Discuss James 2 Page 7

@Ty:

You: "I will help a homeless "crackhead" on the street just as fast as I will help a brother or sister in my church. But that is what God has laid within my heart."



Some people just can't be helped. Many of these people don't want help. You did what you thought was the Christian thing to do.

In Philadelphia there's a street called Kensington. That's where all the drug addicts loiter around. Christian-Street-Preachers are out there every day handing out food, water and tracts. The crackheads will take the food and whatever is given to them and throw the tracts in the street.

Meanwhile, your brother or sister in your church is probably suffering in silence. Do you know how many times I needed help and none was given? My "brothers and sisters" probably assumed that God would supply all my needs, and turned a blind eye. I quit going to church. It turned into a social club. Party, party, party.

At the place where I used to work, I had dropped hints that I was going through a hard time. Many of the people, who claimed to be Christians, knew what I was going through and just wagged their heads. They assumed because I was single and childless that I was a secret millionaire. Many times I went without sufficient food, eating only once a day. I went without a hot water heater for 5 months (during the winter), and a refrigerator for 2 years. My car was falling apart and I didn't have the money to either fix or replace anything. They all knew. They didn't care and, most of these people had spouses bringing in a 2nd income or parents that helped them out. I had neither.

So don't talk to me about Christian-charity.

Dear Dgjot.

Since we christians often say that we have to aquire a character similar to Jesus Christ's, then lets ask ourselves what would Jesus do in such a case? Would He love all those you mention in your post and want to save them or not. The answer you give to that is what you (and all of us) should do as well. Now to understand this well, when we say we have to love them, this doesn't mean that we accept what they do but we love them and want them to believe in Jesus and change. How are people going to change for the better if they don't get to know Jesus? Only God can change people, like that thief who was crucified next to Jesus. A thief, probably a murderer or a rapist and who knows what things he had done so they crucified him. Was he a good person? Also it is very important to know that if you think that there is a danger if you come close to people like him then you must protect yourself and keep a safe distance. Pray for them from far away, don't get close to them. Help them but also keep yourself safe, you will find a way for this. Ask God to direct you. Not every case is the same.

Now about what you ask whom do we have to help first, please think if you have a kid who is hungry and needs food, would you give that food first to a stranger or to your kid?

GBU

Hi Dgjot. I believe that James 2:14-17 is given essentially to those in the family of God. Also 1 John 3:17. Our care & concern must first be to those 'within', as also in Acts 2:44,45 (to all, according to each one's need).

But should "Christian charity" be confined to those in the faith? We can think of the parable of the Good Samaritan ( Luke 10:30-36). A certain lawyer came to Jesus enquiring about attaining eternal life. Jesus asked him of what the Law required. He quoted correctly, but then asked, 'who is this neighbour that I'm supposed to love'? And Jesus' parable gave him the answer.

Yes, we must care for our own house first, whether one's earthly or spiritual family. But that love in our hearts must be demonstrated to others in need, maybe I should say, in real need; for there are many that wilfully misuse what they have & so find themselves in poverty. Yet, many others are genuinely in financial trouble, & we might be able to provide either some money, food or goods to help them out. I don't look at the 'Christ deniers' spirit when giving help to others, rather, whether there is a real need there - and usually God's Spirit instructs & prompts me to give or not. And you can give to them, in the Name of Jesus the Lord, that the receiver might know that this small gift is directed by Him through you, His servant.

But I agree with you, if you know of people or organizations that promote ungodliness & are destroyers of people's lives or country, then your gifts are better served to those who are in genuine need & their appreciation for your help & quick chat with them, will be a blessing to you both.

This is easy for me.

Jesus instructed us to love thy neighbor as thyself. Jesus came not for the saved but for the lost, the gentiles.

Jesus was looked down upon when he invited gentiles to eat at the table with the others.

Think of the parable of the lost sheep.

Many examples in the Bible.

If we ONLY help the saved, what work are we actually doing? Do we just leave the unsaved in the dark? No.

