James
Faith Expressed in Works
Pentecost 24B James 2:14-26 Some find a conflict between James and Paul on the subject of faith and good works. But a closer look reveals that they are in agreement. A deeper look at what faith is and the role of good works solves the apparent disagreement. So what is faith? It has three parts as a triangle has three sides; knowledge, assent, and trust. And what about good works? What are they? Well, there are two kinds of works;…
True Riches
Pentecost 22B James 5:1-6 The passage before us is not an easy one to hear. It pulls no punches and offers little, if any, gospel. It is a stern warning against the ungodly rich and to Christians who find themselves acting in a similar way. The rich young man turned away from following Jesus because he could not sell what he had and give to the poor. He loved his worldly wealth more than Jesus. So too, we often envy…
The Future Determines the Present
Often we approach life with the thought that the present determines the future. In some ways that may be true. But James challenges us to think about life the other way around. For the Christian the future can inform and determine the present. There are all kinds of things that stir us up. These are not just external but internal as well. James refers to this internal stirring as suffering, cheerfulness, and sickness. But how do we respond to these.…