Discuss James 2 Page 12

James,

Whatever your circumstance was that you were praying for when you reached out to the Lord in prayer, did you ask for His will to be done in that circumstance that you were praying for? God answers prayer according to His will. Prayer is when we take our petitions to the Lord and ask for His will to be done, not ours. If you ask according to His will, that prayer will always be answered. Sometimes we don't see anything happen, and sometimes our situation or circumstance might get worse, but God still answers all prayer if we ask according to His will.

Sometimes our problem is not being able to accept the answer. We praise Him when our circumstances get better, but when we see no change or our circumstance gets worse, we tend to think that God did not hear our prayer, and subsequently we do not thank Him.

Prayer is the means by which we express our total submission to God's will in whatever it is we are asking Him for. He answers those prayers. We just need to accept whatever the answer is and that the answer is His will!

Thank you so much Chris, you have helped me a lot, I will look for the NKJV on line.

Hello Isaiah,

As I can only speak of myself and my experiences after the Lord coming to me. Maybe someone else will have a better reply than I can give on this.

First off when we are saved, or receive the Holy Spirit, this does not mean everything is going to be easy. Especially at first. Again from my own experience right after coming to the Lord, satan began to tempt and trick me into thinking it was ok to keep sinning. Not ever hearing voices before I did not know it was satan. Numerous things were said to me that basically broke my heart as I was praying to God.

What truly helped me to learn that what was being said to me was not from God was that I kept reading the Bible and was lead to answers that showed me this. The Holy Bible is truly our food and it is so vast that the Lord can lead you to many answers of questions. It truly is the living Word of God. So if something is in you telling you to read the Bible I would say definitely do it. Satan does not want us in the Bible because this is where we get our food from the Lord which makes us stronger Spiritually and brings us closer to the Lord.

Now of coarse we are not saved by works and by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Though good works are what makes God happy and shows our faith and that we are saved. A new creature that lives for God being pleased to do good whenever possible. As in James 2:17. Read the whole book of James as it is not that long.

Some people may think this is in contrary to what Paul wrote but it is not. We must read the Bible as a whole and not just cleave to one verse. As good works does not mean you have to go out and evangelize, or be a preacher, etc. Maybe read Galatians 5:22-23. Just being kind to someone, helping them, stay meek etc. What ever God puts in your path retain the Lord in your thinking and what would make Him happy.

I hope that helps you a little. God Bless you on your journey.

How do I know if God wants me to do something or the devil is trying to decieve me. I being told by what I think is my own thoughts that I have to read a book in the bible so that God will want to hear what I ask in prayer and forgive me of my sins. I think that might go against Ephesians 2:8-9 but I'm not really sure.

i pray too god for help he did not answer me why

what is lamentations 5 teaching us?

Dear Joan,

I think only a minority of Christians believe once saved, always saved, because the Bible doesn't support that idea. Most people would agree that Hitler probably won't be in heaven, despite going to church when young and possibly identifying as a Christian at one point. Judas was a Christian (a literal Christ follower) and betrayed Him in a huge way, and it's my personal belief that he is not saved. There's countless examples of Christians who unfortunately have turned their back on Jesus and started following the ways of the world or the devil himself. Jesus warned His followers to obey and fear God and avoid sin and obey. People today are making claims that you don't have to do anything at all. I believe God is a fair judge.

This doesn't mean we're saved by effort, it's grace. But Jesus clearly said if you love Him then obey. Christianity is an action requiring effort. Those who are genuine Christians following Christ will be saved, those who aren't are in danger of not being saved. I believe Bible backs this up very well. Plus, one can have assurance of salvation, but no one is actually saved until judgment day. So, people that claim they're saved, and can enjoy sin and doing evil 24/7 are mistaken. That idea only comes from satan. They will call out Lord, Lord and Jesus will not know him, just as the Bible says. Jesus said most people won't go to heaven- narrow is the way. Some accuse others of being legalistic, but they'd probably accuse Jesus of that too: John 14:15.

