"Faith and Deeds" expanded

The debate between faith and deeds as a means to salvation is one that theologians have debated over for ages. There is a seeming contradiction between James', "you gotta walk the walk" stance (Jas 2:17) and Paul's stance in Romans that no amount of actions can change the fact that we are sinners in need of grace. This week in class (10/31) we will be looking at James 3:13-18. I'd like to key in on verse 13 for some food for thought. It says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." Compare this to 2:14-26. I find it hard to read this and think that James is saying that certain actions need to be marked of a checklist in order for us to be saved. What do you think? Compare it to Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23-24. What is the importance of faith vs. deeds? Is it a balancing act between the two? is one more important than the other? 

Such Amazing Examples!

If you are looking for some devotional reading this week and don't know where to turn, try turning to Hebrews 11. The NIV heading for this section is "By Faith." The term, "by faith" is mentioned 20 times in this one chapter, and some form of the word, "faith," is used 26 times in all throughout the chapter. This collection of accounts starts early in the Old Testament and walks through several examples of servants living by faith. There is a formula to almost every one of the accounts:

• BY FAITH, So-and-so (DID). In parentheses could be inserted any number of verbs and actions.

The stories that are summarized in this chapter are ones that required God's people to choose allegiance to Him rather than to themselves, their safety or even their nation, in some cases. Happy reading!

A Little Background Never Hurts

This week we are looking at James chapter 2:14-26. This is a pretty loaded chapter and its study will be enhanced by looking at other scripture for understanding. We'll examine these on Sunday, but if you have a few minutes to spare you may want to look at and start digesting the following scripture:

• Romans 3:21-31 - Compare this to James 2:18. Is there a conflict in teaching?
• Genesis 22 - This is the story of Abraham that James refers to in 2:20-24. Even if you are familiar with this story it's always good to refresh and make sure you recollect correctly.
• Joshua 2 - This is the story of Rahab in Jericho that James refers to in 2:25-26. Again, it's good to refresh. Not only was Rahab spared but she became part of Jesus' genealogy. 

I can't wait for the discussion this week. I think it's going to be a really good one.