Through charity and love we help many. Through charitable works we show love and we show the character of Jesus to others. We show and instill hope. That love, often, is what brings gentiles, unbelievers, sinners TO the Lord. Do all Christians not sin just as those you spoke of? Yes, we do. All of us. Therefore, should Jesus set us aside and only focus on those very few who (for the sake of conversation) do not sin?

I don't think it works that way. How was I saved? Why was I saved when I was once a "king" of the gentiles? Why was I helped?

As followers of Christ we should emulate our Father. This does not mean to become unequally yoked with others but rather to be in the midst of them and to provide light. We need preachers and we need pastors. Two different approaches or missions yet sharing the same mission.

Please forgive me for not including reference to scripture but this question seems rather simple and straightforward. I am sure others will provide specific scripture for reference.

I will help a homeless "crackhead" on the street just as fast as I will help a brother or sister in my church. But that is what God has laid within my heart.

And that is... love, charity, hope and peace.

God bless!

Here are a few scriptures that really rattled me: Psalms 10:10, in context: Psalms 10, whole chapter.

* Leviticus 19:15, Amos 2:6-7, Amos 5:12, Amos 8:4, Habakkuk 3:14,

Scriptures about the poor: Exodus 22:25, Exodus 23:1-11, Leviticus 19:10, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:14,15,

Job 29:11-17, Job 30:25, Job 31:13-40, Job 34:19-28,

Leviticus 25:25-55, Deuteronomy 15:1-15,

1Samuel 2:7-8, Job 24, Matthew 19:21,

Psalms 9:18, Psalms 12:5, Psalms 14:6,

Galatians 2:10, Zechariah 7:10, Luke 14:12-14, may want to keep reading Luke 14,

Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20,

Hopefully these are helpful

This is a very interesting point, DJ.

I think primary, our first concerns should be fore the household of faith, and of course, our own families. We are told if we do not provide for our own, we are worse than infidels!

There are some other times to give too, for Scripture tells us so. Romans 12:

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Having said that, what concerns me today is that many Christians go without, while 'the church' has become the 'welfare provider' for the world! I have done some studying and reading on the roots of the 'social gospel'; there are plenty of good articles about it, and I leave you to study all the good available articles and videos online. This is another gospel, and something that we should be aware of. We are not called to 'make this world a better place'; we are to honor and glorify Christ and preach His gospel.

Blessings!

You're not off base but as Christians we can't shun the sinner. It's contrary to everything Christ Jesus preached and died for.

Mark 2:17,: When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

If our communication and outreach is only to the righteous (the brethren)...who's going to win the lost? I understand your frustration as persecution is part of our daily walk. But, if I think the unsaved have no right to eternal life...then how was I born again. Someone saw me as religious but unsaved and they shared the Word with me to Salvation. I was profane, I was a drunkard, I abused drugs, I cursed the things of God when I was unsaved.

Ask yourself, the what is the great commission and what am I doing to win the lost by shutting them out?

Regarding James 2:15-16

The question is: who is our brother or sister? For years I thought Christians were supposed to be giving to EVERYONE in need. Now I think that Christian-charity is for believer to believer. Not believer to infidel.

Acts 2: (after the Holy Spirit of God came down to earth)

44 And ALL THAT BELIEVED were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

2 Corinthians 6:

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Why should I give aid to Christ deniers???? (you-know-who-I mean)

I'm real tired of hearing that old line, "Fine Christian you are!" because I won't support the wicked: Baal worshippers, pedophiles, homosexuals, women who kill their babies, lying & cheating politicians, drug users/runners/manufacturers, illegal invaders..... to name a few.

Am I off base or not?

Here's some scripture I feel relevant about tithe today: Matthew 23:23, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 11:42, James 2:15-17, James 1:27, Malachi 3:10,

Mark 12:38-44, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:19-21,

Hopefully these are helpful

Judas Iscariot was a Christ follower, literally and figuratively. Mark 3:14-19. He was one of Jesus's chosen disciples and was given power to cast out demons.