Just a few relevant verses...

Hebrews 10:26

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Matthew 12:31-32.

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

May the Lord bless you for your loving prayers & concerns for the salvation of your family. We need to look to our own 'Jerusalem' before we can extend to the uttermost parts of the world.

I'm only too aware of people being compelled to read from Scriptures that they find difficult to read from or comprehend. They either get bored with it or eventually lose interest, or in the case of most Muslims I worked amongst in Pakistan, they were forced to read the Quran in Arabic rather than the language they fully understood. So, they received almost nothing from their readings but found divine merit by reading in (what they believed was) the heavenly language.

I would be extremely sad if that were the case for those with God's precious Word, the Bible, in their hands & received very little. I know it is God's Spirit who helps us & interprets the Word to us but we ought to give diligence to reading from a familiar script.

By the way, you can probably get to read from the NKJV online rather than purchase one (for checking for the differences between the versions). Every blessing.

Thanks Chris, that helps a lot, I think I will get a NKJV and compare it with my KJV. I want my family to really know Jesus and don't want to hinder them from reading the NKJV. There is some people that say KJV only, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Thank you again.

Good mornings Sacha, It's Carleton. I am always happy to hear your kind spirit and encouragements. In the 90's I remember as a Christian discussing with my non-Christian friend about this internet. I asked my friend with my Capitalistic mind if maybe the internet could be used make money. He reproved me and said that is not what it is for, it is for good. So...here we are now able to communicate so extremely fast our flesh wants and build on them so very fast. Speaking of which, I think I am going to take no less than a week off here. For you and anyone else the mame at the top along with google mail attached at the end, likely would reach me. It is nice to share the morning with you. I have to return to my work now.

:)

Yes EJL, both versions are essentially the same but the NKJV replaces some of the archaic words with 'newer' words, making it easier to understand. You should check it out: read a chapter you're familiar with, in both Bible versions & see the difference. They should essentially be the same except for the omission of the 'thy, thee, thou', etc.

I've always read from the KJV, indeed using that language in prayer, so am most comfortable with it. But I would always urge someone who finds reading the KJV difficult because of the language style, to read from the NKJV or NASB.

Does the King James Version and the New King James Version have the same meaning? I have always read the King James Version but some in my family say they can understand the New Version better because its more in our language.

Hi Carleton ,the tower of babel all ways reminds me of the internet ,everone working together ,speaking the same language ,Gods reaction is : now nothing will be restrained from them ,thats from my memory so may not be exact , i cant help but feel that the internet is mostly bad for us ,there is an ENORMOUS wealth of pure evil on it and i think out weighs the good on it but thats just my opinion , im sure many others will disagree ,may God bless you Carleton ,you always sound so full of love and joy .

My brother by baptism remembers the Tower of Babel was a time maybe like today. God restrained, Satan gained. What are the limits of the tower men are building again? Have we no fear? If man can be associated with a 6; a number well less than 7; all he can do is build on 6 while the times continue. He can never reach 7 where there is a fullness in God. So man as history moves forward repeats his number in various ways of falseness.

Enough said.

God bless our meditations.

Joe,

First of all, he says my brethren. So these are believing Jews. Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. So when it says my brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, that's exactly what it says in the Greek text. It is the faith of Jesus Christ. It is His faith. And we have it. We have His faith that He has given to us.

So it says to stop having the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Now that term "with respect of persons," the Greek word literally means to receive according to the face, or in other words, outward appearance. If the judge recognizes you and wants to let you off the hook, he will. But that's not justice.

So what he is saying here is you actually have, continuously with you the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, but when you discriminate, that does not go together. God does not discriminate. He does not show partiality. And having the faith of Christ and discriminating against people, the writer of Hebrews says later on in Verse 9 of James Chapter 2 that it is a very evil sin.

Joe, may the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and HIS knowledge.

This verse can't contradict other scripture. Since he addressing the brethren let see if a pronoun helps.

