James 5:13-20 - We finish the book of James with a look at the surprising power of combining righteousness with fervent prayer.

Genesis 26:12-14 - We looked briefly at God's continual blessing of Isaac (like Abraham, but in addition to) and noted that the wealth was not measured in gold or diamonds, but in animals and people.

James 5:7-12 - We looked deeper into James' appeal to be patient as we wait for the Lord's return. James' emphasis was on standing fast in the truth and in His promises.

Genesis 26:1-11 - We started our study of Isaac's life. We see explicit carry over of the covenant God started with Abraham, new requirements for Isaac, and that Isaac really was a chip off the old block...

James 5:1-6 - We examined James rebuke to the rich and the ties to Abel, Sodom, and Judgment Day.

Genesis 25:27-34 - We take a much closer look at Jacob and Esau and question some of the common assumptions and stereotypes of these two men.

James 4:13-17 - We discussed James' idea that God is in control and that we must live accordingly in the moment. James repeats his solution for everything - obey God's will, do what you know to be right.

Genesis 25:19-26 - We begin the story of Isaac and Rebekah and the birth of their twin boys. We intend to reexamine the typical view of Jacob - should we view him more favorably than we often do?

James 4:7-12 - We discussed James' solution to being driven by desires and passions - being an enemy of God. James calls for submission to God's will and obedience to all of the instruction He gives through the scriptures.

Genesis 25:9-18 - We learn more of Abraham's life and death and more about Ishmael's clan.

James 4:1-6 - We discussed how our own passions and desires lead us to hostility toward God. We also examined what God's jealousy toward us is.

Genesis 25:8 - we never actually made here (again)

James 3:13-18 - We discussed James' contrast between wisdom demonstrated in works (i.e. following His instructions) and jealousy and ambition (unintuitive opposites). Wisdom leads to peace, false wisdom does not.

Genesis 25:1-8 - We discuss some summary information about Abraham's (and Isaac's) life.

James 3:1-12 - We talked about the power of the tongue - for both good and evil. We also discussed how James highlights our role and responsibility in our relationship with God.

Genesis 25 - We didn't get here (again).

James 2:14-26 - We examine James' classic perspective on faith, i.e. faith without works is dead. We try to answer the questions: What is faith? What is works? What is dead?

James 2:8-13 - We continued with James' discussion about partiality and his move to going beyond mere rule-keeping. If we pursue the true aim and goal of the commandments, we will understand mercy, show mercy, and receive mercy - a win, win, win.

Genesis 24:66-67 - We wrap up the story of Abraham's servant pursuit of a wife for Isaac.