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, died a horrible death, and will probably go to hell. So, this example only supports the scriptures that already say you still have freewill to turn from Jesus if you are a Christian. What better proof do we need by scripture saying it, examples of it happening to people, real examples of people doing it today (including Christian pastors). I don't buy the argument that some say "they were never Christians to begin with" as that position contradicts itself, because those who say that can't define what a Christian is or how they know they are one. If one Googles prominent pastors who have lost their faith, denounced Christianity and denounced Jesus of course there are many. There's also a Reddit forum called ex-Christian. It's easy to talk to them and find out if they are real or not. Obviously they are. So, someone claiming that they aren't real is denying reality that they are, and if they say they were never Christian, talk to them yourselves- of course they were. They were just like you. This is why the Bible says to keep the armor of God on, all the parable warnings, etc.

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

Matthew 7:21-23

Hebrews 6:4-6

James 2:14-26

James 2:19

1 Peter 1:13

Romans 11

Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times and I think that would normally be considered blasphemy of the holy spirit the unforgiveable sin. But I believe Jesus restored him in a special circumstance in John 21:11-25 as you notice he first reconfirmed if Peter believed He was Lord, then asked him 3 times if He loved Him (using different Love meanings) and then in 19 said to Follow me. This appears to be a rededication to restore Peter as a follower and Christian.

God bless

2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must ALL appear..."

ALL. All means all.

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

In the LAST TIME. It doesn't salvation is given on Earth.

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'

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

HOPE to the END. It doesn't say NOW. Grace that IS TO BE brought. It doesn't say NOW.

Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"

CHOOSE. It's a daily decision. Freewill is not stripped away.

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Not all believers are saved and not all who claim to be followers.

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN. I read this and know what it says.

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

Believing alone isn't enough according to this verse.

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

This is a warning, it is clear, and I understand it. I don't want to test God.

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

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

Jude 1:21 "KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

These verses are the Words of God.

I read, pray for understanding, and know in my heart what these verses say and mean. If another believer says "No, that's not the truth, believe ME instead" then that is a huge red flag of something that doesn't come from God. God bless.

Hello Okou, as you will likely get different answers on this subject, I will share my interpretation of the Bible.

Despite what others say, I don't believe anyone gets "saved" while on earth. I don't see that anywhere in the Bible and it seems to be a man-constructed belief. What I see in the Bible is that because of Jesus's sacrifice we have hope of salvation. What I see in the Bible is that our judgment is what will determine our salvation and not everyone will receive salvation. The Bible says we will all be judged on the same day. It says many will go to hell, and few to heaven. What I see in the Bible is that the outcome is contingent upon our choices and behavior. This reality should be absolutely terrifying to some people. Maybe that's what it will take for some people to start taking God seriously and start obeying and fearing Him. Matthew 10:28. Others who are being running the race and fighting the fight can take comfort and have assurance of future salvation. Currently, we have a lot of self-proclaimed Christians goofing off and enjoying having their cake and eating it too, by unconsciously following the world's values, not God, despite Romans 12:2. Matthew 7:21-23 already predicted how this will turn our for them.

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Notice it doesn't say 'now' or while on 'earth'. It says salvation will be revealed in the last time. I interpret this as the end of time, at judgment day.

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'

Lots of conditional statements throughout the Bible, depending on our behavior and choices. Notice the word "If" a lot...

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

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

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

Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve". Notice this is a daily choice.

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

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

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

Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"

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

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

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

Jude 1:21 "KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

James 5:19-20 "BRETHREN, if any of YOU do ERR FROM THE TRUTH, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so FIGHT I, not as one that beateth the air: But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY."

Hebrews 10:29

"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race"

James 2:17-20 Even so faith, IF It Hath Not Works, Is Dead, Being Alone. A man may say, Thou Hast Faith, And I Have works, :

Shew me Thy Faith Without Thy Works, And I will Shew thee my faith BY My Works.

Thou believest that there is One God, Thou Doest Well: The Devil's also believe, And Tremble.

But Wilt Thou Not Know, O vain man, That Faith Without Works Is Dead?

DEAD Faith Will Not Get Anyone Into Heaven.

Jesus Says in John 15:14

Ye Are My Friends IF YE DO

Whatsoever I Command You.

