The word “righteous” occurs seven times in the five chapters of James’ letter. It is a word that summarizes well James’ down-to-earth approach and overlaps with Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5-7 where a major focus is righteousness (5:20, 6:22). His use of the word in his letter falls into four categories. 1. There is theContinue reading “James & Righteousness”
Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green
Thinking about our Feelings
The discussion in the marriage class was about learning how to make our emotions work for us rather than against us. Dealing with our feelings as individuals is challenging enough, but when you are working as a couple toward oneness, things can really become complicated. Here are some principles to build from. 1. Feeling areContinue reading “Thinking about our Feelings”
A Wonderful Servant, But A Lousy Lord
In 5:1-6, James addresses unrighteous landowners who had repeatedly taken advantage of their workers by withholding wages (5:4) and using their influence to obtain legal judgments against them (2:6, 5:6). Additionally, they showed antagonism toward their workers’ faith as they “blasphemed” the name of Jesus (2:7). These words are a continuation his message to theContinue reading “A Wonderful Servant, But A Lousy Lord”
Living in the Light
We recently had new flooring put down in our house. It wasn’t a choice but a necessity. Our washing machine expired and as a parting gift left us with a couple of inches of water throughout much of the house, ruining the flooring. We decided to go with a lighter colored flooring. (Okay, Janice pickedContinue reading “Living in the Light”
A Faith Full Of Questions
The longer I live, the more I appreciate a good question (even though I may not have a clue regarding its answer). Jesus consistently employed questions when He taught. There’s a text in Luke that mentions a visit to the temple when He was twelve years old. This was the occasion when His parents temporarilyContinue reading “A Faith Full Of Questions”
Buckling Up (The Bourne Identity)
I’m a big fan of the Bourne trilogy, but especially the first movie (The Bourne Identity). If you haven’t seen it or need your memory jogged, Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne—a man who has been programmed to be an assassin by the CIA as part of an experimental program known as Treadstone. While on anContinue reading “Buckling Up (The Bourne Identity)”
Tools for Trials
The first chapter of James deals with trials and temptations (v. 2, 12, 13). This resonates with everyone because no one is immune from either of these things. They were a part of Jesus’ life, and they are a part of ours. James talks about how to handle these and I’ve touched on that here.Continue reading “Tools for Trials”
A Lesson for Life
We’re not surprised when a Jewish disciple writing Jewish people speaks of blessing as James does in 1:12 of his letter. Here’s the complete verse from the NIV: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those whoContinue reading “A Lesson for Life”
The Way Out Is Always Up
Here’s a quick look at some context for the letter of James that I think will be helpful for framing its words and applying its teaching to our lives. James is writing to dispersed people experiencing trials. The history of Jewish dispersion began in the middle of the eighth century BC with the Assyrians and later continuedContinue reading “The Way Out Is Always Up”
Victory through Surrender
“You can be anything you want to be!” Have you ever heard this? Just kidding. Would you like to have a dollar for every time you have? Now we’re talking, right? These words are usually spoken in complete earnestness and with the absolute best of intentions. They can be found in books occupying the bestsellerContinue reading “Victory through Surrender”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 