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”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
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”
Connecting the Dots
It seems to me that James receives some bad press for not being as linear as we’d like him to be. One writer remarks, “It is difficult, if not impossible, to extract from it a continuous and coherent plan. Its sections follow one another with a certain disconnectedness.” Another uses the word “rambling” in regardContinue reading “Connecting the Dots”
Background on James
The letter of James is a bit different than what we’re used to in the New Testament. Most of the NT letters are written to a church (Romans, Corinthians), churches (Galatians, Revelation), or an individual (Timothy, Titus, Philemon). There are a few letters like Hebrews or 1 John where the recipients aren’t identified, so ourContinue reading “Background on James”
We Need More of This!
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21) IContinue reading “We Need More of This!”
A Look at Hebrews 11 (1)
Hebrews 11 is one of those passages that everyone is familiar with and finds inspiration in. The standout stories there sweep across the biblical narrative from Abel to David to Daniel. They provide us with examples of the people of God rising to meet adversity, overcome obstacles, and conquer challenges due to their trust inContinue reading “A Look at Hebrews 11 (1)”
A Look at Hebrews 11 (2)
2. He points them to people. But if the past can be painfully instructive, it can also be powerfully inspiring. The writer’s history lesson isn’t about the average rainfall in the Mediterranean, the political structure they lived under, or the leading export. He wants to tell them about people. But not just any people. People likeContinue reading “A Look at Hebrews 11 (2)”
The Third Call
Hebrews 10:19-25 is an instructive text—both for understanding the letter as well as for living as a follower of Jesus today—especially as it relates to community life. This section consists of two conclusions (punctuated by the word “since”) and three calls (“let us”). The conclusions are: 1) We have confidence to enter into the presence ofContinue reading “The Third Call”
The Three Appearances of Jesus
The writer speaks of three appearances of Jesus in 9:24-28. Taken together, they encapsulate His work in bringing many sons and daughters to glory. The writer touches on what happened on earth, what is happening in heaven, and what will happen at the end of history as we know it. Jesus’ first appearance is spokenContinue reading “The Three Appearances of Jesus”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 