"Pentecost comes in the early summer (mid May-mid June). It’s the only Levitical Feast Day between the 3 Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits) and the 3 in the fall (Rosh Hashanna, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles). The Hebrew name for this Day is Shavuot, which means weeks, so in Israel it’s often called the Feast of Weeks."

continue to read at:
http://gracethrufaith.com/selah/holidays-and-holy-days/the-feast-of-pentecost/#more-131

~Fair use for education and discussion purposes~

The gist of James is this: You can't prove an apple tree is an apple tree until you see some apples.

In a court of law, would the judge and jury declare that you are Christian beyond a shadow of a doubt?

Works don't justify you. But they do prove to the world you are who you say you are. If you say, "Hey, I'm Christian" and then run around and act like the world, are you producing fruit or is your garden overgrown?

It's not up to us to say who is and is not saved. That's up to God, and there are plenty of backsliders out there who are true Christians but look like the world. But while they're in that place, they're not producing any fruit for Jesus.

Abraham wasn't saved by his work of faith, but his work proved his faith. His FAITH ALONE saved him, but the work proved his faith.

In other words, put your money where your mouth is. If you tell the world, "Hey, I'm a Christian", then prove it and be a disciple of Christ.

~~Becka

RJ wrote: I guess there will be differing opinions on the subject, but I'll ask a few questions for ones thoughts..

Who was this James that wrote the book of James..?? They really do NOT know... They think it might be the half brother of Jesus..

James, the brother of Jesus is the most likely person.

WHO WAS JAMES?

A. SEVERAL MEN BORE THIS NAME IN NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY...
1. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John
a. A fisherman, he was called by Christ - Mt 4:17-22
b. Together with John, they were nicknamed "Sons of Thunder"
because of their impulsiveness - cf. Mk 3:17 with Lk 9:
51-56
c. Killed by Herod in 44 A.D. - Ac 12:1-2
2. James, son of Alphaeus
a. Another of the apostles - Mt 10:3; Ac 1:12
b. Very little is known about him
c. There is no indication that this James wrote the epistle
3. James, father of Judas the apostle
a. He is even more obscure
b. One of the few references to him is found in Lk 6:16
4. James, the brother of our Lord
a. He is the most likely candidate for the author of this
epistle
b. Even though he humbly identifies himself only as "a servant
of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Jm 1:1)
c. That Jesus had a brother named James is evident - Mt 13:55
1) Who at first did not believe in Jesus - Jn 7:5
2) But after the resurrection of Jesus and an appearance by
Jesus to him, he became a disciple - 1Co 15:7; Ac 1:14
3) Eventually becoming a leader of the church in Jerusalem
- Ga 2:9
a) When Peter was delivered from prison, he sent a special
message to James - Ac 12:17
b) He played an important role in the conference at
Jerusalem - Ac 15:13-33
c) When Paul visited Jerusalem, it was to James that he
brought greetings - Ac 21:18-19

fair use for educational or discussion purposes
http://executableoutlines.com/ja/ja_01.htm

Ok, next who was the person addressing... Was it the Church,,?? No, it was not the Church.. Read this verse;

James 1:1 ¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad, greeting.

I have several problems with that interpretation. First, James is speaking in the present tense. Whomever he is speaking to, they are at that time dispersed. Some translations have this verse as:

“From: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. To: The twelve tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings.:”

THE Dispersion. As in an “event”. One which had already occurred. The great dispersion of the nation of Israel has yet to occur in 70 A.D. and there is nothing in the present tense of James’ greeting to indicate he is anticipating a future event. Therefore, the most likely “event” to which he would be referring would be the one referenced in Acts 8:1

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

Who was scattered? The Jewish believers in Christ that were in Jerusalem.

Secondly, James refers to those to whom he is writing as brethren 19 times. This is not a term commonly attached to being of the nation of Israel, but it is one that was commonly attached to being of the believers of the Way, as it was called at that time. And in James 2:1, he directly connects the brethren with faith in Jesus:

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”

And in James 5:14, he specifically refers to them being of the church:

”14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

Third, in James 2:6-7, he describes those to whom he is writing as “oppressed” and being called by a “noble name”:

“6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?”

What noble name was the nation of Israel called? Abraham, Jacob, Israel? This doesn’t make sense unless the “noble name” is the name of Jesus.

Putting all this together shows that James was “speaking” to Jewish believers in Christ, who were at that time, at least half the Church, if not more.

This James is writing about law, not grace.

That doesn't fit the entirety of what James wrote in this book. Several times, he spoke of mercy and grace.

1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”[a]

James was speaking about how grace exhibits itself, not about law. He was teaching how to walk in the grace given, how to show your faith by what you do.

There's also a few things I do not agree with... He mentions Work being the justifier, which has NEVER justified anyone, ever..
Read this verse:

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Abraham was NOT justified by works, but by his "belief" believing in God, which is faith, believing in something not seen, but knowing in your heart that God will do what he says..

