Friday - 6/29 - Read James 2:14-26
James talks about a dynamic, living faith like Abraham's and Rahab's. What made their faith dynamic and living?
Read Genesis 15:5,6 and compare it to Romans 4:1-5.
Paul says a man is justified by grace through faith alone.
James says a man is justified by what he does also. James 2:24.
Are they contradicting each other?
what kind of justification was Paul talking about in Rom. 4:1-5? Was it before God or man?
What kind of justification was James talking about in James 2:24? Was it before God or man?
What kind of justification is the means of salvation according to Paul in Rom. 4:1-5?
What kind of justification is the evidence of salvation according to James in James 2:23-26?
In 2 Cor. 13:5 Paul exhorts the Corinthians to "examine" themselves to make sure they were really in the faith. Why might this be a great suggestion in light of what James has just said in these verses?
What happens if you fail the test? What should you do?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Demons shudder
Thursday - 6/28 - Read James 2:14-26
James states that demons "shudder" at the truths of God's Word. When you combine this word with the belief they seemed to have in Biblical Truth, what is still missing?
Have you known people who have had a really emotional conversion principle and yet their lives never changed?
Does the Bible ever talk about the need for "crying" or emotional indicators in order to be saved?
Does that mean that a person won't cry when they find Christ or be emotionally charged by receiving Christ?
Why isn't an emotional response required for salvation?
Has someone in your family, a child or mate, had an emotional conversion experience only to turn out to be lifeless and uninterested in spiritual things after ward?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
James states that demons "shudder" at the truths of God's Word. When you combine this word with the belief they seemed to have in Biblical Truth, what is still missing?
Have you known people who have had a really emotional conversion principle and yet their lives never changed?
Does the Bible ever talk about the need for "crying" or emotional indicators in order to be saved?
Does that mean that a person won't cry when they find Christ or be emotionally charged by receiving Christ?
Why isn't an emotional response required for salvation?
Has someone in your family, a child or mate, had an emotional conversion experience only to turn out to be lifeless and uninterested in spiritual things after ward?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Demons know their Bibles
Wednesday - 6/27- Read James 2:14-26
James talks about demons believing sound bible doctrine, James 2:19.
Does that mean demons are saved?
How could you believe in the truth of the Bible about important Bible doctrines and yet still be lost?
Is faith something more than believing Biblical truths to be true?
What is saving faith as opposed to faith of just your mind?
Does saving faith include believing Biblical truths to be true?
So, what is missing that the demons didn't have?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
James talks about demons believing sound bible doctrine, James 2:19.
Does that mean demons are saved?
How could you believe in the truth of the Bible about important Bible doctrines and yet still be lost?
Is faith something more than believing Biblical truths to be true?
What is saving faith as opposed to faith of just your mind?
Does saving faith include believing Biblical truths to be true?
So, what is missing that the demons didn't have?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Monday, June 25, 2007
Claiming to have faith
Tuesday - 6/26 - Read James 2:14-26
James talks about a man who "claims to have faith." Do genuine believers "claim to have faith?" Of course. So, why does James confront these people in v. 14? What do they lack?
What is the difference between a faith that produces "deeds" and one that doesn't according to v. 14?
Why does a faith that saves produce good deeds according to Ephesians 2:8-10?
Does this mean we are saved by good deeds according to Ephesians 2:8-10?
Read Titus 2:16. Does Paul's description of someone without good deeds line up with James'? What are the similarities? What are the differences?
Can someone who "claims to have faith" make bold claims about their salvation if they do not have a life to back it up?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
James talks about a man who "claims to have faith." Do genuine believers "claim to have faith?" Of course. So, why does James confront these people in v. 14? What do they lack?
What is the difference between a faith that produces "deeds" and one that doesn't according to v. 14?
Why does a faith that saves produce good deeds according to Ephesians 2:8-10?
Does this mean we are saved by good deeds according to Ephesians 2:8-10?
Read Titus 2:16. Does Paul's description of someone without good deeds line up with James'? What are the similarities? What are the differences?