NO Enemies Of Jesus Will Be Able To Enter Into The Kingdom of Heaven.

Believing In Jesus MEANS Believing EVERY-THING He Says.

I have wondered how believing in the "finished work" of Christ is a doctrine of the Bible. When Christ died and said "it is finished" he could have meant a lot of things (his life was ended, his suffering was over, the sacrifice for sin was done etc.), but the Bible doesn't teach us just to believe in the "finished work". Since we live in an entitlement society I fear that we use that phrase to apply to us that we no longer have to labor in his kindgom. I listed a few of the teachings and promises of the Bible that apply to our response to his death on cross. Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. We are justified by faith (a total belief in what God has said, commanded, done etc.). Hebrews 11 the faith chapter talks of faith having a response. James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Mat. 25 has several examples of people that were lost at the end of time because they didn't do God's work even though they had a certain knowledge of Him. Faith obviously has to precede anything we do, but if time allows us to labor God expects that of us. Let's all be "wise virgins".

2Corinthians 9:8,

Isaiah 1:17, Deuteronomy 26:12,

Matthew 25:31-46, Malachi 3:5, Matthew 7, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Mark 13:34, 1Timothy 5:8, Jeremiah 7:5,6,7, Deuteronomy 24:19,20,21, Jeremiah 22:3,

John 6:29, 1Corinthians 3:14, 1Corinthians 15:58, 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 13, Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 24:17, Deuteronomy 16:14,

Romans 12:2,

* James 1:26-27, James 1:22-25, James 2:2-8, James 2:13,

* James 2:14-17,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study

Thank you Happy Resurrection Day to you :)

Beware of anyone giving you answers that aren't in the Bible. For example if someone says yes to your question and if the Bible doesn't say that, then that sounds more like one person's opinion rather than anything from God. But we are trying to learn God's position on this not mans, right? The Bible doesn't specifically address this question, but it does say that even people who expect and feel entitled to get to heaven won't get in. Matthew 7:21. So, many people will be horrified to learn that they put their hope and trust in the wrong thing, or that they weren't even real followers of Jesus to begin with. They should have been following Jesus and His teachings and taking it to heart, not the teachings of the world (satan). So, given that most people will not make it to heaven, is it likely that someone who commits such a defiant sin against God will be warmly welcomed with great rewards? So, someone wants to intentionally destroy God's creation right in front of His face then the next moment beg for mercy and forgiveness from the intentional act of defiance? I don't see these two things as being congruent. My answer is "not yes" to your question and someone considering this act should deeply search what his or her priorities are. God likely has greater plans and purposes for the person they are not even remotely aware of. For someone to blatantly sin, disobey and defy God and His Will is evil. Grace is not an excuse to commit intentional sin. Hebrews 10:26-31, Hebrews 6:4-6, James 2:14-26, John 14:15, Romans 6:1-2. God bless.

Hello Robert,

Ephesians 28-10

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works. lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Good works are all that we do that is of the Spirit of God, by whom we are a new creation in Christ Jesus to live, not to ourselves, but to God. In this we obedience we will walk by the Spirit in the fruit of the Spirit, through the power of the Spirit, under the guidance of the Spirit, in the way the Spirit ask us to speak, act, pray, and think.

Define good works. Happy Easter

Reading, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 2:8,

"believer" Mark 16:16-18, Luke 8, John 1:12, John 6:64, John 7:5, John 12:23-50, John 17, Romans 4, 1Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 11:6, James 2, James 2:19, Romans 1, through Romans 2, Romans 6,

* 1Peter 4, 1Peter 4:17,

Hope these are helpful

Vain repetitions: There are those who would be Pharasitical that repeat a phrase; or mantra somehow trying to impress men or God with their petitions. Clearly; there is precident as with the persistent widow ( Luke 18:1) to pray without ceasing ( 1 Thess. 5:16-18).