Rom.4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Gal.3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James has this part correct, but then he moves into the works which never saved anyone..

I agree that works never justified anyone, but I don’t agree that that is what James meant in 2:21. If we refer back to the three levels of definition of the word dikaioo (used in this verse as well as in 2:24) it makes sense read like this:

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father [declared and pronounced to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be, by his] works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Or in more modern terms:

“Did not Abraham our father demonstrate that he had faith in God by offering Isaac his son upon the alter?”

James is not referring to the justification which only comes from God. He is talking about Abraham showing what was already inside him. Which matches perfectly with the verses you list next.

Now read this:

Rom. 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but NOT before God.

Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There are a few verses in James that are relevant to the Church, but the believer needs to understand what Grace vs. Works is all about..

For us to become Christians, we have to "believe" in faith that Jesus Christ is the son of God.. If we can NOT believe or do not believe then we do not have faith..

John 6:28 ¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

I agree and I believe James had a very firm grasp of grace versus works. But he was also dealing with believers who had grown up under the law and were clearly have a difficult time making the transition to living under grace. They seemed to lacking self-control. He is showing them what grace looks like in action, he was not claiming that action created grace.

As for relevance, I think it is a bit risky to assume any part of scripture isn't relevant to the Christian walk:

2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

I think this website has good synopsis of the confusion over the book of James:

Brief Summary: The Book of James outlines the faith walk through genuine religion (1:1-27), genuine faith (2:1-3:12) and genuine wisdom (3:13-5:20). This book contains a remarkable parallel to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. James begins in the first chapter by describing the overall traits of the faith walk. In chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 3 he discusses social justice and a discourse on faith in action. He then compares and contrasts the difference between worldly and godly wisdom and asks us to turn away from evil and draw close to God. James gives a particularly severe rebuke to the rich who hoard and those who are self-reliant. Finally he ends with encouragement to believers to be patient in suffering, praying and caring for one another and bolstering our faith through fellowship.

Connections: The Book of James is the ultimate description of the relationship between faith and works. So ingrained in the Mosaic Law and its system of works were the Jewish Christians to whom James wrote that he spent considerable time explaining the difficult truth that no one is justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16). He declares to them that even if they try their very best to keep all the various laws and rituals, doing so is impossible, and transgressing the tiniest part of the law made them guilty of all of it (James 2:10) because the law is one entity and breaking one part of it is breaking all of it.

Practical Application: We see in the Book of James a challenge to faithful followers of Jesus Christ to not just “talk the talk,” but to “walk the walk.” While our faith walk, to be certain, requires a growth of knowledge about the Word, James exhorts us to not stop there. Many Christians will find this epistle challenging as James presents 60 obligations in only 108 verses. He focuses on the truths of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount and motivates us to act upon what He taught.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-James.html#ixzz2ThuRuGmr

Thanks for the feedback!

Blessings,
Blue

Maybe this is why I keep seeing 11:11 on my clocks. It's because I'm not complete yet. (not yet, but soon) God bless

One day she heard a sigh and the social worker straightened up to see her on her bed better. She rolled her over on to her side. The 100 year old woman had died but her body had straightened up just as her spirit had always been so right and so happy...as she died.

We get so bent over in our worries, depression, concerns. This is a great reminder to straighten ourselves up.

The song we sang was "In The Secret Place".

I want to know you
I want to hear your voice.
I want to know You more.
I long to touch you.

I want to know you more
I long to see your face.

A great song for tonight for those anticipating.

I loved the connection to the reminder of whose we are. We all need that reminder. Symbols of the water and oil anointing/baptism. I'm glad this spoke to your hearts as it did mine. I think you will enjoy the second one on "Go Out In Elevens", too, on the Church.

I'd been waiting for the upgrade before posting because I didn't want to lose these. Hopefully, I can save them. I can "save as" but not so sure how to repost later.

Matthew 28:16 "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountains where Jesus told them to go."

Matthew 28:16-20 "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountains where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw Him , they worshiped Him; but some doubted . 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

No matter what our age is per our birth certificates, we are life long learners . Our age doesn't matter. Our description doesn't matter.

Note the number 11 for our math folks!

Eleven? Why eleven? Here eleven signifies failure. Judas is not with them. It is a number of incompletion, imperfection; it's not twelve. This is the mark of the Church; the way things have been ever since. This proves humans didn't tamper all along with Scripture cleaning it up. There's no cover up.

And interestingly enough, God is not all that concerned with our perfection before He sends us out on a mission journey for Him.

We often hear Church critics call the church hypocrites, criticizing the people in it. Well, we're not perfect yet . Our response to such criticism is that we are eleven. That eleven symbolizes the Church. We're still incomplete. We don't have it all together yet. We aren't yet all He has called us to be. But the Good News is that we don't have to be a twelve of completion. He isn't finished with us yet. God can still use us even if we don't have it all together . We're called to be on a journey. This is what the eleven were doing. Going to Galilee to the mountains where Jesus had told them to go.