James 2:1 My brethren, have (you) not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Hope this helps. GBU

Hi Joe, I think there are a lot of things that we should not mix or confuse with our faith in the Glory of Christ by our partialities that are so much a part of us as weak vessels. We need to lay these weights aside by the grace of God in our lives.

Carleton

I do not understand verse 1: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

The part I don't get is "have not the faith" - sounds to me as though James is saying our Lord Jesus Christ has NOT the faith with respect of persons - which is totally opposite to what the rest of the chapter says.

I know from reading the rest of the chapter (and other scripture) that we believers should not have respect of persons based on outward appearance, positions of power, political influence, etc. to the detrement of persons of ordinary stature.

As you stated. If it may be the way we word things we post that may seem we might not see eye to eye. I don't think we are far off from each other. Though really the most important thing is that we are both with the Lord. As some of my other brothers and sisters here may not agree with me fully on everything. That's ok though. Again the most important thing is Jesus Christ. It is good for us to converse and if we do not agree on a certain point that's ok. We are still of the body of Christ and only trying to help one another.

Just for a couple other Scriptures with some things that are "above", of God, and "agathos" is not used:

Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 13:37-38. About letting your light shine before men of your "good" works to glorify our Father. That the "good" seed are the children of the Kingdom sowed by the Son of Man.

John 10:11. Jesus Christ stating He is the "good" Shepherd.

1 Timothy 2:3. Things being "good" and acceptable in the sight of God.

Titus 2:14. That we who are redeemed by the Lord be zealous of "good" works.

Hebrews 6:5. How the Word of God is "good".

James 2:7. The "worthy" name by which we were called.

To end I liked this one. Galatians 5:22. Both "agathos.." and "chrestotes" are fruits of the Spirit.

As I really can't differentiate that only "agathos.." is of the Spirit of God. That being the word Jesus used in Mark 10:18 does not mean to me this is only for Him. As other words like "excellence, righteous, honorable, wonderful, amazing, almighty, glorious, holy, beautiful, perfect, integrity, etc". To me this does not mean we would have to pick only one of these words for God. All of them fit Him perfectly. As I believe in the Greek, and most other languages, they have different words with somewhat of the same meaning.

God Bless.

Hi Jesse,

Thank you for your added detail.

I'm not sure where you get this idea though: "There is a difference, and God will only reward us for one of these two."

It sounds like you interpret good works to be bad unless you feel a certain spiritual confirmation before or during the good work activity? How exactly did you come to this understanding and what Bible sources can you cite to say this?

I find this unusual, because I find life as a Christian has a spiritual component that is hard to separate. I believe something of the 'flesh' is easier to identify, because it usually involves unpure motives and sin. But it sounds like you're suggesting that obeying Jesus (such as doing good works to help others) has unpure motives and you put a screening layer in place which you have to navigate through in order to feel good about obeying Jesus.

My perspective is different. I feel that obeying Jesus by default is good, and that helping others by default is good, and already is done via spirit and not fleshly. It would be really hard to convince me that doing good is bad, because doing good is all through the Bible. Galatians 6:9, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10. We're created to do good works and be the light of the World are we not? James 2:14-17, James 4:17, Micah 6:8. I don't think my motives or my mood even matters sometimes, it's not about me, but serving others and being obedient. Selflessness.

So, my question is: does someone have such a strong filter for all other aspects of life or only when it comes to obeying Jesus and help others? Brushing teeth? Eating a meal? Gassing up a car? Going to work? Watching movies? If the strong filter is only on doing good works, but not on neutral activities, or bad works, then I would think such a perspective seems off balance. Because why should we hesitate only when it comes to doing good and have to pass certain criteria, but have no problem doing anything other than good?

Let me know if I have misinterpreted your meaning and where you got the idea about good works requiring certain criteria for God to like it? God bless...

