Navigating the Bible: James

What good is it, What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, [music] if dear brothers and sisters, [music] if dear brothers and sisters, [music] if you say you have faith, but don't show you say you have faith, but don't show you say you have faith, but don't show it by your actions? it by your actions? it by your actions? Can that kind of faith [music] save Can that kind of faith [music] save Can that kind of faith [music] save anyone? anyone? anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who Suppose you see a brother or sister who Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, [music] has no food or clothing, [music] has no food or clothing, [music] and you say, and you say, and you say, "Goodbye, and have a good day. Stay warm "Goodbye, and have a good day. Stay warm "Goodbye, and have a good day. Stay warm and eat well." and eat well." and eat well." But [music] then you don't give that But [music] then you don't give that But [music] then you don't give that person any food or clothing. person any food or clothing. person any food or clothing. What good does [music] that do? What good does [music] that do? What good does [music] that do? So you see, So you see, So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. faith by itself isn't enough. faith by itself isn't enough. Unless [music] it produces good deeds, Unless [music] it produces good deeds, Unless [music] it produces good deeds, it is dead it is dead it is dead and useless. and useless. and useless. James, [music] chapter 2, James, [music] chapter 2, James, [music] chapter 2, verses 14 through 17. I think many people probably fall into I think many people probably fall into one of two camps [music] about James. one of two camps [music] about James. one of two camps [music] about James. It's either one of their favorites, or It's either one of their favorites, or It's either one of their favorites, or they bristle against [music] it a little they bristle against [music] it a little they bristle against [music] it a little bit. bit. bit. This is because James does not pull any This is because James does not pull any This is because James does not pull any punches about what it means [music] to punches about what it means [music] to punches about what it means [music] to live in a way that focuses and cares for live in a way that focuses and cares for live in a way that focuses and cares for other people.

other people. other people. He says, "Faith is dead [music] without He says, "Faith is dead [music] without He says, "Faith is dead [music] without good works." good works." good works." He says, "His actions made his faith He says, "His actions made his faith He says, "His actions made his faith complete." He says, "I will show you my complete." He says, "I will show you my complete." He says, "I will show you my faith by [music] my good deeds." faith by [music] my good deeds." faith by [music] my good deeds." All of this is in the context of what All of this is in the context of what All of this is in the context of what James has to say about helping [music] James has to say about helping [music] James has to say about helping [music] the poor, the poor, the poor, the widows, and the orphans. the widows, and the orphans. the widows, and the orphans. And what he has to say about how we And what he has to say about how we And what he has to say about how we handle persecution and trials, and what handle persecution and trials, and what handle persecution and trials, and what he has [music] to say about how we he has [music] to say about how we he has [music] to say about how we speak. speak. speak. James is an in-your-face book James is an in-your-face book James is an in-your-face book in the best of ways. in the best of ways. in the best of ways. To help us navigate To help us navigate To help us navigate the book of James is Dr. Craig Blomberg, the book of James is Dr. Craig Blomberg, the book of James is Dr. Craig Blomberg, professor emeritus of New Testament professor emeritus of New Testament professor emeritus of New Testament [music] [music] [music] at the Denver Seminary, and author of at the Denver Seminary, and author of at the Denver Seminary, and author of many books, including a commentary on many books, including a commentary on many books, including a commentary on James. James. James. My name is Jason Weiland and this is My name is Jason Weiland and this is My name is Jason Weiland and this is Readable [music] Discipleship. Readable [music] Discipleship. Readable [music] Discipleship. Navigating the Bible, Navigating the Bible, Navigating the Bible, James.

All right, I am here with Dr. Craig All right, I am here with Dr. Craig Blomberg to talk about James. Craig, Blomberg to talk about James. Craig, Blomberg to talk about James. Craig, thank you so much for being here. I thank you so much for being here. I thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate it. really appreciate it. really appreciate it. >> Thank you for having me. >> Thank you for having me. >> Thank you for having me. >> So, it's been I mean, it's been such a >> So, it's been I mean, it's been such a >> So, it's been I mean, it's been such a fun journey going through all these New fun journey going through all these New fun journey going through all these New Testament books, through all these Testament books, through all these Testament books, through all these letters, epistles. We've spent a lot of letters, epistles. We've spent a lot of letters, epistles. We've spent a lot of time with Paul, and now we get to talk time with Paul, and now we get to talk time with Paul, and now we get to talk about James. So, let's start, if you about James. So, let's start, if you about James. So, let's start, if you will, by kind of setting the table for will, by kind of setting the table for will, by kind of setting the table for us a little bit. us a little bit. us a little bit. Who is James? Who is James? Who is James? Talk us about well, authorship in Talk us about well, authorship in Talk us about well, authorship in general. I've learned I need to say general. I've learned I need to say general. I've learned I need to say authorship in general, but also who is authorship in general, but also who is authorship in general, but also who is James and kind of when do we think this James and kind of when do we think this James and kind of when do we think this letter was written and how does knowing letter was written and how does knowing letter was written and how does knowing these things, how does knowing about these things, how does knowing about these things, how does knowing about James or the author, how does knowing James or the author, how does knowing James or the author, how does knowing the timeline, how does it affect how we the timeline, how does it affect how we the timeline, how does it affect how we approach reading the book? approach reading the book? approach reading the book? >> The James that >> The James that >> The James that the Christian Church has the Christian Church has the Christian Church has pretty unanimously pretty unanimously pretty unanimously agreed is the author, agreed is the author, agreed is the author, at least until the rise of a certain at least until the rise of a certain at least until the rise of a certain branch of more skeptical biblical branch of more skeptical biblical branch of more skeptical biblical scholarship, is the James who is uh scholarship, is the James who is uh scholarship, is the James who is uh a half-brother of Jesus, not either one a half-brother of Jesus, not either one a half-brother of Jesus, not either one of the two men named James who were of the two men named James who were of the two men named James who were among the 12 apostles, um but among the 12 apostles, um but among the 12 apostles, um but this James this James this James really uh really uh really uh comes to the fore in the book of Acts, comes to the fore in the book of Acts, comes to the fore in the book of Acts, starting in chapter 12, when um starting in chapter 12, when um starting in chapter 12, when um his namesake has been martyred under

his namesake has been martyred under his namesake has been martyred under Herod Agrippa, and Peter has been in Herod Agrippa, and Peter has been in Herod Agrippa, and Peter has been in prison, but then miraculously released, prison, but then miraculously released, prison, but then miraculously released, but we read simply that Peter left but we read simply that Peter left but we read simply that Peter left Jerusalem, went to another place. We're Jerusalem, went to another place. We're Jerusalem, went to another place. We're not told where. And from that point on, not told where. And from that point on, not told where. And from that point on, every time we're back in Jerusalem in every time we're back in Jerusalem in every time we're back in Jerusalem in the book of Acts, it's James, the book of Acts, it's James, the book of Acts, it's James, the brother of our Lord, who is the the brother of our Lord, who is the the brother of our Lord, who is the chief elder in the church in Jerusalem. chief elder in the church in Jerusalem. chief elder in the church in Jerusalem. We can date We can date We can date this shift uh this shift uh this shift uh pretty closely to about the year 44. pretty closely to about the year 44. pretty closely to about the year 44. So, about 14 years after the most common So, about 14 years after the most common So, about 14 years after the most common date for Jesus' death and resurrection date for Jesus' death and resurrection date for Jesus' death and resurrection in 30. in 30. in 30. Um Um Um that means that for people who believe that means that for people who believe that means that for people who believe this is is the this is is the this is is the correct identification of the author, correct identification of the author, correct identification of the author, we've got two options. we've got two options. we've got two options. We can put James quite early, maybe as We can put James quite early, maybe as We can put James quite early, maybe as the earliest book in the New Testament. the earliest book in the New Testament. the earliest book in the New Testament. Between 44 and probably 49, when the Between 44 and probably 49, when the Between 44 and probably 49, when the Jerusalem Council gets together in Acts Jerusalem Council gets together in Acts Jerusalem Council gets together in Acts 15 to hash out 15 to hash out 15 to hash out what does salvation involve for Jews.

what does salvation involve for Jews. what does salvation involve for Jews. Some people had come saying you must be Some people had come saying you must be Some people had come saying you must be circumcised to be saved. Acts 15:1. circumcised to be saved. Acts 15:1. circumcised to be saved. Acts 15:1. And prior to this point in time, you can And prior to this point in time, you can And prior to this point in time, you can understand why understand why understand why James could say faith without works is James could say faith without works is James could say faith without works is dead without necessarily even realizing dead without necessarily even realizing dead without necessarily even realizing that for some people that could sound that for some people that could sound that for some people that could sound like a contradiction with Paul. like a contradiction with Paul. like a contradiction with Paul. They haven't hashed this out in detail They haven't hashed this out in detail They haven't hashed this out in detail or come to or come to or come to the kind of agreement that you get in the kind of agreement that you get in the kind of agreement that you get in Acts 15. Acts 15. Acts 15. The other option is that you put it just The other option is that you put it just The other option is that you put it just about at the end of James' life. We know about at the end of James' life. We know about at the end of James' life. We know that he was himself martyred that he was himself martyred that he was himself martyred in 62. in 62. in 62. And And And by that time most of Paul's major by that time most of Paul's major by that time most of Paul's major letters had come out. And it could well letters had come out. And it could well letters had come out. And it could well be that there were people who were be that there were people who were be that there were people who were misrepresenting or misunderstanding Paul misrepresenting or misunderstanding Paul misrepresenting or misunderstanding Paul so that they thought so that they thought so that they thought he didn't believe in good works. he didn't believe in good works. he didn't believe in good works. Um, so Um, so Um, so the famous part of James' letter is the famous part of James' letter is the famous part of James' letter is faith without works is dead. How do you faith without works is dead. How do you faith without works is dead. How do you reconcile this with Paul?

reconcile this with Paul? reconcile this with Paul? That's significant for the date because That's significant for the date because That's significant for the date because it pretty much means we have to put it pretty much means we have to put it pretty much means we have to put James either very early James either very early James either very early um after James becoming the lead elder um after James becoming the lead elder um after James becoming the lead elder in Jerusalem or right at the end of his in Jerusalem or right at the end of his in Jerusalem or right at the end of his life. life. life. Um Um Um I think the case is stronger for the I think the case is stronger for the I think the case is stronger for the early date. How does that affect our early date. How does that affect our early date. How does that affect our understanding of the letter? understanding of the letter? understanding of the letter? Means this may be the first Means this may be the first Means this may be the first Christian document we have Christian document we have Christian document we have preserved. preserved. preserved. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And one of the most astonishing things >> And one of the most astonishing things >> And one of the most astonishing things is what the church already agreed on is what the church already agreed on is what the church already agreed on when in when in when in James chapter James chapter James chapter Sorry, when in Galatians chapter two, Sorry, when in Galatians chapter two, Sorry, when in Galatians chapter two, when James and Paul are first discussing when James and Paul are first discussing when James and Paul are first discussing this debate um this debate um this debate um at the end of that conversation, at the end of that conversation, at the end of that conversation, Paul writes Paul writes Paul writes the only thing that the only limits they the only thing that the only limits they the only thing that the only limits they put on him was that he should continue put on him was that he should continue put on him was that he should continue to remember the poor, to remember the poor, to remember the poor, the very thing he was already eager to the very thing he was already eager to the very thing he was already eager to do.