Why Galilee? Jerusalem was where it was all at. Galilee was their training ground/teaching spot that they were familiar with and comfortable with there. It would be much like a teacher today would say, go back to the classroom and we'll talk there. This is where questions could be asked and answered.

This has to do with not "standing still"; while not knowing and understanding what this was all about. Why go on a mission trip? Why expand Rita Now's capability for outreach with an upgrade? Why go to the nations?

Even though we don't have it all together, we've heard God's call and trust Him while setting out in obedience. This is a call on our lives like the call the disciples heard over 2,000 years ago.

Maybe you feel called to children's ministry. But you don't feel you know the Bible very well. Or maybe you aren't even sure you like children. Or maybe it's a mission trip you are called to do. You have doubts. GO ANYWAY. God will bless you in ways you can't even imagine. You'll learn along the way on this journey with Him. You will grow and most of all you will have obeyed His call.

Why Galilee? The eleven closest to Him had doubts, too. This is part of the journey. Something doesn't seem right. This was their moment of denial.

Matthew 28:17 "They worshiped Him when they saw Him, but some doubted." In worship we grow in our journey. God blesses worship to Him. Our moments of unfaithfulness--we grow out of it to find purpose. We've had permission since 2,000 years ago. He gave us a charge. It's the same today. The scope is absolutely immense. The disciples were imperfect. How is this going to work?

Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go, make disciples out of all nations, baptizing them teaching them to obey, a three-stage commission.. This is a doubting call. What is He saying really saying here? Be obedient. We're imperfect, part of the eleven, but the call of obedience is to be open to all. We don't do this alone. "And surely I am with you unto the end of the age." Verse 20.

We're to baptize. It doesn't say what method to use. That's a whole other subject for another day. But it does say, "in the Name". The whole Name is "the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." We're to make disciples and teach them to do what? OBEY. Obey everything I have commanded. Disciples; not converts, not followers, no---this is a life long process of commitment and obedience until they , too, hear the call to do something.The point is there is more to discipleship; more to the meaning of the word. This is an overwhelming call. But God let's us off the hook. Not from the responsibility but from the weight of the responsibility. Because of Christ's authority we go in all authority (vs. 18) in Heaven and earth given to Him. It's not our own ability we go in. This takes a load off. He promises to be with us (vs.20) . "I am with you always."

He was with Moses.
He was with Joshua.
He was with David.
He was with Joseph.

There are days we don't feel strong and capable; have no ability whatsoever. We can't do it under our own power. The assignment is so large it forces us to depend on Him to make it happen. It' s of an immense scope.

Matthew 28:19
1) Go make disciples of all nations
2) baptizing them in the name of.....

These aren't how-to directions. While "Name " is singular here , we use three names What a God we serve! How amazing He is! ,,,the Holy Trinity. This is a purpose statement!

God told Adam to name all of the animals. He was in charge! He had authority.

The disciples needed to to know and understand whose management they were under.

They were to always use His name.
They belonged to Him.
Even if they didn't fully understand that.

Baptizing is the physical reminder with water.

Remember your baptism. I mentioned in the other post how parents mention this to children as they leave the house. This phrase reminds them whose management they are under. Whose guidance is needed. Remember who you represent in your actions. Our lives should reflect this. We need to remind ourselves, too.

John 20:21
"Peace be with you. As the Father
sent me, I send you."

Show someone your love. Care and bring hope to people. Take some time to think who you could go touch this next week.

Pastor Tom Backer
Hospital Chaplain

God of Justice
Tim Hughes
1004 Thank You music.

God of Justice, Savior of all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served.

Jesus, You have called us
Freely, we receive
Now freely we will give,

We must go, live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken, we must go
Stepping forward, keep us from just singing
Move us into action, we must go.

To act justly everyday.
Loving mercy in every way
Walking humbly before you God,

You have shown us what you require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give.

We must go, live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken, we must go
Stepping forward, keep us from just singing
Move us into action, we must go

Fill us up and send us out, fill us up and send us out
Fill us up, send us out Lord
Fill us up and send us out, fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord.

Repeat

Acting justly, loving mercy
We must go, we must go
To the broken and the hurting
We must go, we must go.

We must go , live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken , we must go
Stepping forward, keep us from just singing
Move us into action, we must go, must go.

Fill us up and You send us out, yeah
Heaven open.

What a beautiful picture of love. Thank-you for posting this today.

DL

Jesus was preaching that day in the Synagogue. He stopped. He saw her courage. He told her to straighten up and she did. She was healed on the Sabbath. This woman praised God. The Synagogue leaders were indignant. Work was done on the Sabbath! So what constitutes "work"?

Jesus refers to the passage of the ox and donkey released on a Sabbath to help them see . In verse 12, "Woman you are free from infirmities", he said. Infirmities covers a large territory. Sometimes shame and regrets may also bend us over.