Can someone who "claims to have faith" make bold claims about their salvation if they do not have a life to back it up?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Do you really know Him?
Monday - 6/25 - Read James 2:14-26
Do you know someone who claims to be a Christian, but their life doesn't back it up?
What does that mean, as far as their relationship with Christ? Are they a believer or not?
What about your own life? Are their seasons of inactivity? Are there times when you're passion for Jesus Christ is pretty much not there?
Do you really know Jesus Christ?
As you read through James 2:14-26 ask yourself where you are spiritually.
Are you prepared to confront yourself with the possibility that you have never received Christ?
Are you prepared to confront those you love, who may have made a profession of faith years ago, to reconsider whether they really know Christ?
Why is this so important if they really don't know Christ?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Do you know someone who claims to be a Christian, but their life doesn't back it up?
What does that mean, as far as their relationship with Christ? Are they a believer or not?
What about your own life? Are their seasons of inactivity? Are there times when you're passion for Jesus Christ is pretty much not there?
Do you really know Jesus Christ?
As you read through James 2:14-26 ask yourself where you are spiritually.
Are you prepared to confront yourself with the possibility that you have never received Christ?
Are you prepared to confront those you love, who may have made a profession of faith years ago, to reconsider whether they really know Christ?
Why is this so important if they really don't know Christ?
Read 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for next Sunday
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The greatest heritage
Friday - 6/15 - Read Luke 15:11-24
We learn how to relate to God and His unconditional love for us by how our earthly dad loves us.
Did you learn unconditional love from your father?
Some have not. That's OK. God's love can be your example.
God's love can transform our hearts and give us the example we need to love our kids.
Dad, our kids need our unconditional love most when they've failed to achieve a goal or when they've blown it big time.
You then are passing down to them a heritage--a heritage of unconditional love.
They grow up understanding this kind of love and learn to relate to their Heavenly Father according to this love.
What does this produce in their lives?
Why is this so important?
Do you love your children unconditionally?
How are you showing this love in tangible ways?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
We learn how to relate to God and His unconditional love for us by how our earthly dad loves us.
Did you learn unconditional love from your father?
Some have not. That's OK. God's love can be your example.
God's love can transform our hearts and give us the example we need to love our kids.
Dad, our kids need our unconditional love most when they've failed to achieve a goal or when they've blown it big time.
You then are passing down to them a heritage--a heritage of unconditional love.
They grow up understanding this kind of love and learn to relate to their Heavenly Father according to this love.
What does this produce in their lives?
Why is this so important?
Do you love your children unconditionally?
How are you showing this love in tangible ways?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Unconditional love
Thursday - 6/14 - Read Luke 15:11-24
When your children blow it, what is the first thing on their mind about you, Dad?
Unconditional love is the greatest gift a father or mother can give their children.
Do you agree with that statement?
If so, why? If not, why?
How can we extend to our children this kind of love?
I believe it's by knowing this love, first hand.
Where can we find this love? John 3:16; Rom. 8:38,39
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
When your children blow it, what is the first thing on their mind about you, Dad?
Unconditional love is the greatest gift a father or mother can give their children.
Do you agree with that statement?
If so, why? If not, why?
How can we extend to our children this kind of love?
I believe it's by knowing this love, first hand.
Where can we find this love? John 3:16; Rom. 8:38,39
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
a speech never given
Wednesday - 6/13 - Read Luke 15:11-24
Can you imagine how nervous the prodigal son must have been as he made the long journey back home to seek his dad's forgiveness?
I wonder how many times he had rehearsed some kind of speech to recite to his father.
Yet, he never had an opportunity to share that speech.
What do you think went through this son's mind as he saw his dad running up to him and then felt his dad's arms wrapping themselves around him?
What does this tell us about his dad's heart? He was accepted, in spite of how wrong he had been.
Do your children feel your acceptance in spite of decisions they make--good or bad?
Did this acceptance of this son mean that his dad accepted the sons rebellion and condone the kind of decision he had made?
How can dads communicate acceptance without condoning bad decisions and rebellion?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Can you imagine how nervous the prodigal son must have been as he made the long journey back home to seek his dad's forgiveness?