do. do. Um Um Um even as the church is trying to figure even as the church is trying to figure even as the church is trying to figure out out out what does it mean to be saved? what does it mean to be saved? what does it mean to be saved? They already knew whatever else you do They already knew whatever else you do They already knew whatever else you do as a Christian, you obviously help the as a Christian, you obviously help the as a Christian, you obviously help the poor. poor. poor. Would that we were that way again. Would that we were that way again. Would that we were that way again. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Yeah, it is fascinating to Yeah, it is fascinating to Yeah, it is fascinating to to be reading to be reading to be reading me growing up and spending, you know, me growing up and spending, you know, me growing up and spending, you know, time going through the Bible and time going through the Bible and time going through the Bible and spending time in James before, spending time in James before, spending time in James before, I don't think I've ever approached it I don't think I've ever approached it I don't think I've ever approached it with this idea of this is one of the with this idea of this is one of the with this idea of this is one of the earliest letters or even, you know, earliest letters or even, you know, earliest letters or even, you know, documents of the whole New Testament. documents of the whole New Testament. documents of the whole New Testament. And to see what it presents is And to see what it presents is And to see what it presents is fascinating. Um so, I think that's fascinating. Um so, I think that's fascinating. Um so, I think that's incredibly helpful and rich to think incredibly helpful and rich to think incredibly helpful and rich to think like this is like this is like this is if we take that 44 date, this is really if we take that 44 date, this is really if we take that 44 date, this is really early on in the early on in the early on in the ministry of the church. And um it's ministry of the church. And um it's ministry of the church. And um it's fascinating. fascinating. fascinating. >> Really anytime between 44 and 49. >> Really anytime between 44 and 49. >> Really anytime between 44 and 49. >> Still early, yeah, for sure. >> Still early, yeah, for sure. >> Still early, yeah, for sure. >> That's [laughter] right. >> That's [laughter] right. >> That's [laughter] right. >> Um and and to >> Um and and to >> Um and and to and to see the themes that James brings and to see the themes that James brings and to see the themes that James brings up as we'll get into those throughout um up as we'll get into those throughout um up as we'll get into those throughout um our conversation today, it's very it's our conversation today, it's very it's our conversation today, it's very it's it's very helpful and it reads different it's very helpful and it reads different it's very helpful and it reads different because it and because it and because it and I love this opening to this book.

I love this opening to this book. I love this opening to this book. It made me laugh rereading it how you It made me laugh rereading it how you It made me laugh rereading it how you just have greetings. What the just have greetings. What the just have greetings. What the I just love that part at the end I just love that part at the end I just love that part at the end [laughter] of of his opening. But that [laughter] of of his opening. But that [laughter] of of his opening. But that idea that he is directly saying I'm idea that he is directly saying I'm idea that he is directly saying I'm writing to the 12 tribes, the Jewish writing to the 12 tribes, the Jewish writing to the 12 tribes, the Jewish believers scattered abroad. Um so, he believers scattered abroad. Um so, he believers scattered abroad. Um so, he he's stating this audience very clear. he's stating this audience very clear. he's stating this audience very clear. Throughout Paul's letters have been Throughout Paul's letters have been Throughout Paul's letters have been mainly talking to the churches that he's mainly talking to the churches that he's mainly talking to the churches that he's planted and being responding to the planted and being responding to the planted and being responding to the issues that he's So, so we see kind of issues that he's So, so we see kind of issues that he's So, so we see kind of the inside of a back and forth. James the inside of a back and forth. James the inside of a back and forth. James we see these immediate themes and as he we see these immediate themes and as he we see these immediate themes and as he makes clear he's writing to the Jewish makes clear he's writing to the Jewish makes clear he's writing to the Jewish believers scattered. So, um he is believers scattered. So, um he is believers scattered. So, um he is presenting this this early intro presenting this this early intro presenting this this early intro these these early encouragements in the these these early encouragements in the these these early encouragements in the faith, these early themes that are going faith, these early themes that are going faith, these early themes that are going to continue to be resonant through all to continue to be resonant through all to continue to be resonant through all of the rest of the letters if you read of the rest of the letters if you read of the rest of the letters if you read them chronologically. And I think that's them chronologically. And I think that's them chronologically. And I think that's incredibly helpful for readers today to incredibly helpful for readers today to incredibly helpful for readers today to keep that in mind. So, that's good stuff. So, that's good stuff. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I love it.

>> I love it. >> I love it. >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> Very um so, >> Very um so, >> Very um so, what can you tell us about who James is what can you tell us about who James is what can you tell us about who James is writing to? I I I I mentioned he says writing to? I I I I mentioned he says writing to? I I I I mentioned he says explicitly he's writing to the Jewish explicitly he's writing to the Jewish explicitly he's writing to the Jewish believers scattered. believers scattered. believers scattered. What do we know about his intended What do we know about his intended What do we know about his intended audience? audience? audience? >> As you read the letter and see the >> As you read the letter and see the >> As you read the letter and see the specific uh specific uh specific uh topics that he addresses, it becomes topics that he addresses, it becomes topics that he addresses, it becomes clear that clear that clear that uh uh uh one uh prominent segment at least of the one uh prominent segment at least of the one uh prominent segment at least of the church or churches that he's writing to church or churches that he's writing to church or churches that he's writing to are themselves fairly poor are themselves fairly poor are themselves fairly poor Jewish uh Jewish uh Jewish uh Today we would probably call them Today we would probably call them Today we would probably call them migrant workers or guest workers. Uh migrant workers or guest workers. Uh migrant workers or guest workers. Uh those who those who those who uh were uh were uh were working the land uh for uh often working the land uh for uh often working the land uh for uh often absentee landlord farmers absentee landlord farmers absentee landlord farmers at uh minimum wage and dependent on at uh minimum wage and dependent on at uh minimum wage and dependent on being being being hired and then paid on a daily basis. Uh hired and then paid on a daily basis. Uh hired and then paid on a daily basis. Uh by the time we get to chapter 5 verses 1 by the time we get to chapter 5 verses 1 by the time we get to chapter 5 verses 1 to 6, that that all becomes fairly to 6, that that all becomes fairly to 6, that that all becomes fairly clear. Uh and so um clear. Uh and so um clear. Uh and so um when he talks about the theme of trials when he talks about the theme of trials when he talks about the theme of trials and temptations, which he introduces and temptations, which he introduces and temptations, which he introduces right in those very first verses that right in those very first verses that right in those very first verses that you mentioned, um there's general you mentioned, um there's general you mentioned, um there's general application, but there's also very application, but there's also very application, but there's also very specific application to specific application to specific application to uh those who are uh those who are uh those who are at times unnecessarily impoverished

at times unnecessarily impoverished at times unnecessarily impoverished because because because uh the people who should be paying them uh the people who should be paying them uh the people who should be paying them have been withholding their wages. have been withholding their wages. have been withholding their wages. And uh And uh And uh You need to keep that in mind as uh as You need to keep that in mind as uh as You need to keep that in mind as uh as the uh book unfolds. It's uh the uh book unfolds. It's uh the uh book unfolds. It's uh collection of themes that all focus on collection of themes that all focus on collection of themes that all focus on Christian perfection. Hm. That may be a Christian perfection. Hm. That may be a Christian perfection. Hm. That may be a misleading term. Others like to say misleading term. Others like to say misleading term. Others like to say wholeness, hm, uh single-mindedness, wholeness, hm, uh single-mindedness, wholeness, hm, uh single-mindedness, uh maturity, uh maturity, uh maturity, uh but uh uh but uh uh but uh what does it mean to serve God what does it mean to serve God what does it mean to serve God wholeheartedly when times are tough? wholeheartedly when times are tough? wholeheartedly when times are tough? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. So, so with that in mind and we're So, so with that in mind and we're So, so with that in mind and we're probably going in that same direction, probably going in that same direction, probably going in that same direction, but I'm going to I'm going to ask the but I'm going to I'm going to ask the but I'm going to I'm going to ask the question anyway because I like to get it question anyway because I like to get it question anyway because I like to get it nice and set. How would you describe the nice and set. How would you describe the nice and set. How would you describe the book of James then in one sentence? hopes to hopes to instruct believers that he already has some kind believers that he already has some kind of relationship with of relationship with of relationship with in in in um um um key aspects key aspects key aspects of Christian maturity of Christian maturity of Christian maturity particularly particularly particularly um um um the issues of trials and temptations the issues of trials and temptations the issues of trials and temptations >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> um >> um >> um wisdom, specially in the area of speech wisdom, specially in the area of speech wisdom, specially in the area of speech and um and um and um a right attitude and a right attitude and a right attitude and understanding of poverty and riches. understanding of poverty and riches. understanding of poverty and riches. >> Yeah. And that sentence paints a great picture And that sentence paints a great picture of the themes that we're going to be of the themes that we're going to be of the themes that we're going to be talking about for sure. And when you talking about for sure. And when you talking about for sure. And when you think about I I I have it in my mind, so think about I I I have it in my mind, so think about I I I have it in my mind, so I don't want to lose it, but we'll get I don't want to lose it, but we'll get I don't want to lose it, but we'll get into it, too, into it, too, into it, too, later. As we think about these themes, later. As we think about these themes, later. As we think about these themes, they seem like themes of real life they seem like themes of real life they seem like themes of real life issues. They're just the themes that issues. They're just the themes that issues. They're just the themes that everybody walks through, trials, everybody walks through, trials, everybody walks through, trials, temptations, poor, have, have not. temptations, poor, have, have not. temptations, poor, have, have not. They're I think about speech and how we They're I think about speech and how we They're I think about speech and how we talk, how we present ourselves to other talk, how we present ourselves to other talk, how we present ourselves to other people, how we engage with other people. people, how we engage with other people. people, how we engage with other people. They're just very real life, They're just very real life, They're just very real life, down-to-earth issues that James is down-to-earth issues that James is down-to-earth issues that James is talking about as you said earlier, how talking about as you said earlier, how talking about as you said earlier, how to how to operate in them to how to operate in them to how to operate in them uh perfectly or wholeness or or or uh perfectly or wholeness or or or uh perfectly or wholeness or or or with a sense of wholeness or with a sense of wholeness or with a sense of wholeness or wholeheartedly or wholeheartedly or wholeheartedly or uh and whatnot. So, I I I I love being uh and whatnot. So, I I I I love being uh and whatnot. So, I I I I love being able to focus in on that and we'll get able to focus in on that and we'll get able to focus in on that and we'll get um into that in uh very soon, but first um into that in uh very soon, but first um into that in uh very soon, but first I want to look at at the flow of the I want to look at at the flow of the I want to look at at the flow of the letter. We have five chapters here. What letter. We have five chapters here. What letter. We have five chapters here. What is James taking us through from chapter is James taking us through from chapter is James taking us through from chapter 1 through chapter 5?