It should be acknowledged on our part that some prayers are answered after only one request; in fact divine occurances can occur without anyone present (as far as we know) have offered up any prayer. It is He; Christ Himself who "ever intercedes" for us ( Heb. 7:25 and other passages). We; therefore should seek to worship in the Spirit; in accordance with His will. This is accomplished through knowledge of the living Word; and often is shown scripturally to be in agreement with the covenants and promises already established by God.

There are generally thought to be 3 ways God responds to a prayer request; namely no; not yet; or yes. The bigger problem is not why a specific prayer seems to be unmet or not responded to; but HOW God is speaking to us regarding a matter. We often focus on the result or effect of an inner problem as shown in external actions; or behaviors. We tend not to see how the Lord is using a difficulty for either our edification or that of the individual lifted up in prayer. This; of course may be wisdom that takes time to appear. If someone is a mature believer; then they are more likely to request something based on better understanding of the ways of God working in their lives. All things work out for the good for those who love God ( Romans 8:28). Our prayers for unsaved people should always be centered on their need for repentance; not ignoring their other needs.

There is actually no Bible verse where we are asked to pray for an individual to be saved; thus a strong indication of God's sovereignty in the doctrine of election.

Hopefully; in all this when there are things we can do for someone in need; we can take action to be an answer to prayer( James 2:16).

you do need to Believe, but it is not that simple. the word says James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, ( and by works was faith made perfect? ) James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works (a man is justified, and not by faith only. ) James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that ( faith without works is dead? ) this is the word of God and not my own opinion. Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged

Hello Marke, what do you think of this verse?

James 2:19-20

If believing-only is all that is needed, why does this verse appear to contradict that idea? Since satan and demons believe in God does that mean they are "saved" too?

Page 1.

Thanks for your questions, Curious-L. You quoted James 2:17,24,26 about Faith & Works. This chapter has been at the core of disputes between some Churches, where one (particularly the RC Church) maintains that James says that Faith plus Works is necessary for salvation, & the other, that only Faith is necessary. I realize that it may not appear clear in the reading of James but if we take it from James 2:14, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?", we can learn what James is saying.

He is writing about what real Faith is. He gives an example in vv 15-17 of a Christian, with this Faith, yet only gives a destitute brother or sister only some nice words of comfort, instead of doing something to relieve their poverty. James is saying that this is not genuine faith - it's an academic faith (i.e. in the head, theoretical), & not evident in practise. Can this be the Faith of the Bible? James goes on to write in verse 16, that he would 'shew (or, prove) his faith by his works'. So, we see James saying that when real Faith is being exercised, it shows itself in practical ways - if Faith fails to do that, then it's a false faith.

Back to the Churches which hold to 'Salvation is by Faith & Works'. Here, it is believed that Salvation is given when both Faith in Christ's Work at the Cross & the performance of good works, will guarantee salvation. If this were the case, then it means that Jesus' Sacrifice was insufficient to give the sinner salvation, but our good works (i.e. our efforts) are also needed to ensure our salvation. So here is a situation of: is Christ's Sacrifice really sufficient? Do we need to assist in His salvation with our contributions? Should we even speak of having Faith if Works are added, since the essential meanings of Faith & Works oppose each other? (cont'd)

Thanks Chris for your perspective, but you said: From here on, Paul teaches what the Galatians should be embracing, i.e. Justification by Faith alone & nothing else. Could you explain the "Faith alone and nothing else" perhaps? I ask cause other scriptures go against that - James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I can have faith - faith in the unseen, such as Christ or God, and faith that my sins will be forgiven through Christ as he is the advocate, but I should still adhere to the commandments (works) such as worshipping other gods before God, not killing, not stealing, not bearing false witness, and I thought keeping the sabbath as in going to church on Sunday?

What makes me a "Gentile" by the way? If I am a Gentile and not under a law and just have faith, I should be able to go out here and kill and rob and commit fornication thus all manner of wickedness with no problem......but I do have faith though. Perhaps Paul is talking about distinctions in the over law itself cause doing none of any law, man or Gods, just does not seem accurate.