I wonder how many times he had rehearsed some kind of speech to recite to his father.
Yet, he never had an opportunity to share that speech.
What do you think went through this son's mind as he saw his dad running up to him and then felt his dad's arms wrapping themselves around him?
What does this tell us about his dad's heart? He was accepted, in spite of how wrong he had been.
Do your children feel your acceptance in spite of decisions they make--good or bad?
Did this acceptance of this son mean that his dad accepted the sons rebellion and condone the kind of decision he had made?
How can dads communicate acceptance without condoning bad decisions and rebellion?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Monday, June 18, 2007
letting go
Tuesday - 6/12 - Read Luke 15:11-24
Sometimes we think of letting go of our children as a one time thing.
How can we let go of our children while they are still home?
What are you doing now, while your children are still at home to teach them how to be independent?
What did your parents do to help you become independent? Did they do a good job?
What can you learn from them?
If they didn't do a very good job, what do you need to avoid from their example?
Why is letting go of your children one of the most important acts of parenting?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Sometimes we think of letting go of our children as a one time thing.
How can we let go of our children while they are still home?
What are you doing now, while your children are still at home to teach them how to be independent?
What did your parents do to help you become independent? Did they do a good job?
What can you learn from them?
If they didn't do a very good job, what do you need to avoid from their example?
Why is letting go of your children one of the most important acts of parenting?
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Give me my portion
Monday - 6/11 - Read Luke 15:11-24
Can you imagine the thoughts that were racing through the mind of the prodigal son's dad when his son said "Give me my portion of the inheritance. I'm outta here!"
Was he hurt? Confused? Frustrated? How would you feel?
How do you react when your children make unwise decisions?
Was this the first time his son had approached him?
Had they discussed this previously? Did he try to talk his son out of leaving?
Jesus doesn’t tell us, does he? He merely said that the father divided his property among his two sons, implying that each was free to do as he wished.
For most parents, letting go is an incredibly difficult thing to do, yet it is one of the most important and vital things you'll do.
If your children are still "in the nest" are you preparing to let go?
Why not take a couple of minutes to pray. Ask God for wisdom. Ask God for insight into how you can best let go.
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Can you imagine the thoughts that were racing through the mind of the prodigal son's dad when his son said "Give me my portion of the inheritance. I'm outta here!"
Was he hurt? Confused? Frustrated? How would you feel?
How do you react when your children make unwise decisions?
Was this the first time his son had approached him?
Had they discussed this previously? Did he try to talk his son out of leaving?
Jesus doesn’t tell us, does he? He merely said that the father divided his property among his two sons, implying that each was free to do as he wished.
For most parents, letting go is an incredibly difficult thing to do, yet it is one of the most important and vital things you'll do.
If your children are still "in the nest" are you preparing to let go?
Why not take a couple of minutes to pray. Ask God for wisdom. Ask God for insight into how you can best let go.
Read James 2:14-26 for next Sunday
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Serve one another in love
Friday - 6/15 - Read James 2:1-13
We are forgiven and freed from the condemnation and dominion of sin. How much do you appreciate this gift from God?
Paul states in Gal. 5:13, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love."
How does the sinful nature approach differences that can lead to playing favorites?
When the sinful nature reacts first, will we be willing to "serve one another in love?"
Instead of "serving one another" who will we be willing to serve? Hint: you see this person every morning when you look in the mirror.
Why does James tie showing mercy to others, even those different than us, with our salvation?
Does this mean we are saved by our good works? see, Ephesians 2:8,9
What does showing mercy tell us about the true condition of our hearts?
Why is this so vital?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
We are forgiven and freed from the condemnation and dominion of sin. How much do you appreciate this gift from God?
Paul states in Gal. 5:13, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love."
How does the sinful nature approach differences that can lead to playing favorites?
When the sinful nature reacts first, will we be willing to "serve one another in love?"
Instead of "serving one another" who will we be willing to serve? Hint: you see this person every morning when you look in the mirror.