1 through chapter 5? 1 through chapter 5? >> Now you ask the question where uh just >> Now you ask the question where uh just >> Now you ask the question where uh just about every commentator gives a slightly about every commentator gives a slightly about every commentator gives a slightly different answer. different answer. different answer. >> Oh, I love that. >> Oh, I love that. >> Oh, I love that. >> Um >> Um >> Um unlike uh a few of Paul's uh unlike uh a few of Paul's uh unlike uh a few of Paul's uh letters that seem very structured, uh letters that seem very structured, uh letters that seem very structured, uh there are people who have thrown up there are people who have thrown up there are people who have thrown up their hands and said, their hands and said, their hands and said, "We are trying to impose structure on "We are trying to impose structure on "We are trying to impose structure on James that he didn't have in mind if we James that he didn't have in mind if we James that he didn't have in mind if we create an outline for him." create an outline for him." create an outline for him." You can go through and and recognize 9, You can go through and and recognize 9, You can go through and and recognize 9, 10, 11, 12 segments that pretty much 10, 11, 12 segments that pretty much 10, 11, 12 segments that pretty much everybody agrees these are the everybody agrees these are the everybody agrees these are the individual building blocks of the individual building blocks of the individual building blocks of the letter. letter. letter. Um but does he have uh an overall Um but does he have uh an overall Um but does he have uh an overall structure? I personally think he does. structure? I personally think he does. structure? I personally think he does. Um today there are a fair amount of Um today there are a fair amount of Um today there are a fair amount of people that would say chapter 1 is the people that would say chapter 1 is the people that would say chapter 1 is the table of contents. table of contents. table of contents. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And uh >> And uh >> And uh the very three things I just mentioned, the very three things I just mentioned, the very three things I just mentioned, uh James goes over and he goes over them uh James goes over and he goes over them uh James goes over and he goes over them twice in the same order. Uh trials and twice in the same order. Uh trials and twice in the same order. Uh trials and temptations, wisdom and speech, poverty temptations, wisdom and speech, poverty temptations, wisdom and speech, poverty and riches, and then he cycles back and riches, and then he cycles back and riches, and then he cycles back through them again.

through them again. through them again. There would be a fair amount of There would be a fair amount of There would be a fair amount of agreement that the rest of the letter agreement that the rest of the letter agreement that the rest of the letter then unpacks those themes and related then unpacks those themes and related then unpacks those themes and related ones in greater detail. ones in greater detail. ones in greater detail. Can we Can we Can we discern without imposing even more discern without imposing even more discern without imposing even more structure? structure? structure? I would tentatively suggest that we can I would tentatively suggest that we can I would tentatively suggest that we can because because because chapter two chapter two chapter two pretty much everyone agrees pretty much everyone agrees pretty much everyone agrees deals with the issue of rich and poor, deals with the issue of rich and poor, deals with the issue of rich and poor, not showing favoritism to the rich not showing favoritism to the rich not showing favoritism to the rich church visitor and church visitor and church visitor and putting down the poor one. Um yes, it's putting down the poor one. Um yes, it's putting down the poor one. Um yes, it's all about faith and works, but that all about faith and works, but that all about faith and works, but that emerges out of the context of uh hugely emerges out of the context of uh hugely emerges out of the context of uh hugely dispossessed people barely clothed, dispossessed people barely clothed, dispossessed people barely clothed, hungry, fellow believers that James hungry, fellow believers that James hungry, fellow believers that James imagines this extreme situation where imagines this extreme situation where imagines this extreme situation where the church just says, "Oh, go warm and the church just says, "Oh, go warm and the church just says, "Oh, go warm and be well fed." but does nothing to help.

be well fed." but does nothing to help. be well fed." but does nothing to help. So, riches and poverty unpacked in So, riches and poverty unpacked in So, riches and poverty unpacked in chapter two, chapter two, chapter two, wisdom and speech unpacked in chapter wisdom and speech unpacked in chapter wisdom and speech unpacked in chapter three verse one through four 12, three verse one through four 12, three verse one through four 12, and then the whole issue of trials and and then the whole issue of trials and and then the whole issue of trials and temptations, temptations, temptations, uh the trials uh or the temptations of uh the trials uh or the temptations of uh the trials uh or the temptations of those who want to get rich four 13 to those who want to get rich four 13 to those who want to get rich four 13 to 17, 17, 17, the trials of those being oppressed by the trials of those being oppressed by the trials of those being oppressed by the already uh exorbitantly rich uh five the already uh exorbitantly rich uh five the already uh exorbitantly rich uh five one to 12, and then a topic that seems one to 12, and then a topic that seems one to 12, and then a topic that seems to come out of the blue, to come out of the blue, to come out of the blue, uh somebody who is uh very ill or uh somebody who is uh very ill or uh somebody who is uh very ill or injured having the elders pray over him injured having the elders pray over him injured having the elders pray over him and anoint them with oil is certainly uh and anoint them with oil is certainly uh and anoint them with oil is certainly uh uh physical, the trial of serious uh physical, the trial of serious uh physical, the trial of serious disease or injury. disease or injury. disease or injury. So, um that would be uh my overall So, um that would be uh my overall So, um that would be uh my overall outline. outline. outline. >> Yeah, so it's really >> Yeah, so it's really >> Yeah, so it's really James is very steadfast in his themes James is very steadfast in his themes James is very steadfast in his themes that he's wanting to talk about. And you that he's wanting to talk about. And you that he's wanting to talk about. And you can tell can tell can tell as you said very clearly from the very as you said very clearly from the very as you said very clearly from the very beginning of the of the letter that beginning of the of the letter that beginning of the of the letter that these are very important to him that he these are very important to him that he these are very important to him that he he feels called to to talk about these he feels called to to talk about these he feels called to to talk about these three themes and really dive into them.

three themes and really dive into them. three themes and really dive into them. So so let's let's take each of those So so let's let's take each of those So so let's let's take each of those themes now and start to kind of unpack themes now and start to kind of unpack themes now and start to kind of unpack um what they um what they um what they what James is trying to say in and what James is trying to say in and what James is trying to say in and through each of these themes. So so through each of these themes. So so through each of these themes. So so let's start with the with the first one let's start with the with the first one let's start with the with the first one with the trials and with the trials and with the trials and and tribulations and temptations. What and tribulations and temptations. What and tribulations and temptations. What is James saying about this theme? >> He's saying >> He's saying that that that God brings trials, but he does not God brings trials, but he does not God brings trials, but he does not bring temptations. bring temptations. bring temptations. And one and the same set of events or And one and the same set of events or And one and the same set of events or circumstances circumstances circumstances can turn out to be an occasion for can turn out to be an occasion for can turn out to be an occasion for either one of those. either one of those. either one of those. But that will depend on the believer's But that will depend on the believer's But that will depend on the believer's response. And so response. And so response. And so when tempted, no one should say I am when tempted, no one should say I am when tempted, no one should say I am being tempted by God being tempted by God being tempted by God in chapter 1. Um in chapter 1. Um in chapter 1. Um God brings only good gifts. He goes on God brings only good gifts. He goes on God brings only good gifts. He goes on to say in the next three verses there.

to say in the next three verses there. to say in the next three verses there. It does not mean that hard times don't It does not mean that hard times don't It does not mean that hard times don't come to believers. They do. come to believers. They do. come to believers. They do. And And And in one of the craziest verses in the in one of the craziest verses in the in one of the craziest verses in the Bible right in verse 2, we're to Bible right in verse 2, we're to Bible right in verse 2, we're to consider it all joy when that happens. consider it all joy when that happens. consider it all joy when that happens. But notice that the verb there is But notice that the verb there is But notice that the verb there is consider. consider. consider. And he goes on to say knowing that this And he goes on to say knowing that this And he goes on to say knowing that this helps you build character. helps you build character. helps you build character. It's a way of thinking about hard times. It's a way of thinking about hard times. It's a way of thinking about hard times. It's not putting the giant smiley face It's not putting the giant smiley face It's not putting the giant smiley face mask on and pretending to feel a way mask on and pretending to feel a way mask on and pretending to feel a way that we don't feel. that we don't feel. that we don't feel. Um Um Um so so so we go through hard times, but there are we go through hard times, but there are we go through hard times, but there are ways to be faithful to God during them. ways to be faithful to God during them. ways to be faithful to God during them. Um Um Um they're not automatic. they're not automatic. they're not automatic. People can blame God and move away from People can blame God and move away from People can blame God and move away from him, him, him, but they don't have to. That's their but they don't have to. That's their but they don't have to. That's their choice. They can choose to move closer choice. They can choose to move closer choice. They can choose to move closer to him uh and be sustained by him.

>> Yeah, and and that's a >> Yeah, and and that's a that's a a clear theme in the in the that's a a clear theme in the in the that's a a clear theme in the in the time in which James was writing because time in which James was writing because time in which James was writing because persecution was a real thing as we've as persecution was a real thing as we've as persecution was a real thing as we've as as you mentioned James himself was as you mentioned James himself was as you mentioned James himself was martyred in 62. And so martyred in 62. And so martyred in 62. And so he's writing to the Now, but today that he's writing to the Now, but today that he's writing to the Now, but today that this is something that we can still take this is something that we can still take this is something that we can still take because it's not like trials and because it's not like trials and because it's not like trials and hardships have ended. hardships have ended. hardships have ended. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And and so what And so this >> And and so what And so this >> And and so what And so this encouragement encouragement encouragement is incredibly helpful and a lot of is incredibly helpful and a lot of is incredibly helpful and a lot of people go to James as as a place to say, people go to James as as a place to say, people go to James as as a place to say, "Okay, I I I'm going through something "Okay, I I I'm going through something "Okay, I I I'm going through something uh uh hard in my life and they look to uh uh hard in my life and they look to uh uh hard in my life and they look to James. James is a common one for that James. James is a common one for that James. James is a common one for that and and for a good reason. Now, as you and and for a good reason. Now, as you and and for a good reason. Now, as you said, he also adds one of the craziest said, he also adds one of the craziest said, he also adds one of the craziest hardest verses in scripture which is hardest verses in scripture which is hardest verses in scripture which is consider it all joy consider it all joy consider it all joy or or an opportunity for great joy. And or or an opportunity for great joy. And or or an opportunity for great joy. And I know people I know people I know people wrestle with that. And wrestle with that. And wrestle with that. And what I think is a helpful reminder is what I think is a helpful reminder is what I think is a helpful reminder is take it um in the in the whole context take it um in the in the whole context take it um in the in the whole context of what James is talking about is he's of what James is talking about is he's of what James is talking about is he's saying it's an opportunity to move saying it's an opportunity to move saying it's an opportunity to move closer to God. It's an opportunity to closer to God. It's an opportunity to closer to God. It's an opportunity to come closer. It wasn't God who was who come closer. It wasn't God who was who come closer. It wasn't God who was who was making these things happen for He's was making these things happen for He's was making these things happen for He's not It's not God. Um he's not the source not It's not God. Um he's not the source not It's not God. Um he's not the source of the temptation or the issue or of the temptation or the issue or of the temptation or the issue or whatever it is. Instead, it's an whatever it is. Instead, it's an whatever it is. Instead, it's an opportunity to lean in and he says, "God opportunity to lean in and he says, "God opportunity to lean in and he says, "God will come close to you." There's that will come close to you." There's that will come close to you." There's that whole section later on drawing close to whole section later on drawing close to whole section later on drawing close to God.

