Anderson Hills

James asked his readers, “What sort of wisdom, earthly or heavenly, is guiding you?” Each of us wants to live a life that has the blessing of God upon it. In light of this desire, we would be well-served to know what kind of life God rewards. What is it that God is looking for as a place to bestow His favor? More simply stated, He is looking for those who will demonstrate His character and nature toward others. To help you to live in His will, ask God to help you develop true wisdom as the dominant characteristic of your life.

James asked his readers, “What sort of wisdom, earthly or heavenly, is guiding you?” Each of us wants to live a life that has the blessing of God upon it. In light of this desire, we would be well-served to know what kind of life God rewards. What is it that God is looking for as a place to bestow His favor? More simply stated, He is looking for those who will demonstrate His character and nature toward others. To help you to live in His will, ask God to help you develop true wisdom as the dominant characteristic of your life.

Can faith with no works save you? This question has been around for a long time. Works and faith have often been at the center of debate in the church. What exactly is necessary for salvation? It is a fundamental issue and one that James covers in detail. Just as words without action do not help people, neither does a professed faith in God mean that someone is truly saved. Your faith in the Lord is demonstrated by how you live, how you pray. Ask God to reveal areas of life in which you have been hesitant to “step out” in faith.

Can faith with no works save you? This question has been around for a long time. Works and faith have often been at the center of debate in the church. What exactly is necessary for salvation? It is a fundamental issue and one that James covers in detail. Just as words without action do not help people, neither does a professed faith in God mean that someone is truly saved. Your faith in the Lord is demonstrated by how you live, how you pray. Ask God to reveal areas of life in which you have been hesitant to “step out” in faith.

Favoritism is common in the world. The way James describes this issue means to elevate or exalt a person based on only external things such as appearance (skin color or race), wealth, gender, social status, or position. Favoritism is a sin that any person, any race, and any country can struggle with. And it is ugly wherever it rears its head. As Christians, we are called to live a life without favoritism, and ultimately, a life without judgment. We cannot allow our status and wealth to become idols we worship, leading us to compare, judge and mistreat others.

Favoritism is common in the world. The way James describes this issue means to elevate or exalt a person based on only external things such as appearance (skin color or race), wealth, gender, social status, or position. Favoritism is a sin that any person, any race, and any country can struggle with. And it is ugly wherever it rears its head. As Christians, we are called to live a life without favoritism, and ultimately, a life without judgment. We cannot allow our status and wealth to become idols we worship, leading us to compare, judge and mistreat others.

James is writing to religious people who have most likely grown up in the Jewish faith. They know God’s law. But James keeps pushing them to take the next step. Don’t just hear it, do it! Saying no to worldly temptation is a great start—God loves that—but He also loves that we walk in obedience to what He says. God requires both knowledge of and obedience to His Word. James encourages us to become more aware of the driving force behind our words and actions.

James is writing to religious people who have most likely grown up in the Jewish faith. They know God’s law. But James keeps pushing them to take the next step. Don’t just hear it, do it! Saying no to worldly temptation is a great start—God loves that—but He also loves that we walk in obedience to what He says. God requires both knowledge of and obedience to His Word. James encourages us to become more aware of the driving force behind our words and actions.

James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in their new Christian faith. Recognizing that there is a cost to following Jesus, he begins his letter by addressing the trials that come with the territory, and shares the truth about the temptations that arise in our lives. We will see that God uses the trials in our life to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. And that we need to be proactive and equipped to persevere through the trials and temptations that will come. Our perseverance and patience through trials and suffering comes with rewards.

James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in their new Christian faith. Recognizing that there is a cost to following Jesus, he begins his letter by addressing the trials that come with the territory, and shares the truth about the temptations that arise in our lives. We will see that God uses the trials in our life to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. And that we need to be proactive and equipped to persevere through the trials and temptations that will come. Our perseverance and patience through trials and suffering comes with rewards.