As we study James chapter two today we're going to discuss a subject of great importance. We place the spotlight on the relationship between faith and works. James says faith without works is dead, while Paul said we are saved by faith, apart from any works! Is there a way for these two statements to coexist? We'll find out today on our broadcast.

Today, pastor Jim is going to finish up a message based in James chapter two, titled "Fulfilling The Royal Law". What is the "royal law"? Well, it goes by another name you might be familiar with, "the golden rule". Whatever name you give it, loving the Lord with all of our hearts, and loving our neighbor as ourselves is the key to a happy and fulfilling life - and a life pleasing to God.

As we begin today, let me ask you a question - are you a law-abiding citizen? I think most of us would say yes to that question. We generally try to obey the rules. Oh, we might drive too fast once in a while and forget to signal when making a turn, but for the most part, we try to do the right thing. The law we're going to consider today is much more important than any law on the books - It's the law in the book - the bible. In James chapter two, James writes about "The Royal Law" and how we can fulfill it.

We have thousands of laws on the books in all fifty states, and every time the Congress considers a new law, you need a wheelbarrow to cart the thousands of pages around. Today we are going to talk about a different law - a law described by James as "The Royal Law". You'll recognize it as pastor Jim goes along today. It's the rule for living that Jesus Christ shared during the sermon on the mount. 

As we are finding out as we go through the five chapters in James' epistle, James didn't equivocate when it came to proclaiming the truth of the gospel, and the consequences of breaking the rules! One thing that James stressed in chapter two is the sin of partiality. It comes in a lot of forms, and some of them are really destructive. Racism and bigotry have no place in the life of a Christian.

Are you ever guilty of partiality? Now, in a lot of cases, it’s harmless. For instance, if you’re partial to Pistachio Ice Cream, that’s fine. But what about being partial based on prejudices? That’s a major problem in our society right now. People are being judged because of their skin color, their political affiliation, and even their nationality. That’s wrong, and that’s a sin! 

As hard as we may try to minimize it, racism and bigotry are all around us. I think you’ll agree that our society has taken a step backwards in the area of race relations in the last decade or so. What is the solution to this enormous problem? The media and our political leaders talk a lot about it, but not much changes. That’s because talking about it isn’t the solution - we need a change of heart and a revival! 

On today’s broadcast, Pastor Jim Jarrett returns to our study of James.  In our day and age, we’re encouraged to have favorites... from our favorite ice cream to our favorite sports team.  We have our favorite restaurant, and favorite friends too.  On today’s program, we see James underscore the sin of partiality. 

Today, Jim continues his series in the epistle of James. Think back to when you were a kid and you received a new bicycle for the first time. Can you remember the excitement? Now, what was the first thing you did with that new bike? You took it out and rode it! What would your parents have thought if you put it in the garage and left it there? Well, that’s what a lot of Christians do with the word of God - they receive this wonderful gift, and keep it to themselves. 

Today Jim continues his series through the epistle of James with another look at chapter one, verses twenty-two through twenty-seven. This is an extremely important and relevant section of scripture because James urges us to not just hear the word of God, but to also put what we hear into action.