God. God. And so when we marry these two, these And so when we marry these two, these And so when we marry these two, these things about hardships, hard things and things about hardships, hard things and things about hardships, hard things and drawing close to God, drawing close to God, drawing close to God, that's where that great joy is, is in that's where that great joy is, is in that's where that great joy is, is in God. So, um I I just I I I I love that God. So, um I I just I I I I love that God. So, um I I just I I I I love that he focuses in hard on this theme and he focuses in hard on this theme and he focuses in hard on this theme and that we can still have it to go back to that we can still have it to go back to that we can still have it to go back to all these years later. all these years later. all these years later. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I have a uh >> I have a uh >> I have a uh close friend who just recently close friend who just recently close friend who just recently passed away a little bit older than me passed away a little bit older than me passed away a little bit older than me who was a who was a who was a pastor for many, many years and uh he pastor for many, many years and uh he pastor for many, many years and uh he liked to talk about his conviction that liked to talk about his conviction that liked to talk about his conviction that um um um successful ministry is done successful ministry is done successful ministry is done only by wounded healers. only by wounded healers. only by wounded healers. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um until you've gone through those hard >> Um until you've gone through those hard >> Um until you've gone through those hard times and can somehow empathize with times and can somehow empathize with times and can somehow empathize with others going through it, it's so easy to others going through it, it's so easy to others going through it, it's so easy to have a quick fix for everything, uh but have a quick fix for everything, uh but have a quick fix for everything, uh but it's never realistic.

it's never realistic. it's never realistic. >> I couldn't agree with that more and >> I couldn't agree with that more and >> I couldn't agree with that more and that's a part of of what James is is that's a part of of what James is is that's a part of of what James is is getting at here is this drawing close, getting at here is this drawing close, getting at here is this drawing close, is this being there. So, don't if is this being there. So, don't if is this being there. So, don't if somebody says to you, somebody says to you, somebody says to you, "Well, just have joy." "Well, just have joy." "Well, just have joy." You know, they mean well cuz they say, You know, they mean well cuz they say, You know, they mean well cuz they say, "Well, James says consider it all joy, "Well, James says consider it all joy, "Well, James says consider it all joy, so have a joy." But know that there is a so have a joy." But know that there is a so have a joy." But know that there is a deeper thing a deeper theme in this that deeper thing a deeper theme in this that deeper thing a deeper theme in this that James is inviting us to. Uh James is inviting us to. Uh James is inviting us to. Uh that that's kind of the danger of just that that's kind of the danger of just that that's kind of the danger of just taking a single verse and just saying, taking a single verse and just saying, taking a single verse and just saying, "It's this." "It's this." "It's this." James offers so much more than just uh James offers so much more than just uh James offers so much more than just uh that admonishment to have joy or that admonishment to have joy or that admonishment to have joy or consider it joy. consider it joy. consider it joy. >> the danger of >> the danger of >> the danger of paraphrasing a verse and paraphrasing a verse and paraphrasing a verse and unintentionally misrepresenting it. unintentionally misrepresenting it. unintentionally misrepresenting it. He does not say have joy. He does not say have joy. He does not say have joy. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> He [clears throat] says, "Consider it >> He [clears throat] says, "Consider it >> He [clears throat] says, "Consider it from a joyful perspective. This is how from a joyful perspective. This is how from a joyful perspective. This is how you think about it. you think about it. you think about it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that's a big difference. >> And that's a big difference. >> And that's a big difference. >> Yeah, it is a big difference. It asks >> Yeah, it is a big difference. It asks >> Yeah, it is a big difference. It asks more of It's It's It's It's It's an more of It's It's It's It's It's an more of It's It's It's It's It's an invitation into something to invitation into something to invitation into something to >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> uh which is which is beautiful. >> uh which is which is beautiful. >> uh which is which is beautiful. Okay, the second theme. What's the Okay, the second theme. What's the Okay, the second theme. What's the second theme that second theme that second theme that that um James is getting at in the that um James is getting at in the that um James is getting at in the letter? letter? letter? >> If you lack wisdom, ask him because he >> If you lack wisdom, ask him because he >> If you lack wisdom, ask him because he gives generously gives generously gives generously without without without showing fault and um showing fault and um showing fault and um especially in the whole area of how we especially in the whole area of how we especially in the whole area of how we speak to one another. Uh chapter 3 speak to one another. Uh chapter 3 speak to one another. Uh chapter 3 contains this marvelous extended uh contains this marvelous extended uh contains this marvelous extended uh set of metaphors or illustrations about set of metaphors or illustrations about set of metaphors or illustrations about the power of the tongue and it can be a the power of the tongue and it can be a the power of the tongue and it can be a power for good. Uh something very little power for good. Uh something very little power for good. Uh something very little like a bridle for a horse or the rudder like a bridle for a horse or the rudder like a bridle for a horse or the rudder on a ship can uh on a ship can uh on a ship can uh can move a big thing, but it can also be can move a big thing, but it can also be can move a big thing, but it can also be uh something very little that causes uh something very little that causes uh something very little that causes something big that's bad like forest something big that's bad like forest something big that's bad like forest fire which uh we know all about here in fire which uh we know all about here in fire which uh we know all about here in Colorado. Colorado. Colorado. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I suspect Californians do, too. >> And I suspect Californians do, too. >> And I suspect Californians do, too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um so uh >> Um so uh >> Um so uh then he moves into how uh the tongue, then he moves into how uh the tongue, then he moves into how uh the tongue, human speech, is uh human speech, is uh human speech, is uh not merely not merely not merely duplicitous, but uniquely duplicitous.

duplicitous, but uniquely duplicitous. duplicitous, but uniquely duplicitous. Nothing else in creation. The animals, Nothing else in creation. The animals, Nothing else in creation. The animals, the plants, the springs out of the the plants, the springs out of the the plants, the springs out of the river, uh you don't have a fig tree river, uh you don't have a fig tree river, uh you don't have a fig tree bearing uh olives. You don't have a uh bearing uh olives. You don't have a uh bearing uh olives. You don't have a uh salt water coming out of a fresh, salt water coming out of a fresh, salt water coming out of a fresh, but people can uh but people can uh but people can uh in church be mouthing the words of a in church be mouthing the words of a in church be mouthing the words of a praise him while they are mentally praise him while they are mentally praise him while they are mentally cursing their neighbor they're still cursing their neighbor they're still cursing their neighbor they're still estranged from. estranged from. estranged from. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Only human beings can do that. >> Only human beings can do that. >> Only human beings can do that. Um, Um, Um, because we alone are created in the because we alone are created in the because we alone are created in the image of God and we alone have marred image of God and we alone have marred image of God and we alone have marred deeply the image of God. deeply the image of God. deeply the image of God. Uh, and so, uh, James wants us to come Uh, and so, uh, James wants us to come Uh, and so, uh, James wants us to come black come back to, uh, black come back to, uh, black come back to, uh, just to repeat the words again, a just to repeat the words again, a just to repeat the words again, a wholeness, a single-mindedness, wholeness, a single-mindedness, wholeness, a single-mindedness, um, um, um, uh, uh, uh, a maturity that a maturity that a maturity that that banishes that duplicity. that banishes that duplicity. that banishes that duplicity. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. What do you think James was responding What do you think James was responding What do you think James was responding to with this theme? I mean, the first to with this theme? I mean, the first to with this theme? I mean, the first theme is clear. I They were in the theme is clear. I They were in the theme is clear. I They were in the middle of persecu- you know, hard times, middle of persecu- you know, hard times, middle of persecu- you know, hard times, everything. What do you think James was everything. What do you think James was everything. What do you think James was was or may have been responding to?

was or may have been responding to? was or may have been responding to? >> get hints of it throughout, uh, the >> get hints of it throughout, uh, the >> get hints of it throughout, uh, the book. We We see it, uh, you you would book. We We see it, uh, you you would book. We We see it, uh, you you would think those who are being, uh, think those who are being, uh, think those who are being, uh, uh, uh, uh, made poorer than they need to be would made poorer than they need to be would made poorer than they need to be would not turn around and treat poor people not turn around and treat poor people not turn around and treat poor people the same way, but my goodness. the same way, but my goodness. the same way, but my goodness. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um, how many people dream of, uh, >> Um, how many people dream of, uh, >> Um, how many people dream of, uh, a billionaire becoming a Christian and a billionaire becoming a Christian and a billionaire becoming a Christian and deciding to tithe to your church? deciding to tithe to your church? deciding to tithe to your church? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um, and, uh, >> Um, and, uh, >> Um, and, uh, we have, uh, we have, uh, we have, uh, things like, uh, little throwaway lines we were not even little throwaway lines we were not even sure how they fit in. So, sure how they fit in. So, sure how they fit in. So, 4:11 and 12, "Don't slander one 4:11 and 12, "Don't slander one 4:11 and 12, "Don't slander one another." another." another." Um, Um, Um, and, uh, and, uh, and, uh, at the beginning of chapter 4, those who at the beginning of chapter 4, those who at the beginning of chapter 4, those who are are fighting and it says, "You do are are fighting and it says, "You do are are fighting and it says, "You do not have, so you kill." Well, most not have, so you kill." Well, most not have, so you kill." Well, most people don't think that's literal people don't think that's literal people don't think that's literal murder, but it's it's verbal quarreling.

murder, but it's it's verbal quarreling. murder, but it's it's verbal quarreling. Um, what's that all about? Um, Um, what's that all about? Um, Um, what's that all about? Um, if if if you don't have enough you don't have enough you don't have enough and you can't get at and you can't get at and you can't get at the people who are causing the problem, the people who are causing the problem, the people who are causing the problem, you take it out on each other. you take it out on each other. you take it out on each other. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um chapter 5 verse 12 >> Um chapter 5 verse 12 >> Um chapter 5 verse 12 um above all, my brothers and sisters, um above all, my brothers and sisters, um above all, my brothers and sisters, don't swear. Not by heaven or by earth don't swear. Not by heaven or by earth don't swear. Not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need is or by anything else. All you need is or by anything else. All you need is simple yes or no. simple yes or no. simple yes or no. There a lot of Bibles that just make There a lot of Bibles that just make There a lot of Bibles that just make that a separate little paragraph. They that a separate little paragraph. They that a separate little paragraph. They don't know what to do with it, how it don't know what to do with it, how it don't know what to do with it, how it goes with anything. goes with anything. goes with anything. But it comes right after But it comes right after But it comes right after the problem of the the problem of the the problem of the workers not being paid their wages. workers not being paid their wages. workers not being paid their wages. If I can't buy enough to feed my family, If I can't buy enough to feed my family, If I can't buy enough to feed my family, in James' world, the first thing I do is in James' world, the first thing I do is in James' world, the first thing I do is look for a money lender. look for a money lender. look for a money lender. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Of course, the interest is going to be >> Of course, the interest is going to be >> Of course, the interest is going to be high, and the chances of my being able high, and the chances of my being able high, and the chances of my being able to repay it are low. And if I can't, to repay it are low. And if I can't, to repay it are low. And if I can't, then I get thrown into debtors' prison.

then I get thrown into debtors' prison. then I get thrown into debtors' prison. And in prison in the ancient world, you And in prison in the ancient world, you And in prison in the ancient world, you didn't eat unless somebody from the didn't eat unless somebody from the didn't eat unless somebody from the outside brought you food. Um so, outside brought you food. Um so, outside brought you food. Um so, eventually, many starved to death, and eventually, many starved to death, and eventually, many starved to death, and in that sense, in that sense, in that sense, James says in 5:6, "You've condemned and James says in 5:6, "You've condemned and James says in 5:6, "You've condemned and murdered the innocent one who was not murdered the innocent one who was not murdered the innocent one who was not opposing you." So, yeah, don't make rash opposing you." So, yeah, don't make rash opposing you." So, yeah, don't make rash vows, but particularly, vows, but particularly, vows, but particularly, don't don't do it in the concept of oh, don't don't do it in the concept of oh, don't don't do it in the concept of oh, yeah, give me this money, I'll pay you yeah, give me this money, I'll pay you yeah, give me this money, I'll pay you back. I'll pay you back. back. I'll pay you back. back. I'll pay you back. Um Um Um >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You could you could get into a whole >> You could you could get into a whole >> You could you could get into a whole theology of not going into debt there. theology of not going into debt there. theology of not going into debt there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, it's it's helpful to it's it's helpful to it's it's helpful to to see that these were real-life issues to see that these were real-life issues to see that these were real-life issues that James was writing to, specifically that James was writing to, specifically that James was writing to, specifically around around around around the poor and debts and what that around the poor and debts and what that around the poor and debts and what that meant. meant. meant. That it was it was prevalent in his like That it was it was prevalent in his like That it was it was prevalent in his like that this was an important thing that he that this was an important thing that he that this was an important thing that he was talking with to, and especially as was talking with to, and especially as was talking with to, and especially as we talked about earlier how he's writing we talked about earlier how he's writing we talked about earlier how he's writing this letter to as you said, people who this letter to as you said, people who this letter to as you said, people who were who could be considered like guest were who could be considered like guest were who could be considered like guest workers or migrant workers today.