Jesus couldn't wait one more day. He knew others weren't seeing her. He knew children would mock her. He told them they had enough sense to know about animals . In vs 13, she straightens up. Praises God.

Jesus sees us. He knows when we are carrying heavy burdens and not doing well. He sees us and longs to set us free. In reality the Synagoue leaders were the ones not free. They were stooped over burdened with laws! They were so rigid they couldn't see to stand up right.

Many in childhood are ashamed of something and can't look at another eye to eye. Burdens of depression may bend us over. All these things He wants to lift off of us. We have burdens of sin in our lives. Find our shoulders bent over a lot. Jesus wants to lift us up so we can look Him in the eye, eye to eye. Remove these burdens.

In communion, we are remided of all He did for us to lift those burdens off of us. In baptism , He again provides for us. It doesn't make a difference if were baptized by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. What matters is that we are baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. His completion with all the power and authority of Heaven and earth.

Many parents will say to their teens on the way out the door, "Remember whose you are!" This is a reminder to that young one who he represents and to whom he belongs. His behavior while out reflects on the One who saved him. He belongs to Jesus. The One with all power and authority in Heaven and on earth. Be able to look another in the eye --eye to eye knowing who you belong to and represent. No stooping. No ducking. No shame. No bending over in regret. Jesus has set you free. Now be able to look Him in the face; eye to eye. Jesus sees you!

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" ~~2 Timothy 3:5

Which would, again, describe someone who trusts in law over grace.

It could also mean someone who is "spiritual", into those weird crystals and incense and trusting in "spirit guides" instead of CHRIST, the Lord God Almighty.

~~Becka

producing goods for the well-being of others - all reasons to think highly of themselves from a worldly perspective. (Sound like any country we know of today?)

Not anymore, since the U.S. doesn't produce much of anything these days. ;)

*********************

How can we know that “lukewarm”, as it is used in Revelation 3:16, means a non-believer, someone trusting in the law, and not trusting in grace.

Revelation 3:14-22
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

In studying this passage, the first thing to note is how Christ identifies Himself in the letter. He is “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.”

Strongs speaks of amen thus: “The word is directly related -- in fact, almost identical -- to the Hebrew word for "believe" (amam), or faithful. Thus, it came to mean "sure" or "truly", an expression of absolute trust and confidence”.

So, Christ here is the Sure and True One in Whom we can have absolute trust and confidence (for salvation). It also contains the idea of “making the substance of what is uttered their own” when an assembly said amen. Applied to this passage it might indicate that Christ is both uttering what is true (as the Witness) and making it His own (as the Amen). He is taking responsibility for the outcome of His promises. That is an element of grace.

Next He is the faithful and true witness, which reinforces the idea of trust and confidence. He watches, He knows, He will make it so.

Finally, He is the ruler of God’s creation. This is a position of supreme authority. But coming as it does behind the first two attributes, it also speaks of His bedrock rightness in that authority (the Amen) and of His willingness to use that authority (the faithful and true witness).

Altogether, it’s a bit of an intimidating image…if you are not truly a believer. This is the King speaking of what He knows (witness) and of what He will do (as ruler and Amen) about what He knows. It’s not about a possibility, it’s an “it shall be done” kind of moment.

Now, look at what it is He is saying to the members of this church that He knows. He is telling them who and what they really are:

• Deeds oriented
• Wretched
• Naked
• Pitiful
• Poor
• Blind
• Without gold
• Without white raiment
• Without sight

And of course,

• Neither hot nor cold, lukewarm

This is not the description of a believer, of an overcomer. An overcomer has the assurance of redemption, the covering of Christ’s atoning blood, the freedom of grace, the riches of His blessings and the understanding that comes from the teaching of the Holy Spirit. A believer is not naked before God, for God see the righteousness of the Son when He looks at the believer.

This is not addressed to believers, but to those who have not yet repented. This is confirmed in the next part of the passage, when Christ says “be earnest and repent”. He would not need to call upon the believer to repent, for the believer has already repented – that’s how they became a believer in the first place. These are unbelievers who are in denial of their true spiritual condition.

Looking at the descriptive list in that light shows they are:

• Deeds oriented (works focused, not understanding or operating under grace – Eph 2:8)
• Wretched (without hope of redemption because they seek it through the law – Romans 7)
• Naked (without the cover of His blood which the law cannot provide – Heb. 9:22)
• Pitiful (lost in their sin because they have put their trust in the law, which cannot save them – Eph 2:1)
• Poor (without the riches of His blessings and grace - 1 John 3:21-23)
• Blind (without the spiritual sight that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit – John 14:26)
• Without gold (unable to pay their sin debt on their own – Romans 3:23)
• Without white raiment (for their own righteousness is as filthy rags – Isaiah 64:6)
• Without sight (for the things of the spirit are foolishness to them that are perishing, if they could see clearly, they would repent – change their mind about what they know – 1 Cor. 1:18)

And of course,

• Neither hot (trusting in Christ) nor cold (rejecting Christ), [but] lukewarm (trying to “reach God” by the law rather than by grace, which is actually God reaching them.)