Why does James tie showing mercy to others, even those different than us, with our salvation?
Does this mean we are saved by our good works? see, Ephesians 2:8,9
What does showing mercy tell us about the true condition of our hearts?
Why is this so vital?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Royal Law
Thursday - 6/14 - Read James 2:1-13
Worship music. Different ages. Different skin colors. These are areas where we can show favoritism or prejudice. What are some more?
How can you live without favoritism? No matter how different people are from you James 2:8 tells us we must fulfill the "royal law" towards them. What is that law?
Are you guilty of not showing love to anyone who is outwardly different than you?
Are you willing to confess that as sin?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Worship music. Different ages. Different skin colors. These are areas where we can show favoritism or prejudice. What are some more?
How can you live without favoritism? No matter how different people are from you James 2:8 tells us we must fulfill the "royal law" towards them. What is that law?
Are you guilty of not showing love to anyone who is outwardly different than you?
Are you willing to confess that as sin?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
discerning but not discriminating
Wednesday - 6/13 - Read James 2:1-13
Does this principle of not showing favoritism mean that we should not be discerning about where they are spiritually?
Look at 1 Tim. 3 - What kind of person should the church pursue for leadership? This excludes people. Why is this right?
Look at 2 Cor. 6:14-18 - What should any potential marriage or business relationship discern about another person before entering into a relationship?
Look at 1 Cor. 5:11-13 - What should a Christian discern about another "so called" brother before having an open relationship with him?
Look at 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7-11 - What beliefs should we discern about another person or church before pursuing a relationship with them?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Does this principle of not showing favoritism mean that we should not be discerning about where they are spiritually?
Look at 1 Tim. 3 - What kind of person should the church pursue for leadership? This excludes people. Why is this right?
Look at 2 Cor. 6:14-18 - What should any potential marriage or business relationship discern about another person before entering into a relationship?
Look at 1 Cor. 5:11-13 - What should a Christian discern about another "so called" brother before having an open relationship with him?
Look at 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7-11 - What beliefs should we discern about another person or church before pursuing a relationship with them?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Monday, June 11, 2007
Inside or Outside?
Tuesday - 6/12 - Read James 2:1-13
When we play favorites with people, are we putting them first or ourselves?
Are you prejudice in the way you approach anyone because of color of their skin, clothes, or even their gender?
Why is this wrong if you don't know what's in their hearts?
When God chose David as king over Israel in 1 Sam. 16:7 what was He looking at?
On the surface who looked like they'd be a better king? David or Saul? Who turned out to be the better king?
Is there a lesson you can learn when you meet certain people who at first, outwardly, you turn away from?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
When we play favorites with people, are we putting them first or ourselves?
Are you prejudice in the way you approach anyone because of color of their skin, clothes, or even their gender?
Why is this wrong if you don't know what's in their hearts?
When God chose David as king over Israel in 1 Sam. 16:7 what was He looking at?
On the surface who looked like they'd be a better king? David or Saul? Who turned out to be the better king?
Is there a lesson you can learn when you meet certain people who at first, outwardly, you turn away from?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
Playing favorites
Monday - 6/11 - Read James 2:1-13
What are some ways that Christians play favorites with one another?
Have you ever had someone do that to you?
Do you think you've ever played favorites?
If playing favorites is just looking on the externals in a person's life, what were those externals?
Why does this keep you from really getting to know the heart of a person?
James talks about "evil motives." What could those "evil motives" be?
Why are they "evil?"
Is there someone, right now in your life, that you are excluding from your life because of external appearance, personality or preferences?
What is the next step for you to take?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
What are some ways that Christians play favorites with one another?
Have you ever had someone do that to you?
Do you think you've ever played favorites?
If playing favorites is just looking on the externals in a person's life, what were those externals?
Why does this keep you from really getting to know the heart of a person?
James talks about "evil motives." What could those "evil motives" be?
Why are they "evil?"
Is there someone, right now in your life, that you are excluding from your life because of external appearance, personality or preferences?
What is the next step for you to take?
Read Luke 15:11-24 for next Sunday
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