlier that the word "your" in the Greek text goes with the word trial, not the word faith. Your trial of the faith is working out endurance.

What he's telling them is that we are to live by faith and trust the Lord and not trust our circumstances and not trust our feelings. And we are to do this by remaining under our circumstances and trusting the Lord.

And we experience two things when we do that. Number one, we experience Christ Himself. He's the one who sustains us. And number two, we get to learn about the ways of the Lord to pass on to others.

James 1:9 - Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

Now wait a minute! Look at the positions here. The term "low degree" is the same word used for a poor man. And we will soon see that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith. It says let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted. So, a Christian in poverty is at the highest exalted position.

James 1:10 - But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

But the rich, let him rejoice. You have to bring the verb down from Verse 9. But the rich, let him rejoice, in that he is made low. Can you just hear the rich man saying, "Yesterday I was a billionaire, but today my finances are all gone, so praise the Lord, I just got exalted?" Let him rejoice, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Hi.

There is no lost tribes.

The belief in the Lost Tribes is based on biblical accounts of the Assyrian exile and lack of historical records regarding the whereabouts of these tribes.

However I believe they are scattered throughout the nations including Israel.

Before the Assyrian captivity, some from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David.

The crises and rebellion of Jeroboam caused many to leave the Northern Kingdom and unite with the Southern Kingdom and join alliance with the house of David and to worship the Lord IN JERUSALEM.

James address his letter to the twelve tribes.

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. James 1:1

You also see them mentioned and show up in several places in the New Testament.

passages, like Isaiah 27:13, and many others suggest a future gathering of all tribes in the end times, (After the great tribulation.)

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Brother Jesse, thanks very much for your response to me in relation to your Hebrews chap 3 commentary, but in reference to the "Lord's Prayer" here in this thread (in Matthew 6:9-13): I've always understood this prayer given to His disciples as being something that the Rabbis often gave to their 'disciples'. We know the Scripture in Luke 11:1-4, when one of Jesus' disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray, even as John (the Baptist) taught his disciples. It seems that these followers of Jesus also wanted to receive a prayer template or recitation, as was given to others by their Rabbis/leaders. Have you heard of this understanding?

And just my thoughts on "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil": using the reference you shared ( James 1:13), I also believe that the the Lord doesn't take us on dangerous paths to be tempted of Satan. Yet, this part of the prayer could also mean, 'Lord, hold us back when temptation lies ahead in wait, and give us deliverance from the evil (one)'. I know that's a very liberal transliteration of mine, but thought to throw it in as a possible way of understanding that part of that prayer. Blessings.

(Part 2):

Well, I'm going on a rant now, but there's so many great points that you bring up that I could spend much time talking about. I'll close with a comment on your second post about those who endure to the end. We are the ones who are enduring and will endure to the end because we have Christ in us, and He will carry us to the end. And yes, even though salvation is offered to every single person who has ever been born into this world, I believe that God knew ahead of time those that would receive Him and those who would reject Him.

I do have a similar understanding of the phrase "lead us not into temptation." James 1:13 comes to mind. Also, I'm aware that in theological circles that this is part of what's known as the "Lord's Prayer," but I personally don't agree that this is the actual Lord's prayer. What's known as "The Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 6:9-13, I understand this as the Lord teaching us how to pray. I believe the actual Lord's prayer is found in John Chapter 17 where Jesus prayed in intercession for His people to the Father. That in my opinion is the real Lord's Prayer. Anyway, that's neither here nor there!

I hope you have a blessed weekend. The Lord is good!

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. (further thoughts on James 1:17)

We are reminded here of another verse in James 5:3 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. (see also Matthew 6:19-20). There are other verses about silver and gold not saving us in the future wrath of God ( Zephaniah 1:18; etc). Once the mark of the Beast is established it won't be a viable option.

It is interesting to look at how a toy truck as an example is received with great joy for about a week or two maybe a couple months by a bratty kid. Five years later if he hasn't destroyed it or traded it it will likely go into storage; just for some collector 50 years hence to lovingly display it and if sold expect top dollar. Which of these is the most logical approach? Maybe the kid; because in the end it is all going to burn up with the rest of this old world. The Lord giveth and He taketh away ( Job 1:21). It is like that bad joke an elder quotes in our church about someone who got their wife to agree to take all the money with him to his grave. She said yes; I wrote a check and placed it there. In any case heaven is lined with gold streets and decorated with precious jewels. We won't be missing out there but of course it all reflects HIS glory; front and center stage.

As to the last post; in our relationships in the end we should seek to bring forth the jewels fitting for entry into heaven...And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ( Malachi 3:17). None of us who know the Lord will miss any sinful aspects of our brothers in the Lord; and its effects of physical death and mental decline.

Maranatha-come soon

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. ( James 1:17).

When we look into the eyes of a spouse; we can look and see they aren't as attractive as they used to be. After years of being together we can remind ourselves of every weakness; every annoying habit and such or we can live in the Spirit continually reminding ourselves of 1 Corinthians 13.

Another more dangerous deception is letting our hearts be smitten by someone that is temporarily satisfying some need or desire but whose hearts are selfish. Sadly my mom was that way with my dad who by worldly standards was a "narcissist". She spent much of the last couple years of her life lamenting over her disbelief and confusion that he could only think about himself when she knew very well along with the rest of the family that it was basically the only thing my dad ever displayed.

Ironically it was from a type of escapism from a very abusive father that led my dad to pursue being alone much of the time in his own sort of world surrounded by his favorite music in particular and later that influenced his philosophy on life and his book he obsessed about. It is also regrettable that my mom didn't have the faith to believe that God could do a miracle to change my Dad even though she would probably acknowledge that indeed that is what it would take to change him. As her mind started to be clouded towards the end she seemed to act like he wasn't always that way and forgot all the level of abuse he had on me when he was much younger and how I was assessed by a child Psychologist that I'd never be normal (of course I'm NOT normal but that's because I find the world's definition per se to be boring). As for my Father one advantage of his personality is that he doesn't seem to have time to bear grudges (although with his dementia now he usually forgets things anyway).

Let us focus on things above!

Getting serious Part 3 on assurance of salvation

Getting back to scripture James 1:23-4 says For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

I have brought out the idea that many in the Calvanist movement didn't like the admonitions in the book of James since it mentions our good works in relation to salvation. With hundreds of like admonitions in scripture we simply can't ignore the fact that good works are a part of EVIDENCE of saving faith and we not only can but MUST realize without such works showing good fruit that we are not truly saved. Now before everyone gets too antsy about this; of course our sanctification and perhaps realization of how as a believer He is changing us day by day; what He is calling us to do and knowledge and wisdom of what are sins of commission as well as omission take time.

Getting back to my list salvation is NOT

Grafting ourselves into our FAMILY HERITAGE based on our lineage being something special somehow justifying either them or ourselves before God in judgment Day

Making a verbal assent of faith that is based on ANYTHING other than the Holy Spirit's prompting

Making a vow to do acts of penance or self sacrifice to earn God's favor

Attempting to follow Christ but mixing in other religion or traditions; as well as following an unscriptural occultic "Christ"

Looking for personal experiences over love and obedience to Christ

"Lording it over" others because we are proud that we are Christians or showing bad fruits of lack of self control and anger for those "sinners" and not possessing the love of Christ.

In similar fashion we don't just love those who love us.

The last two categories are a bit tricky because I have known true Christians who have a short fuse as a personality trait; as well as shy individuals. We must be changed; from flawed to flawless.