The definition of lukewarm must be understood in the context of being addressed to a non-believer. This word is only used in this passage of scripture, so we only have the context of the passage itself by which to interpret it. If it were a stand-alone sentence outside of the full passage it could be interpreted as addressing a believer. Within the passage, it cannot and is clearly to a non-believer. What is the definition?

chliaros: tepid, warm
Original Word: χλιαρός, ά, όν
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: chliaros
Phonetic Spelling: (khlee-ar-os')
Short Definition: lukewarm
Definition: warm, tepid; of persons: lukewarm.
Word Origin
from chlió (to become warm)
Definition
tepid, warm
NASB Translation
lukewarm (1).
STRONGS NT 5513: χιλιαρος

χιλιαρος, χιλιαρα, χιλιαρον (χλίω, to become warm, liquefy, melt), tepid, lukewarm: metaphorically, of the condition of a soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor and a fervor of love, Revelation 3:16. (Herodotus, Pindar, Diodorus, Plutarch, Athen., Geoponica.)

The word, chliaros, simply means tepid. It is just an adjective. The understanding comes from how it is used. So how do we know that as an adjective, it is referring to those under law, not under grace?

Consider how someone could be within an assembly of believers and yet not be a believer, all the while thinking of themselves as believers.

Notice that Christ pointed out they thought of themselves as “rich and acquired in wealth, needing nothing”, when He saw them as naked, poor and desperately in need of spiritual riches and coverings and sight. (These only come by grace.)

But they think they are okay. Why? The only logical conclusion is that they had put their faith into something which did not provide true spiritual riches and covering and sight, but only the appearance of them. They were trusting in their own deeds; trying to reach God on their own merit. (That’s the burden of the law.)

Historically, this was a city that was so wealthy, they refused funds from Rome when they had to rebuild after an earthquake. They were famous for an eye salve which purported to cure many eye ailments and brought wealth to the city. They were also known for the very fine black wool cloth they produced and sold, which contributed to their wealth. They considered themselves to be the best of patriotic citizens of the Empire, producing goods for the well-being of others - all reasons to think highly of themselves from a worldly perspective. (Sound like any country we know of today?) They had faith in themselves, and what they had accomplished, not in the Lord they claimed to worship.

In that sense, it would not matter if lukewarm as an adjective mean torrid hot. It would only be torrid hot towards something other than the grace provided by the Faithful and True Witness.

This extended definition, “metaphorically, of the condition of a soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor (not caring about God) and a fervor of love (towards God)”, still wouldn't mean fluctuating between belonging to Christ and not belonging to Christ for such a state does not exist. We are either His or not His. (John 10:28-30)

It would only refer to not caring [and embracing sin because they don’t care about God] and fervor [in embracing the law as a means to reach God]. Grace is entirely missing here. The context of the passage makes it clear they are not His.

It is also interesting that Christ identifies them as neither hot nor cold three times before He says He is going to spit them out of His mouth. E.W. Bullinger says that “Three, therefore, stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire.” From this we might deduce that Christ is saying the real problem is in their neither being hot (secure in Christ) nor cold (aware of their wretched and lost condition). It’s the complete or entire issue, referring to their hopeless guilt before a Holy God outside of grace and their blind obliviousness to that condition because of their faith in the law. And because they are outside grace, He will have no choice but to spit them out.

The final piece that shows they are not His is how He declares Himself to be outside the door, knocking. And He says if anyone hears my voice. From John 10:27, we know that His sheep “know His voice” and will follow Him. It shows that these Laodiceans are those who do not yet “hear His voice”, for He promises that if they do hear and open the door, He will come in. (And then He would not be on the outside and He would assume responsibility for keeping them.) If they were believers, they would already hear His voice.

Putting all the pieces together, we understand the context of the full passage is a warning to those who trust in the law (righteousness by their own merits) and not grace (righteousness imputed from Christ’s atoning blood upon repentance). Therefore, the description of being lukewarm in this passage can only refer to the same.

Pilate wasn’t concerned about the charge of blasphemy. That was an internal matter among the Jews. But in calling Himself a King (John 18:33-37), Jesus was confessing to treason under Roman law, also a capital crime (Matt.27:11). Even then Pilate was inclined to release Jesus, but when the crowd became adamant, he saw a way to yield to their wishes while remaining within Roman Law. That’s why he had them place a sign on the Lord’s cross that said, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” He was announcing that the crime for which Jesus was being executed was treason.

We know that He died in our place, for our "crimes". Therefore, the treason is ours. We are the ones who have unlawfully declared our self to be "god", in that we wanted to make our own rules and be in charge ourselves - to be "like God". We are guilty of treason against the rightful ruler, the true God, by doing so. I had never thought about sin in that exact light before.

http://gracethrufaith.com/selah/thy-kingdom-come/melchizedek-jesus-and-us/#more-257

~Fair Us fir Education and Information purposes~

Who was this James that wrote the book of James..?? They really do NOT know... They think it might be the half brother of Jesus..

