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The Jewish people had heard the religious leaders of their day teaching under the old covenant, often with a motivation of self-interest. They even added to the law, but their teaching was religious and lifeless. Jesus came teaching with authority, explaining the real meaning of the old covenant and establishing the new. The people were…

When Jesus called the first disciples, who would become the first apostles, they did not hesitate, but said YES and followed. Jesus calls us now to follow. We must not delay. There is no “trying Jesus”. We must choose to say YES, and do it.

People came to John to be baptized, responding to his message about repentance and the forgiveness which followed. But he pointed to Christ as the way to God. Jesus came to make the way to bring both forgiveness and the grace to live a new life: forgiveness from sin and the power to overcome it.

When we are together, established in grace and truth, we can safely share our needs. Then, we can pray, not from presumption but in real faith, seeking God’s working for the health of the body of Christ.

James reminds us we are to be people of integrity, patiently waiting for God to bring about justice and fruitfulness. God will strengthen our hearts as we wait while working for His kingdom purposes.

James holds nothing back in pointing out the need for repentance from favouritism, self-indulgence and slander. The message may be hard to hear, but humbling ourselves before the Lord is the only way to freedom.

Those who hold onto illegitimate desires which produce quarrels in the church are at enmity with God. If we humble ourselves and seek His good will, He will give us the grace we need to live according to His purpose.

True wisdom from God is shown not by knowledge but by conduct. Really knowing the truth is expressed by our character, the way we are and the way we live.

Teaching in the church is based upon giftedness. True teachers are given to the church by Christ. The test of genuine teachers is found in their speech, both content and empowering. For all of us in the body, our tongues identify who we really are.

James presses believers to show the genuineness of their faith within through what it produces on the outside. We should not shrink back from this challenge.