workers or migrant workers today. workers or migrant workers today. They're out They're out They're out spread out around and this was it could spread out around and this was it could spread out around and this was it could be a real issue and it was a real issue be a real issue and it was a real issue be a real issue and it was a real issue at the time. at the time. at the time. So then the the third main thing. verse that Mother Teresa loved to quote verse that Mother Teresa loved to quote and liberation theologians before her. and liberation theologians before her. and liberation theologians before her. Listen my dear brothers and sisters, has Listen my dear brothers and sisters, has Listen my dear brothers and sisters, has not God chosen those who are poor in the not God chosen those who are poor in the not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith eyes of the world to be rich in faith eyes of the world to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom he promised to and inherit the kingdom he promised to and inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him. those who love him. those who love him. That got distilled to the the slogan That got distilled to the the slogan That got distilled to the the slogan God's preferential option for the poor. God's preferential option for the poor. God's preferential option for the poor. Which at times was misconstrued as Which at times was misconstrued as Which at times was misconstrued as meaning anybody who was poor. meaning anybody who was poor. meaning anybody who was poor. If you read the whole verse, it's to If you read the whole verse, it's to If you read the whole verse, it's to those who love him. But those who love him. But those who love him. But even there, if we just look at the fact even there, if we just look at the fact even there, if we just look at the fact that that that We've we've come a long way since We've we've come a long way since We've we've come a long way since the year 2000. The best statistics the year 2000. The best statistics the year 2000. The best statistics suggest that suggest that suggest that there were close to 2 billion people there were close to 2 billion people there were close to 2 billion people below the UN poverty line out of maybe below the UN poverty line out of maybe below the UN poverty line out of maybe between 6 and 7 billion people in the between 6 and 7 billion people in the between 6 and 7 billion people in the world and in 26 years world and in 26 years world and in 26 years that has shrunk to 800 million. We have

that has shrunk to 800 million. We have that has shrunk to 800 million. We have cut that by over 50% cut that by over 50% cut that by over 50% and even as the total population of the and even as the total population of the and even as the total population of the world continues to world continues to world continues to go up. go up. go up. But But But 800 million is still a lot 800 million is still a lot 800 million is still a lot and and and some estimate that as many as 200 some estimate that as many as 200 some estimate that as many as 200 million of those are fellow million of those are fellow million of those are fellow Bible believing Christians. Bible believing Christians. Bible believing Christians. Um Um Um Do we care about them? Do we care about them? Do we care about them? Um Um Um when we go to their countries or they when we go to their countries or they when we go to their countries or they come to ours, um the come to ours, um the come to ours, um the huge numbers of people uh huge numbers of people uh huge numbers of people uh swarming and wanting to swarm our swarming and wanting to swarm our swarming and wanting to swarm our country from Latin America are in most country from Latin America are in most country from Latin America are in most cases cases cases the news picks up on the handful of the news picks up on the handful of the news picks up on the handful of exceptions, but in the most cases are exceptions, but in the most cases are exceptions, but in the most cases are people who can't make a living, people who can't make a living, people who can't make a living, >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> whose lives are in danger, >> whose lives are in danger, >> whose lives are in danger, uh uh uh and they know there's a better chance if and they know there's a better chance if and they know there's a better chance if they come to us.

they come to us. they come to us. It used to be the average Latin American It used to be the average Latin American It used to be the average Latin American immigrant was a nominal Catholic. immigrant was a nominal Catholic. immigrant was a nominal Catholic. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Today, the average Latin American >> Today, the average Latin American >> Today, the average Latin American immigrant is already an evangelical immigrant is already an evangelical immigrant is already an evangelical Christian. Christian. Christian. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we're telling them we don't want you >> And we're telling them we don't want you >> And we're telling them we don't want you in way too many cases. in way too many cases. in way too many cases. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> That is incredibly sinful. >> That is incredibly sinful. >> That is incredibly sinful. >> Mhm. Yeah, it's Yeah, it's it's such a picture to think of it's such a picture to think of it's such a picture to think of the heart like again, if you take if you the heart like again, if you take if you the heart like again, if you take if you take what we talked about in the first take what we talked about in the first take what we talked about in the first theme and then with this theme, that theme and then with this theme, that theme and then with this theme, that there are hard things in life and some there are hard things in life and some there are hard things in life and some people have experienced hardships in people have experienced hardships in people have experienced hardships in in in in in in in in deeper, harder ways. in deeper, harder ways. in deeper, harder ways. And And And yet yet yet we are we are called we are we are called we are we are called to love them. You know, it's to to show to love them. You know, it's to to show to love them. You know, it's to to show not just not just say love. And then not just not just say love. And then not just not just say love. And then that's kind of what James is getting at that's kind of what James is getting at that's kind of what James is getting at with this faith without good works is with this faith without good works is with this faith without good works is that is is that we are called to express that is is that we are called to express that is is that we are called to express that love, to reach out, to lend a you that love, to reach out, to lend a you that love, to reach out, to lend a you know, to to to engage in a way. Even if know, to to to engage in a way. Even if know, to to to engage in a way. Even if it feels uncomfortable, if it feels uh it feels uncomfortable, if it feels uh it feels uncomfortable, if it feels uh you know or you know or you know or what not. It may not be something that what not. It may not be something that what not. It may not be something that you're accustomed to, but that's but you're accustomed to, but that's but you're accustomed to, but that's but this is what James is getting at. He's this is what James is getting at. He's this is what James is getting at. He's saying He's saying life is hard. When

saying He's saying life is hard. When saying He's saying life is hard. When life is hard for you, you want people to life is hard for you, you want people to life is hard for you, you want people to show you love and and to reach out and show you love and and to reach out and show you love and and to reach out and to and to care for you. And there are to and to care for you. And there are to and to care for you. And there are people who are in much dire straits than people who are in much dire straits than people who are in much dire straits than you and who are you Are you reaching out you and who are you Are you reaching out you and who are you Are you reaching out to them? Are you showing them that love? to them? Are you showing them that love? to them? Are you showing them that love? Are you caring for them? And this is and Are you caring for them? And this is and Are you caring for them? And this is and and and and it's it's one of the things that people it's it's one of the things that people it's it's one of the things that people love most about James, love most about James, love most about James, myself included, is his continued myself included, is his continued myself included, is his continued presentation of of the poor and putting presentation of of the poor and putting presentation of of the poor and putting them in front of you, in your face, and them in front of you, in your face, and them in front of you, in your face, and saying like this is a thing. There are saying like this is a thing. There are saying like this is a thing. There are people who need your help, who need your people who need your help, who need your people who need your help, who need your love, who need you to be, you know, the love, who need you to be, you know, the love, who need you to be, you know, the quote hands and feet of Jesus in the you quote hands and feet of Jesus in the you quote hands and feet of Jesus in the you know, for these people. And um I just I know, for these people. And um I just I know, for these people. And um I just I love how he keeps putting that in front love how he keeps putting that in front love how he keeps putting that in front of you. Keeps saying this is a thing. of you. Keeps saying this is a thing. of you. Keeps saying this is a thing. >> There is uh a movement that sometimes is >> There is uh a movement that sometimes is >> There is uh a movement that sometimes is called the called the called the free grace movement free grace movement free grace movement that uh that uh that uh looks at a passage like James 2:14.

looks at a passage like James 2:14. looks at a passage like James 2:14. What good is it, my brothers and What good is it, my brothers and What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith sisters, if someone claims to have faith sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save but has no deeds? Can such faith save but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? them? them? Well, there in English is a question Well, there in English is a question Well, there in English is a question that's not answered. I think most people that's not answered. I think most people that's not answered. I think most people would read that and say, "Well, no, would read that and say, "Well, no, would read that and say, "Well, no, James' point is no, it can't." James' point is no, it can't." James' point is no, it can't." And they would say, "Well, yes, it can." And they would say, "Well, yes, it can." And they would say, "Well, yes, it can." Because faith by itself, if not Because faith by itself, if not Because faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. Well, accompanied by action, is dead. Well, accompanied by action, is dead. Well, that means that means that means dormant. That means not doing anything dormant. That means not doing anything dormant. That means not doing anything currently. currently. currently. Um and uh Um and uh Um and uh don't even know in many cases that in don't even know in many cases that in don't even know in many cases that in the original Greek there were three ways the original Greek there were three ways the original Greek there were three ways to ask the question. Uh you could ask a to ask the question. Uh you could ask a to ask the question. Uh you could ask a question and leave the answer open or question and leave the answer open or question and leave the answer open or you could use one of two words uh you could use one of two words uh you could use one of two words uh that could either mean not in some that could either mean not in some that could either mean not in some context to either have a a positive or a context to either have a a positive or a context to either have a a positive or a negative answer implied. Just like in negative answer implied. Just like in negative answer implied. Just like in English, we can say "Are you not English, we can say "Are you not English, we can say "Are you not hungry?" which actually means you are, hungry?" which actually means you are, hungry?" which actually means you are, aren't you?

aren't you? aren't you? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And and he uses the word for not >> And and he uses the word for not >> And and he uses the word for not throughout this passage, which makes it throughout this passage, which makes it throughout this passage, which makes it clear that he's saying, "No, salvation clear that he's saying, "No, salvation clear that he's saying, "No, salvation is not possible." Um Now, does that is not possible." Um Now, does that is not possible." Um Now, does that contradict Paul? No. Paul in Galatians contradict Paul? No. Paul in Galatians contradict Paul? No. Paul in Galatians 5:6 says, "Neither circumcision nor 5:6 says, "Neither circumcision nor 5:6 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but uncircumcision counts for anything, but uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love." Yeah. faith working through love." Yeah. faith working through love." Yeah. It's not the works that save, but it's It's not the works that save, but it's It's not the works that save, but it's the works that flow from saving faith. the works that flow from saving faith. the works that flow from saving faith. You can You can You can uh see Paul and and James uh on the same uh see Paul and and James uh on the same uh see Paul and and James uh on the same page if you read them carefully. page if you read them carefully. page if you read them carefully. But if we only ever hear Paul's message, But if we only ever hear Paul's message, But if we only ever hear Paul's message, we may get uh a one-sided uh we may get uh a one-sided uh we may get uh a one-sided uh appropriation of things. appropriation of things. appropriation of things. >> Yeah, I think I think what James does >> Yeah, I think I think what James does >> Yeah, I think I think what James does here is paint a more full picture of here is paint a more full picture of here is paint a more full picture of what that faith means, of what that what that faith means, of what that what that faith means, of what that justification is getting it means cuz justification is getting it means cuz justification is getting it means cuz he's saying like he's saying like he's saying like he's saying that your faith just in the he's saying that your faith just in the he's saying that your faith just in the guise of Jesus died to save me, that's guise of Jesus died to save me, that's guise of Jesus died to save me, that's just self- that's just thinking about just self- that's just thinking about just self- that's just thinking about yourself, and that is not that act of yourself, and that is not that act of yourself, and that is not that act of love that Jesus then did. He's He wants love that Jesus then did. He's He wants love that Jesus then did. He's He wants He's His death was to save He's His death was to save He's His death was to save all, and he's saying, "That's how you all, and he's saying, "That's how you all, and he's saying, "That's how you live this out then."