Lastly, You use the word Jewish a few times but when I put this word in the search on this website, I only find it one time: Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. A fable is a make believe thing. I'm not saying a Jew is make believe as I have found "Jew" is short for Judah and Judah is the head tribe of the lost tribes of Israel. It's confusing, cause you say "Jewish convert" and to be Jewish is a race of people as said in the media but how can I convert to be Jewish? By changing my race? I'm just curious on all of this and the new testament and will continue to study.

JESUS said that we must not work for money and wealth and that God would provide our needs Matthew 6:19-33 and john 6:27

He told us to sell all

Luke 11:41 to the pharisees

Luke 12:33 to the disciples

Luke 14:33 to the multitudes

Luke 18:22, Matthew 19:16-30 to the rich guy

And his disciples approve

Acts 2:44-45

Acts 4:33-34

Luke 18:28-30

Matthew 4:18-24

But who will go to heaven

Jesus and Jacob give us a hint

Luke 18:24-25

Mark 10:17-31

Matthew 5:3

Luke 6:20

James 2:5

But where does that put the rich?

Luke 6:24-25

James 5:1-3

What is the root of all evil?

1 timothy 6:10

Genesis 3

Are we to live under the curse or are we set free by God through Jesus? Because he broke every curse including this one:

Genesis 3:17-19

Should we end in the midst of the Sodomites?

Ezekiel 16:49-50

Luke 17:28

But there are days ahead that we would need to learn to trust in Yahweh for Manna his heavenly bread because the mark of the beast is the last form of money as a chip

Revelation 13

But if we learn to do these things that Jesus taught we might survive and prevail.

Hi Joe , I think you are on the right path , treat everyone with the same respect , rich , poor , whatever colour or creed they are . Be kind to all in the same measure and you can't go wrong .

Hi Joe. What you read in James 2:1 is simply another way of saying what you believe is true, i.e. we should not show partiality to certain people in the Church, especially as shown in the following verses (examples). So, we could read the verse as, 'My brethren, the faith you hold in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, should not be tainted with partiality'. I trust that makes it a little more clearer.

I do understand the real meaning of this verse to be that we should not have "respect of persons" but see & treat everyone with respect. However, I have trouble with the word "not" which seems to have the opposite meaning. I am a full believer in the

scripture so I am not trying to discredit verse - just trying to understand more.

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

According to Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the KJV Bible there are three variant Greek words translated devils.

The root word in his Greek dictionary of the New Testament is:

1142.

Transliteration daimn (Key)

Pronunciation dah'-ee-mown

Part of Speech masculine/feminine noun

Root Word (Etymology) From daio (to distribute fortunes)

a daemon or super-natural spirit (of a bad nature); - devil.

Matthew 8:31; Mark 5:12; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 18:2.

1139.

Transliteration daimonizomai (Key)

Pronunciation dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee

Part of Speech verb

Root Word (Etymology) Middle voice from (G1142)

to be exercised by a daemon;-have a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil (-s).

Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:16; Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:36

1140.

Transliteration daimonion (Key)

Pronunciation dahee-mon'-ee-on

Part of Speech neuter noun

Root Word (Etymology) Neuter of a derivative of (G1142)

a demonic being; by extension a diety:-devil, god.

Matthew 7:22; Matthew 9:34; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 12:24,27,28; Mark 1:34,39; Mark 3:15,22; Mark 6:13; Mark 9:38; Mark 16:9,17; Luke 4:41; Luke 8:2,27,30,33,35,38; Luke 9:1,49; Luke 10:17; Luke 12:15,18,19,20; Luke 13:32; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:1; James 2:19; Revelation 9:20.

demon - The Modern English word demon derives from the Middle English demon: from medieval Latin demon, from Latin daemon, from Greek daimn 'deity, genius'; in demon; also from Latin daemonium 'lesser or evil spirit', from Greek daemonion, diminutive of daimn.

devils - The Modern English word devil derives from the Middle English devel, from the Old English dofol, that in turn represents an early Germanic borrowing of the Latin diabolus.

The KJV translation is not a word for word or uniquely and infallible inspired representation of the Greek New Testament, and we should be cautious in choosing which English words in it we want to make our hills to die on without first consulting the Greek.