Ok, next who was the person addressing... Was it the Church,,?? No, it was not the Church.. Read this verse;

James 1:1 ¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad, greeting.

This James is writing about law, not grace.

There's also a few things I do not agree with... He mentions Work being the justifier, which has NEVER justified anyone, ever..

Read this verse:
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Abraham was NOT justified by works, but by his "belief" believing in God, which is faith, believing in something not seen, but knowing in your heart that God will do what he says..
Rom.4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Gal.3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James has this part correct, but then he moves into the works which never saved anyone..

Now read this:
Rom. 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but NOT before God.

Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There are a few verses in James that are relevant to the Church, but the believer needs to understand what Grace vs. Works is all about..

For us to become Christians, we have to "believe" in faith that Jesus Christ is the son of God.. If we can NOT believe or do not believe then we do not have faith..

John 6:28 ¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

God bless you for your selfless gift of teaching others.

But as David mentioned, salvation by works is not even an O.T. doctrine, because it was always by faith in the coming Messiah and by God's grace, that anyone was counted as righteous - the keeping of the law was intended as both a mirror revealing man's need for salvation and the outward submission of an inward faith in God.

So, even if there is a "tribulation dispensation" which is doctrinally separate from Daniel's seventy week (and that raises a lot of questions in and of itself), I don't see that it changes the equation of how we read James 2:24.

As for the rest of James' writing, just scanning the book of James quickly, I see he speaks of "first fruits" (1:18), which we know is the church, of the "implanted Word" (1:21), which I take to be Jesus in our hearts and minds, of the law of liberty (1:25 & 2:12), which would be the "liberty-not-license" of the age of grace, of mercy triumphing judgment (2:13), of the Spirit indwelling (4:5), which is an age of Grace attribute, and that if one knows to do good and does not, to him it is sin (4:17). That last, I believe, echoes Paul's teachings that all things are "legal", but not all are "profitable" in the sense that sinning puts barriers between us and God and is therefore, "not profitable" for a believer within our mortal lifetime.

With all that, James does seem to be speaking to the church. Do you have a link to this "tribulation dispensation" concept? I would be curious as to why they think it so.

Blessings,
Blue

I agree that there have been different dispensations. What I don't agree with is that James is saying something that is totally different from the rest of Scripture or that it was intended for the Tribulation believers alone. James never teaches salvation by works.

Basically (I think), the idea is that God deals with people in different dispensations in different ways. Like, He dealt with the Jews under Moses in a different way than He's dealing with Church age Christians right now (sacrifices and works vs faith alone).

According to this view, James falls into a future dispensation (the Tribulation), and is not written to us, but rather to the twelve tribes of Israel (check out James 1:1).

Of course, dispensationalists don't say we can't learn truths from every book in the Bible, but rather that we should recognize that not every book is addressed to Church age Christians.

What are y'all's opinions on this?

Bladesmith, thank you kind sir, I do enjoy "dissecting" grammar to see what can be seen. My prayer is that I always remain open to what He will show me, not what I expect to find.

TXThom, your encouragement always has me striving to be more fruitful for the Lord. To paraphrase a certain mod...my world is a better place for having a little TXThom in it.

"This text doesn't mean works saves us, rather, that we should be able to tell faith by someone's deeds, not just their words."

"True faith has something to show for it -- not just lip service."

"Works is the spirit, or fruit, of faith. Works don't save us, only grace does that, but they prove a true Christian."

In other words, Abraham wouldn't have been a man of great faith if he had just talked about obeying God and praising His name to the people. Rahab wouldn't have been a great woman of faith if she had merely thought saving those men was a good idea.

They actually DID something about it and put their money where their mouth was. Works themselves don't save, but works DO prove that you believe in the promises of God. Therefore, they sanctify you to be more like Christ.

~~Becka

First, that the Word of God is inspired, correct and complete, lacking nothing. (2 Timothy 3:16, James 1:4)

Second, that the Word of God does not contradict itself. If I see an apparent contradiction, I can have confidence the confusion is in my perception, not in the Word. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Third, that God is a God of order, not confusion. He desires me to understand His Word. (John 15:15)

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

The word translated as “justified” in this verse is dikaioo, and it has three possible meanings, or if you will, three levels:

Strong’s Number: 1344
Dikaioo
Definition:
- To render righteous or such he ought to be.
- To show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered.
- To declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be.

Let’s look a little closer at the differences between these three levels:

1) To render righteous or such he ought to be. This is an actual change in eternal status, from unrighteous to righteous. As it relates to our spirits and our position in God’s eyes, we have no power or means by which to make this change in status. Without God, nothing we can do, say or be can trigger that change from scarlet sinners to pristine white innocence. It takes divine power to accomplish this. Only by His Power, His Authority and His Sacrifice are we able to be justified in Christ when we believe, thereby changing our status to that of righteous from the status of unrighteous.