live this out then." live this out then." is through faith in works. It's through is through faith in works. It's through is through faith in works. It's through the living out of that faith, not just the living out of that faith, not just the living out of that faith, not just the living in, but also the living out. the living in, but also the living out. the living in, but also the living out. If you're not if it's not living out of If you're not if it's not living out of If you're not if it's not living out of you, if it's not overflowing into how you, if it's not overflowing into how you, if it's not overflowing into how you speak, how you treat people, how you you speak, how you treat people, how you you speak, how you treat people, how you care for the poor, all these things that care for the poor, all these things that care for the poor, all these things that James was getting at in this in this James was getting at in this in this James was getting at in this in this whole letter, whole letter, whole letter, then he's like, then that faith was may then he's like, then that faith was may then he's like, then that faith was may have not been a genuine placed faith in have not been a genuine placed faith in have not been a genuine placed faith in the first place because that leads to the first place because that leads to the first place because that leads to overflowing. overflowing. overflowing. >> And and it's even >> And and it's even >> And and it's even less than that when James said says less than that when James said says less than that when James said says you believe there's one God, good. Even you believe there's one God, good. Even you believe there's one God, good. Even the demons believe that. the demons believe that. the demons believe that. >> I love that part, yeah. >> I love that part, yeah. >> I love that part, yeah. >> Um this is uh >> Um this is uh >> Um this is uh sheer Jewish monotheism. There are tons sheer Jewish monotheism. There are tons sheer Jewish monotheism. There are tons of people in our world today who believe of people in our world today who believe of people in our world today who believe in God, a God, some kind of God. Um and in God, a God, some kind of God. Um and in God, a God, some kind of God. Um and they're not right with him. They're not they're not right with him. They're not they're not right with him. They're not saved. saved. saved. They don't know the Lord Jesus. Um They don't know the Lord Jesus. Um They don't know the Lord Jesus. Um >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, and to me it ties so well into the vine and to me it ties so well into the vine and to me it ties so well into the vine and the branches idea from John 15, and the branches idea from John 15, and the branches idea from John 15, which also ties in so well to the fruit which also ties in so well to the fruit which also ties in so well to the fruit of the Spirit that Paul gets to in of the Spirit that Paul gets to in of the Spirit that Paul gets to in Galatians, right? So he is getting to Galatians, right? So he is getting to Galatians, right? So he is getting to that faith because he's saying if you're that faith because he's saying if you're that faith because he's saying if you're connected, then the fruit of the Spirit connected, then the fruit of the Spirit connected, then the fruit of the Spirit in your life will show up and this is in your life will show up and this is in your life will show up and this is what it looks like, love, joy, peace, what it looks like, love, joy, peace, what it looks like, love, joy, peace, and all these things, which are active and all these things, which are active and all these things, which are active things. They are works-based things in things. They are works-based things in things. They are works-based things in that sense.

that sense. that sense. Um and so I think I think there is a Um and so I think I think there is a Um and so I think I think there is a strong connection, but I can understand strong connection, but I can understand strong connection, but I can understand uh uh uh why people may get uh confused. why people may get uh confused. why people may get uh confused. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I I I've discovered that not even Google >> I I I've discovered that not even Google >> I I I've discovered that not even Google or AI knows who first said this, but I or AI knows who first said this, but I or AI knows who first said this, but I absolutely love uh the one line that absolutely love uh the one line that absolutely love uh the one line that says salvation is absolutely free, says salvation is absolutely free, says salvation is absolutely free, but it will cost you your life. but it will cost you your life. but it will cost you your life. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I Yeah. I Yeah. I >> holds the two together. >> holds the two together. >> holds the two together. >> Most definitely. I I love that phrase. >> Most definitely. I I love that phrase. >> Most definitely. I I love that phrase. Um Um Um What does this book teach us about God, What does this book teach us about God, What does this book teach us about God, Greg? Greg? Greg? >> That he is single-minded. >> That he is single-minded. >> That he is single-minded. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That he is one. And it's interesting >> That he is one. And it's interesting >> That he is one. And it's interesting because we hear God is one and we think because we hear God is one and we think because we hear God is one and we think oh that's monotheism. Well, it is oh that's monotheism. Well, it is oh that's monotheism. Well, it is but but but God is one as opposed to being several. God is one as opposed to being several. God is one as opposed to being several. When When When bad things happen we are not to blame bad things happen we are not to blame bad things happen we are not to blame God because he gives only good gifts. So God because he gives only good gifts. So God because he gives only good gifts. So if I were to if I were to if I were to boil the most important thing that James boil the most important thing that James boil the most important thing that James hammers home throughout the letter hammers home throughout the letter hammers home throughout the letter and maybe and maybe and maybe in a way that no other biblical author in a way that no other biblical author in a way that no other biblical author does quite to the same extent it would does quite to the same extent it would does quite to the same extent it would be that be that be that God is single-minded in what he does. He God is single-minded in what he does. He God is single-minded in what he does. He is never duplicities. He is never is never duplicities. He is never is never duplicities. He is never inconsistent. He is never like the wave

inconsistent. He is never like the wave inconsistent. He is never like the wave of the sea of the sea of the sea blown and tossed about and blown and tossed about and blown and tossed about and because he's that way we can trust him because he's that way we can trust him because he's that way we can trust him and we can and we can and we can move in a direction of becoming more move in a direction of becoming more move in a direction of becoming more single-minded ourselves. single-minded ourselves. single-minded ourselves. >> What a helpful picture of God. >> What a helpful picture of God. >> What a helpful picture of God. Right? What a helpful What a helpful Right? What a helpful What a helpful Right? What a helpful What a helpful um um um reminder of who God is. reminder of who God is. reminder of who God is. Cuz all these everything that we have Cuz all these everything that we have Cuz all these everything that we have read about God, his faithfulness, his read about God, his faithfulness, his read about God, his faithfulness, his goodness, all this stuff. This is true goodness, all this stuff. This is true goodness, all this stuff. This is true in his oneness. It is true in his in his oneness. It is true in his in his oneness. It is true in his steadfastness to who he is and I love steadfastness to who he is and I love steadfastness to who he is and I love that. that. that. What does this book then teach us about What does this book then teach us about What does this book then teach us about ourselves, about people? >> I guess I jumped the gun and answered >> I guess I jumped the gun and answered that already. Um that already. Um that already. Um >> But it's good to hit it explicitly here, >> But it's good to hit it explicitly here, >> But it's good to hit it explicitly here, yeah. yeah. yeah. >> That >> That >> That we need to be more more single-minded. we need to be more more single-minded. we need to be more more single-minded. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Um >> Um there was a time there was a time there was a time when I first started teaching when I first started teaching when I first started teaching that it was very common in Christian that it was very common in Christian that it was very common in Christian circles Um, and not just uh, for those circles Um, and not just uh, for those circles Um, and not just uh, for those going into formal professional ministry, going into formal professional ministry, going into formal professional ministry, uh, uh, uh, to challenge young new Christians, to challenge young new Christians, to challenge young new Christians, what what is God calling you what what is God calling you what what is God calling you specifically to do?

specifically to do? specifically to do? What's what's your call? And that may What's what's your call? And that may What's what's your call? And that may not be to uh, something that you'll not be to uh, something that you'll not be to uh, something that you'll always get paid for. Uh, always get paid for. Uh, always get paid for. Uh, it may involve the use of your spiritual it may involve the use of your spiritual it may involve the use of your spiritual gifts. Um, gifts. Um, gifts. Um, for the upbuilding of the church, for the upbuilding of the church, for the upbuilding of the church, whether anybody ever pays you a cent or whether anybody ever pays you a cent or whether anybody ever pays you a cent or not. not. not. I don't hear people, uh, nearly as often I don't hear people, uh, nearly as often I don't hear people, uh, nearly as often talking about, uh, your calling. talking about, uh, your calling. talking about, uh, your calling. Um, Um, Um, we had the we had the we had the happy and sad opportunity to say goodbye happy and sad opportunity to say goodbye happy and sad opportunity to say goodbye to uh, uh, student family uh, leaving to uh, uh, student family uh, leaving to uh, uh, student family uh, leaving the area as happens every year, the area as happens every year, the area as happens every year, too many times. Uh, too many times. Uh, too many times. Uh, and uh, except and uh, except and uh, except they need to leave Denver if they're they need to leave Denver if they're they need to leave Denver if they're going to reach the world, and uh, going to reach the world, and uh, going to reach the world, and uh, I sort of ended the the evening uh, I sort of ended the the evening uh, I sort of ended the the evening uh, Sunday night uh, by saying, "Well, let Sunday night uh, by saying, "Well, let Sunday night uh, by saying, "Well, let me give you my three-point sermon." Um, me give you my three-point sermon." Um, me give you my three-point sermon." Um, stay faithful to God.

stay faithful to God. stay faithful to God. Don't give up on him. Stay faithful Don't give up on him. Stay faithful Don't give up on him. Stay faithful to each other, to your family, and stay faithful to your calling. and stay faithful to your calling. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> This student I know has a calling. Um, >> This student I know has a calling. Um, >> This student I know has a calling. Um, we've got people these days who we've got people these days who we've got people these days who graduate, and they couldn't tell you graduate, and they couldn't tell you graduate, and they couldn't tell you what's a calling. what's a calling. what's a calling. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh, or they know what they think it's >> Uh, or they know what they think it's >> Uh, or they know what they think it's supposed to be, but say, "Well, I I supposed to be, but say, "Well, I I supposed to be, but say, "Well, I I don't think I have one." don't think I have one." don't think I have one." Uh, we need to reflect on that more. Um, Uh, we need to reflect on that more. Um, Uh, we need to reflect on that more. Um, not that it can't change over a not that it can't change over a not that it can't change over a lifetime, not that we can't understand lifetime, not that we can't understand lifetime, not that we can't understand it better, um, but uh, it better, um, but uh, it better, um, but uh, if you have a calling, you're not going if you have a calling, you're not going if you have a calling, you're not going to turn your back on it. You're not to turn your back on it. You're not to turn your back on it. You're not going to deconvert in the way so many going to deconvert in the way so many going to deconvert in the way so many people are these days. people are these days. people are these days. Um Um Um >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But that's another sermon. >> But that's another sermon. >> But that's another sermon. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> But that's a good acknowledgement in the >> But that's a good acknowledgement in the >> But that's a good acknowledgement in the about this book, too. about this book, too. about this book, too. I love that. And there I love that. And there I love that. And there we've talked about a number of different we've talked about a number of different we've talked about a number of different verses, passages, and all sorts of all verses, passages, and all sorts of all verses, passages, and all sorts of all all the sorts, but are there one or two all the sorts, but are there one or two all the sorts, but are there one or two that particularly that particularly that particularly um are impactful for you that you find um are impactful for you that you find um are impactful for you that you find like these are just two that really like these are just two that really like these are just two that really always stand out to me in the verse or always stand out to me in the verse or always stand out to me in the verse or in the book?

