InPerspective

James 2:14-26

Reformed theology echoes the teaching of the Apostle Paul in declaring that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the works of the Law. And yet, the epistle of James seems to contradict Paul by stating that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." How do we reconcile what appears to be a sharp contradiction between James and Paul?

2 Timothy 3:14-16

What sets the Bible apart from any other book? Where did it come from? How did we get it? Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he answers these questions in his new series The Divine Majesty and Sufficiency of God's Word.

James 2:8-13

James exhorts us, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” But we violate this royal law if we judge people based on appearance, economic status, social standing, and worldly criteria rather than on their inward character and their inherent dignity and worth as human beings created in the image of God.

James 2:8-13

“Don’t play favorites” is a cardinal rule for parents, to avoid creating resentment and bitterness in their children. But James cautions us of the danger of playing favorites in the church. We are not to show favoritism and partiality based on wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, for this may lead to mistreatment and contempt towards other brothers and sisters in Christ of like precious faith.

James 2:1-7

The Bible says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart – and James exposes this hypocritical tendency that should have no place in the church. We are prone to base our judgments on reputation and outward appearances. But God rejects such partiality and favoritism, for He looks at the heart, knows its every thought and intent, and judges with perfect wisdom.

James 2:1-7

How would you react if you came across a poor man with shabby, dirty clothes on the street? Now, how would you react if such a man came to your church? God despises an attitude of partiality and favoritism based on mere outward appearance. We must learn to treat others not on the basis of wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, but based on Gospel-fueled Christian love and compassion.

James 1:19-27

Many people believe that all religions lead to God – and actually, they are right. All religions do lead to God but the question is: What will God say to you when you get there? Those who follow the false religions of the world will hear, "Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness. I never knew you." Will you hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master" ?

Nahum 3

God brings judgment upon His enemies and at the same time, delivers and justifies His people. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he unpacks this biblical truth in his message, "The Wrath of God Will Be Satisfied, Yet the People of God Will Be Justified."

James 1:19-27

You may have heard believers say things like, "I'm not religious, I'm a Christian," or "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship." While there may be some truth to these sentiments, the epistle of James clearly stresses that Christianity IS a religion, and that believers ARE to be religious. What are the characteristics of pure and undefiled religion that James exhorts us to pursue?

James 1:22-25

In terms of what truly matters, there are really only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who ultimately dismiss, ignore, or reject the Word of God – and in so doing, reject the God of the Word. In stark contrast, there are those who respond to the Word of God in faith and belief, cling to the sovereign Lord who gave it to us, and build their lives upon its teachings.