2) To show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered. This is external actions which reflect an internal reality. This is fruit bearing from a branch firmly attached to the vine. This is someone behaving in a manner consistent with how “he ought to be”, as a reflection of his internal and eternal status as righteous. This is possible for a believer only because one is already a believer. The first level of justification is required for the second level of justification to happen. Furthermore, the first level of justification should prompt the second level to increasingly appear, as a believer strives to be “that which we have already attained”. (Phil 3:16)

3) To declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be. This appears to be the human version of the divine justification. We cannot change the status of our spirits, only God can. But within human society, one can be justified by a human authority. For example, a judge may declare a man accused of killing in self-defense as justified, thereby declaring him “as he ought to be” or innocent and a free man.

Likewise, a brother in Christ may be recognized by the brethren as just and righteous; “such as he ought to be” as a believer, by the actions they observe and judge in him. In other words, they see he acts as a believer should act, and thereby credit him a human level version of the status of just and righteous.

This third (human) level of justification in no way supersedes the first (divine) level of justification and should only be seen as a human recognition of the believer’s actual status in God’s eyes. It can be wrong, because a given believer may not have been very successful at the second level (while still being justified in God’s eyes as His child) which is why God, Who knows the heart, always has the final word.

Now, which level is James talking about? One way to see is to insert the different definitions into the sentence and see which still make sense:

First level, divine

Ye see then how that by works a man is rendered righteous or such he ought to be, and not by faith only.

Well. that could makes sense, as a stand-alone sentence. But within the Word of God, it would be contrary to other clear scripture that teach salvation (justification) by grace alone. Thus, accepting this meaning would violate the continuity of the Word of God. So it cannot be the first level, divine.

Second level, fruit bearing

Ye see then how that by works a man is shown, exhibits and evinces himself to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered, and not by faith only.

This second level (fruit bearing) makes sense, both as a stand-alone sentence and in keeping with other clear scripture that tells us we cannot be “justified” (first level, divine) by works. It also fits with the scriptures which urge us to live a life worthy of the gift of salvation we have been given. (Eph 4:1, Col. 1:10)

Third level, human recognition

Ye see then how that by works a man is declared and pronounced to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be, and not by faith only.

This level (third, human recognition) could also make sense, and doesn’t exactly clash with other scripture. However, it also doesn’t seem to be the best fit.

In this passage, James is talking about what it profits a man to behave in such a way as to give no evidence of his faith through his works. We can see a loss of profit in the sense of not being recognized by others as righteous, but the true loss of profit is in our growth as a believer and in our relationship to the Lord. Both examples James uses (Abraham and Rahab) took action upon their faith and benefited first within their relationship to God, before they benefited within society.

Furthermore, it was James himself who warned against judging by appearance, and said mercy triumphs judgment, just a few verses before - which would make it a bit contrary for him to be speaking in this verse of a human level “justification”.

Looked at this way, it seems clear to me that James was speaking of the second type of justification; that of living up to the status of which “we have already attained”. This dovetails nicely with Paul’s admonition that “he who will not work, shall not eat” (2 Thess. 3:19), and Peter's admonition to “be ye holy for God is Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

James is saying, “If you believe, act like it!” He is not saying “If you act like it, you are a believer”.

Published on May 3, 2013
Perry Stone teaches from Israel.

Fair Use For Educational and Discussion Purposes

Someone once attempted to translate Genesis 6:9

(These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.)

as not that Noah was perfect (all have sinned), but that his genealogy (dna) was perfectly unblemished by the intermarrying. He and his family were the very last of the human race. God did not judge until to wait any longer would ruin any hope of bringing salvation to the human race. Satan's ongoing plan to interfere with this plan was once again defeated.

Interesting parallels could be drawn with what was shared.

Blessings,
Greg

Unsealed.org

Also, the whole "alien disclosure" agenda.

The central themes in John 10 are deception and deliverance.

Jesus warned us many times about a great deception where, "were it possible," even the faithful could be deceived.

Luke 25-28 » 
25 “And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars; and upon the earth distress among nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring.

26 Men’s hearts will fail them for fear and for looking upon those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27 And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Those things?? Definitely seems cryptic to my ears.

I see hope in that little phrase "were it possible" that the Lord used. Maybe we will be harpazoed and hidden from "those things" coming upon the earth.

Maranatha Lord Jesus.

This allows for the BRIDE to have a special intimacy with Yeshua now in this life. Only the BRIDE gets this gift. This is the abundant life He promised. Most Christians don't live up to the potential of this Gift. But they have it just the same. It's the "earnest of our inheritance" as Ephesians 1:13-14 states. The guarantee of what is to come. Which is to say, our glorification.