in the book? in the book? >> Um I'd say we've we've we've talked >> Um I'd say we've we've we've talked >> Um I'd say we've we've we've talked about what those would be and and about what those would be and and about what those would be and and certainly uh certainly uh certainly uh um I think 5:1 to 6 uh um I think 5:1 to 6 uh um I think 5:1 to 6 uh uh when uh uh when uh uh when uh when I read you have verse 5 lived on when I read you have verse 5 lived on when I read you have verse 5 lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. earth in luxury and self-indulgence. earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day You have fattened yourselves in the day You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. of slaughter. of slaughter. Um all I can do is say Um all I can do is say Um all I can do is say I confess, I repent. That that's me. I confess, I repent. That that's me. I confess, I repent. That that's me. Uh and so many people I know. Uh and so many people I know. Uh and so many people I know. Um Um Um But if part of your question is why But if part of your question is why But if part of your question is why haven't we said anything about it all, haven't we said anything about it all, haven't we said anything about it all, that's sure. That's important. that's sure. That's important. that's sure. That's important. Um we haven't talked about prayer and I Um we haven't talked about prayer and I Um we haven't talked about prayer and I think uh 4:2 and 3 think uh 4:2 and 3 think uh 4:2 and 3 is extremely crucial. is extremely crucial. is extremely crucial. Um especially when James says you don't Um especially when James says you don't Um especially when James says you don't have because you don't ask. have because you don't ask. have because you don't ask. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then you ask with wrong motives. >> And then you ask with wrong motives. >> And then you ask with wrong motives. Uh we get caught up in in uh theological Uh we get caught up in in uh theological Uh we get caught up in in uh theological uh uh uh um gymnastics by saying well, if it's um gymnastics by saying well, if it's um gymnastics by saying well, if it's God's will, it'll happen. If it's not, God's will, it'll happen. If it's not, God's will, it'll happen. If it's not, it won't. So, why bother to pray?

it won't. So, why bother to pray? it won't. So, why bother to pray? And at the risk of sounding like And at the risk of sounding like And at the risk of sounding like theologian for a moment, it's because theologian for a moment, it's because theologian for a moment, it's because there are things that are his there are things that are his there are things that are his conditional will that he has determined conditional will that he has determined conditional will that he has determined are good and he wants to give us, but he are good and he wants to give us, but he are good and he wants to give us, but he will give them to us if and only if we will give them to us if and only if we will give them to us if and only if we pray and sometimes that means pray pray and sometimes that means pray pray and sometimes that means pray persistently and sometimes that means persistently and sometimes that means persistently and sometimes that means pray corporately. So, I think that's a pray corporately. So, I think that's a pray corporately. So, I think that's a huge one and then huge one and then huge one and then prayer of faith at the end of the book. prayer of faith at the end of the book. prayer of faith at the end of the book. I've been privileged to to be a part of I've been privileged to to be a part of I've been privileged to to be a part of a church that uh a church that uh a church that uh practices uh on a regular basis prayer practices uh on a regular basis prayer practices uh on a regular basis prayer with anointing with anointing with anointing uh for uh for uh for particularly hurting people and we've particularly hurting people and we've particularly hurting people and we've seen miracles. seen miracles. seen miracles. Not the norm. If they were, we'd stop Not the norm. If they were, we'd stop Not the norm. If they were, we'd stop calling them miracles. calling them miracles. calling them miracles. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um but we've seen people uh whom God has >> Um but we've seen people uh whom God has >> Um but we've seen people uh whom God has healed. It's such a beautiful ceremony healed. It's such a beautiful ceremony healed. It's such a beautiful ceremony because because because you can do it and still be a charismatic you can do it and still be a charismatic you can do it and still be a charismatic and do other stuff. and do other stuff. and do other stuff. And you can be a blatant And you can be a blatant And you can be a blatant anti-charismatic and there's nothing anti-charismatic and there's nothing anti-charismatic and there's nothing about spiritual gifts in the passage.

about spiritual gifts in the passage. about spiritual gifts in the passage. So, it's for everybody. So, it's for everybody. So, it's for everybody. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And yet the irony is it's practiced less >> And yet the irony is it's practiced less >> And yet the irony is it's practiced less >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> than either uh in either group than >> than either uh in either group than >> than either uh in either group than those who who practice it. So, those who who practice it. So, those who who practice it. So, >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> If your church isn't doing it, time to >> If your church isn't doing it, time to >> If your church isn't doing it, time to start doing it. start doing it. start doing it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, and just yeah, and use it as even Yeah, and just yeah, and use it as even Yeah, and just yeah, and use it as even if it's something that you wonder, you if it's something that you wonder, you if it's something that you wonder, you know, what's the point or whatever it know, what's the point or whatever it know, what's the point or whatever it is. is. is. >> It's like saying, "Well, >> It's like saying, "Well, >> It's like saying, "Well, let's just trust that God has has a let's just trust that God has has a let's just trust that God has has a meaning in it and whether or not he meaning in it and whether or not he meaning in it and whether or not he chooses to like do a miracle, to do an chooses to like do a miracle, to do an chooses to like do a miracle, to do an incredible healing in the moment or not, incredible healing in the moment or not, incredible healing in the moment or not, it doesn't like there is still that act it doesn't like there is still that act it doesn't like there is still that act of obedience, it's still those of obedience, it's still those of obedience, it's still those simple [clears throat] acts of engaging simple [clears throat] acts of engaging simple [clears throat] acts of engaging in this practice with each other as the in this practice with each other as the in this practice with each other as the corporate body of believers, the family corporate body of believers, the family corporate body of believers, the family with God. That there is good things with God. That there is good things with God. That there is good things happening. happening. happening. >> And I've seen a lot of people >> And I've seen a lot of people >> And I've seen a lot of people healed by what somebody would say healed by what somebody would say healed by what somebody would say could well be natural means or medical could well be natural means or medical could well be natural means or medical means, but faster than anybody expected.

means, but faster than anybody expected. means, but faster than anybody expected. So, So, So, >> Yeah, there are all kinds of spin-off >> Yeah, there are all kinds of spin-off >> Yeah, there are all kinds of spin-off blessings. blessings. blessings. >> Yeah, for sure. A spin-off blessings, I >> Yeah, for sure. A spin-off blessings, I >> Yeah, for sure. A spin-off blessings, I like that. like that. like that. Are there sticky parts in this book, Are there sticky parts in this book, Are there sticky parts in this book, Craig? I And I can And I consider sticky Craig? I And I can And I consider sticky Craig? I And I can And I consider sticky as like parts that a new believer as if as like parts that a new believer as if as like parts that a new believer as if if they're starting to read it, you if they're starting to read it, you if they're starting to read it, you might say, "Just so you know, you might might say, "Just so you know, you might might say, "Just so you know, you might read this and it's could be confusing." read this and it's could be confusing." read this and it's could be confusing." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I think we've hit on them. >> I think we've hit on them. >> I think we've hit on them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I I didn't list any that we haven't gone >> I I didn't list any that we haven't gone >> I I didn't list any that we haven't gone through. through. through. >> Sure. Yeah, so >> Sure. Yeah, so >> Sure. Yeah, so >> Any Any Any passage can be sticky for >> Any Any Any passage can be sticky for >> Any Any Any passage can be sticky for somebody somebody somebody >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> based on on their own life experience or >> based on on their own life experience or >> based on on their own life experience or how they've heard someone abuse it. Um how they've heard someone abuse it. Um how they've heard someone abuse it. Um we haven't explicitly mentioned we haven't explicitly mentioned we haven't explicitly mentioned 1:27 1:27 1:27 in in context, which in in context, which in in context, which has been suggested as has been suggested as has been suggested as possible thesis statement for the book possible thesis statement for the book possible thesis statement for the book that true religion involves visiting orphans true religion involves visiting orphans and widows in their distress and keeping and widows in their distress and keeping and widows in their distress and keeping on s- on s- on s- self unstained from the world. Uh the self unstained from the world. Uh the self unstained from the world. Uh the church loves to divide itself into uh church loves to divide itself into uh church loves to divide itself into uh those that focus on personal piety and those that focus on personal piety and those that focus on personal piety and those that focus on social action. And those that focus on social action. And those that focus on social action. And >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> James says true religion does both and >> James says true religion does both and >> James says true religion does both and doesn't pit one against the other. doesn't pit one against the other. doesn't pit one against the other. >> I think that's an incredibly helpful >> I think that's an incredibly helpful >> I think that's an incredibly helpful message. Um especially in this day and message. Um especially in this day and message. Um especially in this day and age where it seems like it Yeah, it does age where it seems like it Yeah, it does age where it seems like it Yeah, it does it seems very it seems very it seems very easy to easy to easy to um look at different camps or different um look at different camps or different um look at different camps or different churches or whatnot and you see ones churches or whatnot and you see ones churches or whatnot and you see ones that completely emphasize that completely emphasize that completely emphasize as you said personal piety or just uh as you said personal piety or just uh as you said personal piety or just uh very discipleship-based, we're going to very discipleship-based, we're going to very discipleship-based, we're going to just study the word together and that's just study the word together and that's just study the word together and that's what we do. And then there are churches what we do. And then there are churches what we do. And then there are churches that don't talk about that as much as that don't talk about that as much as that don't talk about that as much as they just talk about we are a social they just talk about we are a social they just talk about we are a social action church. We have a justice action church. We have a justice action church. We have a justice ministry, we're out here and this is ministry, we're out here and this is ministry, we're out here and this is what we do and whatnot. what we do and whatnot. what we do and whatnot. And And And >> I had a >> I had a >> I had a an experience now, gosh, an experience now, gosh, an experience now, gosh, summer of 1990, 36 years ago summer of 1990, 36 years ago summer of 1990, 36 years ago with group of Christian educators uh with group of Christian educators uh with group of Christian educators uh uh in the slums of Lima, Peru. uh in the slums of Lima, Peru. uh in the slums of Lima, Peru. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Where we were visiting >> Where we were visiting >> Where we were visiting a ministry that uh a ministry that uh a ministry that uh uh uh uh had uh had uh had uh a neighborhood where the people pulled a neighborhood where the people pulled a neighborhood where the people pulled their resources, they were able to buy their resources, they were able to buy their resources, they were able to buy food in bulk and then they created a a food in bulk and then they created a a food in bulk and then they created a a soup kitchen, a cooperative where soup kitchen, a cooperative where soup kitchen, a cooperative where uh people still had to pay uh people still had to pay uh people still had to pay for meals, but they were able to for meals, but they were able to for meals, but they were able to purchase them much more cheaply than purchase them much more cheaply than purchase them much more cheaply than they could get any other way. Uh and uh they could get any other way. Uh and uh they could get any other way. Uh and uh so they could have at least one

so they could have at least one so they could have at least one uh healthy meal a day if they uh healthy meal a day if they uh healthy meal a day if they participated in that. participated in that. participated in that. And I can't tell you what precipitated And I can't tell you what precipitated And I can't tell you what precipitated it looking out over these uh it looking out over these uh it looking out over these uh corrugated steel shacks for as far as corrugated steel shacks for as far as corrugated steel shacks for as far as you could see, you could see, you could see, but I thought to myself, but I thought to myself, but I thought to myself, unless you're involved in ministry like unless you're involved in ministry like unless you're involved in ministry like this or something that shows you care this or something that shows you care this or something that shows you care for people's physical needs, what for people's physical needs, what for people's physical needs, what what credibility do you have mhm to what credibility do you have mhm to what credibility do you have mhm to start talking about Jesus' love? start talking about Jesus' love? start talking about Jesus' love? And at the same time, some of these people are going to die some of these people are going to die very soon. They're not going to reach very soon. They're not going to reach very soon. They're not going to reach them all. And them all. And them all. And what good is it if we fed them and kept what good is it if we fed them and kept what good is it if we fed them and kept them alive a little bit longer and they them alive a little bit longer and they them alive a little bit longer and they don't know Jesus? Mhm. It was like if if don't know Jesus? Mhm. It was like if if don't know Jesus? Mhm. It was like if if this is not an image this is not an image this is not an image for the need for both and both for the need for both and both for the need for both and both simultaneously. simultaneously. simultaneously. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Mhm.