Kimberly, I would encourage you to show your dad James 5:14-16

14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

---

The Lord God healed me in just a moment of time - I thank the Lord God for the promise He made to us in James 5. But infinitely more important than our physical health is our salvation - now I don't know your dad, but I know from Matthew 7 the majority of "Christians" are not of Christ, even those that prophesy in His name (I hope that's not the case for your dad, but I'll write this because he may need to hear it):

Matthew 7

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

And he may be of Christ, but that depends on if he's cried out to the Lord Jesus with a broken heart of sorrow for breaking God's Laws:

James 2:10

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Psalms 34:18

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

God saves someone when they have sorrowed to repentance, which is being made sorry after a godly manner (i.e. repentance is not turning/changing)

2 Corinthians 7

9Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Dear Sherry,

It appears you're receiving mostly responses that de-emphasize obedience. I do not believe once saved always saved, because of Matthew 12:22-32 and so many other verses. I think if that was true Jesus would not have continually warned his followers (Christians) over and over through parables and stories about obedience and keeping His commandments and avoiding sin. It takes effort. It literally addresses this already in the Bible- saying that people used it as a license to sin and "abuse" grace: Jude 1:4, Hebrews 10:26, James 2:14-26, John 14:15, James 2:19. I fully believe all the verses others shared with you above, but unfortunately it appears most are sharing an imbalanced perspective. The Word speaks for itself and does not say once saved, always saved. Christians can and do turn from the faith, unfortunately, and sometimes a % go in the complete opposite direction and do horrific things, just like any other person can who does evil and follows the world or satan. I'm responding, because I think it's important that you not listen to men, but to the Word and pray and ask God for wisdom that you will know the truth. There are many false prophets and fake news being spread and we know who is behind that. God bless...

Hello Janoyce,

Just to expand a little more to the truth S Spencer shared with you. As recently someone had a question similar to yours. The Love of God, Jesus Christ, is beyond what we can imagine. What I perceive as more important to ask is "do I love Jesus Christ"?

God is Holy and hates sin. To repent from the sins of this world, giving your life to Him, and live to do His Will is very important. I will just leave a couple Scriptures for you showing how important it is for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Our love for Him shall not be forgotten.

Deuteronomy 7:9, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Psalms 31:23, Psalms 97:10, Psalms 145:20, Proverbs 8:17, John 14:21,

James 1:12, James 2:5,

God Bless.

Hello Sacha,

I would like to reply to your question. So going back to Genesis 22 is the story of Abraham offering up his son Isaac. Which I believe is stated to be a test of faith from God to Abraham. Hebrews 11:7, James 2:21-23. To see how deep his faith truly was. Not just faith but faith by works.

As this topic has come up before I will share my beliefs with some Scripture to it. As another stated also, I do not say Jesus Christ is God the Father. I believe as God is eternal that instead of Him being alone why not have a Son whom is perfect in every aspect just as He is. To be in Him and with Him always in His heart and in His bosom John 1:18 for companionship (that actually just came to me today as I was standing outside praising the Lord).

I usually state Jesus Christ as Lord along with thirty other names I know by heart that I call Him while in prayer. I do not call Him God personally. Although He is one with God and I believe He is the Word of God(as it states in Revelation 19:13. Also some titles the Father and Son share are Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, Savior. As in the OT, using only one verse as there are many, that there is no Saviour but the LORD. Isaiah 43:11. Through out the NT God and Jesus Christ are both stated as our Saviour. Just some Titus 1:3, Titus 1:4, Titus 3:4, Titus 3:6.

So as you have your own beliefs, and just as well I have mine, I will stop here as I don't want to quarrel or argue any more about this. I believe Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God is eternal just as the Father and has always been with the Father. Yes His physical life came to this earth being born of Mary. As He had to suffer death for us as a perfect sacrifice or offering for our sins. Which is very honorable and why the Father honors Him higher than any other being. Even the highest Holy angels. Hebrews 1:4.

And about Him being at the Fathers right hand Steven saw this before He was stoned in Acts 7:55-56. So it's not just a metaphor. God Bless

Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

James 1:21-25 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.