Ephesians 1:12 says - "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

If there is no Rapture of the Church, why, then, the distinction of the FIRST to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His Glory? Trib Saints are likely many critical thinkers, those who need "proof". God provides them with that proof in the Rapture. Unfortunately, they missed the boat. But now, they have something to base their faith off of, that God is real, His promises are true in Christ, and they can be martyred with a clear conscience. There's no more doubt because we who were the FIRST to hope in Christ have received our inheritance early.

Praise God! \O/

~~Becka

We are bought and paid for through His blood.

He is a jealous God. He will not harm the Bride He's secured for Yeshua. Interestingly enough, not even the BODIES of DEAD saints will be left behind. This means to me that our salvation isn't only for our souls, but for our body as well. We are a triune being just as God is, body/soul/spirit.

In other words, God's plan wasn't to save souls, but the entire BEING. We need a body to do God's work. While we may be conscious as souls in Heaven and enjoy it, I don't believe even souls are enjoying Heaven to it's full extent until they are glorified. Not even dead saints have gotten their rewards and mansions, nor have they sat upon the Throne of God.

Since the Bride is "one", as the Father and Son and Spirit are "one" (echad, like one bunch of grapes), the inheritance of the Bride happens all at once. We are considered "one" Body made out of many parts (feet/hands/eyes/etc.)

Anyway, the point is, WRATH is different than PERSECUTION. Man persecutes Christianity. God's WRATH is entirely different. God cannot be wrathful against those blood-bought by Yeshua. As He is, so are we in this world ~1 John 4:17. As far as God is concerned, the Church on earth is millions of "Christs" everywhere. We each bear His likeness, righteousness, and light to the world.

God cannot rain down wrath with a world full of His Son.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 helped me with this a bit --

10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Now, in this verse, we see that Christ delivers (in KJV, it is past tense - delivered) us from the wrath TO COME. **Future tense**. This is the Trib. The word for "delivers" is Strongs number 4506. It is the SAME word used in Romans 11:26:

And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;

Now, if that word, quoted from the OT, applies to Yeshua Himself, then "delivers" cannot be some blanket statement about protecting us from the Trib.

It is also the same word in the Lord's Prayer, "deliver us from evil".

Christ is The Deliverer. He didn't do a marginal job of delivering us from wrath on the cross. We. Are. Delivered. Past tense. From the wrath TO COME. Future tense.

In the same way my entire life's record is GONE, all my FUTURE sins are no longer counted against me, so too is all the future wrath gone for me upon this earth.

God CANNOT let wrath fall when there's even ONE righteous person (His Son) on the earth. He gave that as a promise to Abraham when they haggled about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. That would be UNJUST of God, to make us experience what Christ has already bore.

Double jeopardy.

Trib Saints, however, are a different dispensation, different "rules" apply to them. They WILL have to ride it out, and likely God WILL protect these. What is the difference? They do not have the Spirit indwelling them. The Spirit is what's taken "out of the way". They have the Spirit upon them, but not indwelling.

Scripture mentions those Saints who come out of the Trib (died) will "rule and reign" with Christ -- this means to me at the end of it all, the Trib Saints must be resurrected and THEN they are indwelt by the Spirit at that time, when God's purpose has been fulfilled.

They cannot be indwelt by the Spirit during the Trib, else they would again be millions of "Christs" running around, just as the Church.

Trib Saints, in other words, are like OT Saints. Covered by their faith, but not indwelt like the Bride. Not this side of the veil, anyway.

~~Becka

The Father -- Creative Mind.
The Son -- Logos (Word); Agent of creation; Expression of the Father.
The Spirit -- Effectuating the word, or command, and making it happen.

The Father thinks it, the Son speaks it, and the Spirit puts that command in effect.

Published on Apr 29, 2013
Pastor Paul Begley of Indiana reads from Daniel Chapter 2 http://www.paulbegleyprophecy.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_toruj7W0

Published on Apr 29, 2013
Pastor Paul Begley of Indiana reads the conclusion of Daniel Chapter 2 http://www.paulbegleyprophecy.com

Welcome to Ritanow and God bless you!!

could the revealing of that "beast" be before our Good Shepherd appears for his sheep??

Are you suggesting something other than a pre-tribulation rapture? I don't see an application to the timing of Christ's return in that chapter.

The pretribulation position is the only framework through which Paul could have written 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 because otherwise even if the Tribulation had not begun when the letter was written, it would always be possible by the time it was read to say that it could have started in the interim (as some would argue it has now). The only "proof" and therefore "comfort" anyone could offer that the Tribulation was not something to be concerned about (yet) is if it is simply not possible for the Church to be here when it commences.

Titans, Nephilim, Ananaki...

Whenever I think of this fallen angel stuff and how it might relate to us on this end of Bible history... I think of what the timing of events could be... the revealing of a super-human "Shining One" to a planet engulfed with impossible problems... could the revealing of that "beast" be before our Good Shepherd appears for his sheep??

Read John Chapter 10 and let your mind turn that question over a few times.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010&version=KJV