Mhm. Mhm. That is a very That is a very That is a very very true and honest honest picture and very true and honest honest picture and very true and honest honest picture and that's is that is what James is getting that's is that is what James is getting that's is that is what James is getting at. That's what he's saying. Is this is at. That's what he's saying. Is this is at. That's what he's saying. Is this is what your faith is. This is what it what your faith is. This is what it what your faith is. This is what it looks like. looks like. looks like. As we start to wrap up our time together As we start to wrap up our time together As we start to wrap up our time together our time together today, Craig, what our time together today, Craig, what our time together today, Craig, what would you like to leave people thinking would you like to leave people thinking would you like to leave people thinking about this book? >> I wrote down >> I wrote down four words. four words. four words. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> The joy of giving. >> The joy of giving. >> The joy of giving. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um >> Um >> Um we have been blessed as a family. we have been blessed as a family. we have been blessed as a family. Uh we've been blessed with uh an Uh we've been blessed with uh an Uh we've been blessed with uh an inheritance from my grandfather. inheritance from my grandfather. inheritance from my grandfather. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh we've been blessed with the uh we've been blessed with the uh we've been blessed with the uh opportunity to uh ask the question, what opportunity to uh ask the question, what opportunity to uh ask the question, what do we do do we do do we do with more money than we really need? with more money than we really need? with more money than we really need? And now that I'm in {quote} and {quote} And now that I'm in {quote} and {quote} And now that I'm in {quote} and {quote} retirement years, retirement years, retirement years, um um um there are two things that come by snail there are two things that come by snail there are two things that come by snail mail, by email, by internet ads more mail, by email, by internet ads more mail, by email, by internet ads more than anything else.

than anything else. than anything else. The one is what retirement community I The one is what retirement community I The one is what retirement community I should invest in. should invest in. should invest in. And the other is uh And the other is uh And the other is uh how I should get free meals going to how I should get free meals going to how I should get free meals going to hear people who will teach me how to hear people who will teach me how to hear people who will teach me how to invest all my money so I can keep making invest all my money so I can keep making invest all my money so I can keep making more. more. more. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And my biggest question is >> And my biggest question is >> And my biggest question is how fast do I get rid of what I have how fast do I get rid of what I have how fast do I get rid of what I have and still be responsible? And most and still be responsible? And most and still be responsible? And most people aren't even asking that question. people aren't even asking that question. people aren't even asking that question. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um >> Um >> Um the needs are there. The needs are there the needs are there. The needs are there the needs are there. The needs are there today. today. today. The longer you hang on to the money, the The longer you hang on to the money, the The longer you hang on to the money, the more you rationalize a reason that you more you rationalize a reason that you more you rationalize a reason that you need to keep it. need to keep it. need to keep it. And uh And uh And uh the temptation is overwhelming. the temptation is overwhelming. the temptation is overwhelming. And then you give some away. And then you give some away. And then you give some away. And you hear what it does. And you hear And you hear what it does. And you hear And you hear what it does. And you hear about people coming to Christ. And you about people coming to Christ. And you about people coming to Christ. And you hear about the child sponsorships and hear about the child sponsorships and hear about the child sponsorships and the kids that grow up and they're the kids that grow up and they're the kids that grow up and they're healthy and they get work. And healthy and they get work. And healthy and they get work. And Christianity today ran an article in the Christianity today ran an article in the Christianity today ran an article in the 2000s 2000s 2000s uh about the the uh whole issue of uh about the the uh whole issue of uh about the the uh whole issue of poverty worldwide. And one of the poverty worldwide. And one of the poverty worldwide. And one of the eye-opening things is that child eye-opening things is that child eye-opening things is that child sponsorship is one of the single most sponsorship is one of the single most sponsorship is one of the single most successful approaches that's ever been successful approaches that's ever been successful approaches that's ever been used. Um used. Um used. Um there are very few middle-class there are very few middle-class there are very few middle-class Christians or higher that couldn't Christians or higher that couldn't Christians or higher that couldn't afford several child sponsorships.

afford several child sponsorships. afford several child sponsorships. We've certainly had several over the We've certainly had several over the We've certainly had several over the years. I years. I years. I uh couple now. uh couple now. uh couple now. Um And then you hear what happens to an And then you hear what happens to an adult. That that's what life's about. adult. That that's what life's about. adult. That that's what life's about. Not that I got to eat at another nicer Not that I got to eat at another nicer Not that I got to eat at another nicer restaurant. Not that I restaurant. Not that I restaurant. Not that I got to go see the got to go see the got to go see the team I root for win a great game cuz team I root for win a great game cuz team I root for win a great game cuz they'll lose next week. And uh they'll lose next week. And uh they'll lose next week. And uh >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, it's it it it I mean No, it's it it it I mean No, it's it it it I mean it really boils down to that idea of it really boils down to that idea of it really boils down to that idea of how is it how is it how is it being planted on your heart and in your being planted on your heart and in your being planted on your heart and in your heart to help people? And how is that heart to help people? And how is that heart to help people? And how is that looking looking looking in in in in actuation? in actuation? in actuation? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How is that actually playing out? How >> How is that actually playing out? How >> How is that actually playing out? How are you showing are you showing are you showing love to other people? And particularly love to other people? And particularly love to other people? And particularly in James what say is people in need. in James what say is people in need. in James what say is people in need. People who are in a difficult situation People who are in a difficult situation People who are in a difficult situation or or whatever's going on.

or or whatever's going on. or or whatever's going on. And so, whether that looks like the And so, whether that looks like the And so, whether that looks like the child sponsorships as you talked about child sponsorships as you talked about child sponsorships as you talked about through a global initiative that is through a global initiative that is through a global initiative that is seeking to help people in in other seeking to help people in in other seeking to help people in in other countries or whatnot. Or it could be countries or whatnot. Or it could be countries or whatnot. Or it could be going down to like the local, you know, going down to like the local, you know, going down to like the local, you know, um um um um um um a soup kitchen or whatever it is and a soup kitchen or whatever it is and a soup kitchen or whatever it is and showing, you know, and stepping in. showing, you know, and stepping in. showing, you know, and stepping in. There are organizations out there. There are organizations out there. There are organizations out there. Hopefully your church as you're Hopefully your church as you're Hopefully your church as you're listening is a part of those, too, and listening is a part of those, too, and listening is a part of those, too, and is stepping out. Um is stepping out. Um is stepping out. Um and but it's it's taking those steps and and but it's it's taking those steps and and but it's it's taking those steps and just knowing that this is as James would just knowing that this is as James would just knowing that this is as James would say, this is what your faith looks like. say, this is what your faith looks like. say, this is what your faith looks like. >> And and hopefully knowing enough people >> And and hopefully knowing enough people >> And and hopefully knowing enough people across the socioeconomic brackets yeah across the socioeconomic brackets yeah across the socioeconomic brackets yeah that that that when there isn't any credible way you when there isn't any credible way you when there isn't any credible way you can get a tax break for can get a tax break for can get a tax break for >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> doing so >> doing so >> doing so you say to somebody you say to somebody you say to somebody you need $5,000, here it is. Oh, I'll you need $5,000, here it is. Oh, I'll you need $5,000, here it is. Oh, I'll repay you.

repay you. repay you. Okay. Okay. Okay. If you can that's great. If you can that's great. If you can that's great. But I'm never going to assume that you But I'm never going to assume that you But I'm never going to assume that you will because that just will because that just will because that just destroys relationships. destroys relationships. destroys relationships. >> never going to ask you about it. >> never going to ask you about it. >> never going to ask you about it. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Yeah, for >> Yeah, for >> Yeah, for yeah. Um yeah. Um yeah. Um you don't want to be sending people back you don't want to be sending people back you don't want to be sending people back to to a the debtor's prison here. Like to to a the debtor's prison here. Like to to a the debtor's prison here. Like yeah. yeah. yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> No, I I I love that because you know >> No, I I I love that because you know >> No, I I I love that because you know what? Every time that you look at what? Every time that you look at what? Every time that you look at somebody and you and you lend it and you somebody and you and you lend it and you somebody and you and you lend it and you put a hand out to meet a need like put a hand out to meet a need like put a hand out to meet a need like keeping in mind that that person, those keeping in mind that that person, those keeping in mind that that person, those eyes that you were looking into that is eyes that you were looking into that is eyes that you were looking into that is a person who is as loved by God as you a a person who is as loved by God as you a a person who is as loved by God as you a person who he made for a, you know, in person who he made for a, you know, in person who he made for a, you know, in in his love said, I want this person to in his love said, I want this person to in his love said, I want this person to be born to to be a a eternal person." be born to to be a a eternal person." be born to to be a a eternal person." And I want this person to live with me And I want this person to live with me And I want this person to live with me forever. I do. I want this person with forever. I do. I want this person with forever. I do. I want this person with me forever. Let's show that person love me forever. Let's show that person love me forever. Let's show that person love because I love them.

because I love them. because I love them. And yes, the things of this world may And yes, the things of this world may And yes, the things of this world may not be treating them well, but you know not be treating them well, but you know not be treating them well, but you know what? You can. what? You can. what? You can. And uh And uh And uh >> You should be a preacher. That's good. >> You should be a preacher. That's good. >> You should be a preacher. That's good. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And that's the >> And that's the >> And that's the And that's the message of James for you. And that's the message of James for you. And that's the message of James for you. Uh Uh Uh um um um Craig, thank you so much for being our Craig, thank you so much for being our Craig, thank you so much for being our guide today through the book of James. I guide today through the book of James. I guide today through the book of James. I really appreciate it. Would you mind really appreciate it. Would you mind really appreciate it. Would you mind closing us in prayer? closing us in prayer? closing us in prayer? >> Father, thanks for >> Father, thanks for >> Father, thanks for the technology that makes it possible the technology that makes it possible the technology that makes it possible [music] [music] [music] to have this conversation and to have this conversation and to have this conversation and to record it. And I pray for Jason and to record it. And I pray for Jason and to record it. And I pray for Jason and all his all his all his associates as associates as associates as he combs [music] through this recording he combs [music] through this recording he combs [music] through this recording and the others that he's making and and the others that he's making and and the others that he's making and figures out what is of value for others figures out what is of value for others figures out what is of value for others to listen to. [music] And then we pray to listen to. [music] And then we pray to listen to. [music] And then we pray that those who that those who that those who who listen will listen with open hearts who listen will listen with open hearts who listen will listen with open hearts and open minds. and open minds. and open minds. Um and [music] Um and [music] Um and [music] uh uh uh where repentance may be needed, that where repentance may be needed, that where repentance may be needed, that >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that they would repent, but that they >> that they would repent, but that they >> that they would repent, but that they would not feel would not feel would not feel um solely [music] having been solely [music] having been guilt-tripped. Help them to see that guilt-tripped. Help them to see that guilt-tripped. Help them to see that every aspect [music] of the Christian every aspect [music] of the Christian every aspect [music] of the Christian life can life can life can can be a can be a can be a cause for all joy, even [music] cause for all joy, even [music] cause for all joy, even [music] those hardest times for us to those hardest times for us to those hardest times for us to to sense that.

to sense that. to sense that. Um Um Um Meet their Meet their Meet their needs wherever they are and take them on needs wherever they are and take them on needs wherever they are and take them on [music] [music] [music] at least one next step of uh at least one next step of uh at least one next step of uh good journey, a good trajectory toward good journey, a good trajectory toward good journey, a good trajectory toward [music] [music] [music] uh uh uh following your will. We pray this in following your will. We pray this in following your will. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.