But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

As Mishael stated in a comment "faith without works is dead"( James 2:20). Learning about our Lord Jesus Christ and zealously studying/reading the Word is most definitely good fruit unto the Lord. As in many ways we can all produce good fruit of the Spirit unto our Father in Heaven.

God Bless.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ezekiel 33:11-20

( Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 12:35-36 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 13:37-43

( John 5:26-29

( Romans 2:2-11

( Romans 6:1-2

( Romans 6:15-23

( James 2:14-20

( 1 Peter 4:16-19

( 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Adam & Eve were immortal and designed to live forever in paradise, until they disobeyed. Then a radical change happened which was they became mortal. And all his offspring were no longer in the image of God. Genesis 5:3 "And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:" Seth was made in Adam's image, not God's image. "For as the body without the spirit is dead,..." James 2:26. "For if through the offence of one many be dead,... Romans 5:15. So before we are saved we are dead and Jesus said, John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Meaning you are dead. We know that a man has a body that is not dead, and our soul is not dead for when we get saved our soul is cut loose from our body. So that leaves the spirit to be the one that died when Adam sinned. And that is why Jesus said in John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Notice that when he said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit"; the capitol "S" Spirit. An notice the "born again" in verse 7. If you have to be born again, that would mean that you at some time in the past, were born of the spirit. Meaning Adam died spiritually when sinned. No guessing, it's all bible.

Hello, the Bible is 100% clear there is only one God. There are not many Gods. There are false gods, but they aren't real. There is only one real God. If you believe the Bible, it says this many times througout.

1 John 5:7 - this clearly says the father, son (Word), and spirit are one.

James 2:19

Isaiah 44:6

1 Timothy 2:5

So, if the 3 parts are one, and if there's only one God, then the 3 parts are not separate Gods, but part of the same one God. Just like the skin of an apple is an apple, and the core is an apple, and the seeds are an apple, it doesn't mean it's 3 apples, but the same one, just different functions.

This very important command is found in so many verses in the New Testament as it puts into action the Love that God has shown to us in Christ. If that Love was so powerful & engaging to us, the change effected in us, must also become practical to others. The question then is, 'How much do we love ourselves?' And it doesn't speak of us being vain, admiring ourselves in the mirror & entertaining useless thoughts of grandeur & of great worth to others. Rather, it reminds us that what we go through every day, is to ensure our survival on Earth & trying to foster happiness in our lives to overcome heartache & despair.

Do we feed & clothe ourselves? Do we engage in exercises of the body & mind to keep us healthy? Do we put some money away for our future & for our children? Do we have roofs over our head & appliances to help us in the home? And many other things that you might think of that apply to your well-being. In like manner, the love & care we give to ourselves & loved ones, must also produce from that same heart, both a sympathy & an empathy for those who may not be as fortunate as us, whether those immediately around us or in our cities (our neighbour) or in other countries, where hunger, disease, poor sanitary conditions, etc. are rife. Many would just say 'Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?' ( James 2:16), hoping that someone else will see to their needs. But the Love of Christ constrains us: that if see someone in need (especially a real need from no fault of their own), then it should not only be our hearts, tears & prayers that go out for them, but some real practical help that will make their lives a little better.

Some engage in full-time service to meet others' needs - I can't think of a better profession than this, as is to share the Gospel of Christ so that their empty, sinful hearts may also be healed & restored. This is true love shown to others.

The Scripture that comes to mind is in James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." And when I think of "the Law", I read it as Jesus' amplification to what was earlier given by God to Moses & to Israel: the full, proper meaning of the Law (e.g. Matthew 5:21-32).

So James is stating that even if one could truly keep all of God's Laws, but failed to do so in one small point, it is regarded as being guilty of the whole Law. And this was so, because God's Laws, by design, was to show that man is a sinner & by committing even one sin, his heart is affected & corrupted with the virus of sin that permeates throughout his being, affecting every part of him.