Archives for 2022

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James. This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Distinctive Characteristics

Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) its familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount (compare 2:5 with Matthew 5:3; 3:10-12 with Matthew 7:15-20; 3:18 with Matthew 5:9;5:2-3 with Matthew 6:19-20; 5:12 with Matthew 5:33-37); (5) its similarity to OT wisdom writings such as Proverbs (see essay, p. 970); (6) its excellent Greek.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James. This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Summary of the Book of James

This summary of the book of James provides information about the title, author, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of James.

Author

The author identifies himself as James (1:1); he was probably the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Four men in the NT have this name. The author of this letter could not have been the apostle James, who died too early (a.d. 44) to have written it. The other two men named James had neither the stature nor the influence that the writer of this letter had.

James was one of several brothers of Christ, probably the oldest since he heads the list in Mt 13:55. At first he did not believe in Jesus and even challenged him and misunderstood his mission (John 7:2-5). Later he became very prominent in the church:

1. He was one of the select individuals Christ appeared to after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7).
2. Paul called him a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9).
3. Paul, on his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, saw James (Gal 1:19).
4. Paul did the same on his last visit (Acts 21:18).
5. When Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James (Acts 12:17).
6. James was a leader in the important council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
7. Jude could identify himself simply as “a brother of James” (Jude 1:1), so well known was James. He was martyred c. a.d. 62.

Date

Some date the letter in the early 60s. There are indications, however, that it was written before a.d. 50:

1. Its distinctively Jewish nature suggests that it was composed when the church was still predominantly Jewish.
2. It reflects a simple church order — officers of the church are called “elders” (5:14) and “teachers” (3:1).
3. No reference is made to the controversy over Gentile circumcision.
4. The Greek term synagogue (“synagogue” or “meeting”) is used to designate the meeting or meeting place of the church (2:2).

If this early dating is correct, this letter is the earliest of all the NT writings — with the possible exception of Galatians.

Recipients

The recipients are identified explicitly only in 1:1: “the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Some hold that this expression refers to Christians in general, but the term “twelve tribes” would more naturally apply to Jewish Christians. Furthermore, a Jewish audience would be more in keeping with the obviously Jewish nature of the letter (e.g., the use of the Hebrew title for God, kyrios sabaoth, “Lord Almighty,” 5:4). That the recipients were Christians is clear from 2:1; 5:7-8. It has been plausibly suggested that these were believers from the early Jerusalem church who, after Stephen’s death, were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Syrian Antioch (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). This would account for James’s references to trials and oppression, his intimate knowledge of the readers and the authoritative nature of the letter. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James wrote as pastor to instruct and encourage his dispersed people in the face of their difficulties.

Distinctive Characteristics

Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) its familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount (compare 2:5 with Matthew 5:3; 3:10-12 with Matthew 7:15-20; 3:18 with Matthew 5:9;5:2-3 with Matthew 6:19-20; 5:12 with Matthew 5:33-37); (5) its similarity to OT wisdom writings such as Proverbs (see essay, p. 970); (6) its excellent Greek.

Outline

Chapter 1

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. Trials and Temptations (1:2-18)
3. The Testing of Faith (1:2-12)
4. The Source of Temptation (1:13-18)
5. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)

Chapter 2

1. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
2. Faith and Deeds (2:14-26)

Chapter 3

1. Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)
2. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)

Chapter 4

1. Warning against Worldliness (ch. 4)
2. Quarrelsomeness (4:1-3)
3. Spiritual Unfaithfulness (4:4)
4. Pride (4:5-10)
5. Slander (4:11-12)
6. Boasting (4:13-17)

Chapter 5

1. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)
2. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)
3. Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7-11)
4. Concerning Oaths (5:12)
5. Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13-18)
6. Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19-20)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James. This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Date

Some date the letter in the early 60s. There are indications, however, that it was written before a.d. 50:

1. Its distinctively Jewish nature suggests that it was composed when the church was still predominantly Jewish.
2. It reflects a simple church order — officers of the church are called “elders” (5:14) and “teachers” (3:1).
3. No reference is made to the controversy over Gentile circumcision.
4. The Greek term synagogue (“synagogue” or “meeting”) is used to designate the meeting or meeting place of the church (2:2).

If this early dating is correct, this letter is the earliest of all the NT writings — with the possible exception of Galatians.

Recipients

The recipients are identified explicitly only in 1:1: “the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Some hold that this expression refers to Christians in general, but the term “twelve tribes” would more naturally apply to Jewish Christians. Furthermore, a Jewish audience would be more in keeping with the obviously Jewish nature of the letter (e.g., the use of the Hebrew title for God, kyrios sabaoth, “Lord Almighty,” 5:4). That the recipients were Christians is clear from 2:1; 5:7-8. It has been plausibly suggested that these were believers from the early Jerusalem church who, after Stephen’s death, were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Syrian Antioch (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). This would account for James’s references to trials and oppression, his intimate knowledge of the readers and the authoritative nature of the letter. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James wrote as pastor to instruct and encourage his dispersed people in the face of their difficulties.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James. This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Summary of the Book of James

This summary of the book of James provides information about the title, author, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of James.

Author

The author identifies himself as James (1:1); he was probably the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Four men in the NT have this name. The author of this letter could not have been the apostle James, who died too early (a.d. 44) to have written it. The other two men named James had neither the stature nor the influence that the writer of this letter had.

James was one of several brothers of Christ, probably the oldest since he heads the list in Mt 13:55. At first he did not believe in Jesus and even challenged him and misunderstood his mission (John 7:2-5). Later he became very prominent in the church:

6) SUFFER FOR GOD V23-31, 32-38 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.²⁸ Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Of whom the world was not worthy V38

CONCLUSION:

BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.  (HEB 11:6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Who Does God Use? This week we will look at how God uses people. What characteristics does God develop in His servants? Our study will be in Hebrews 11.

4) OBEY GOD V8-11 obeyed

Abraham went, not knowing where he was going V8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Sojourned in strange country V9

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Looked for city V10

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Sarah judged God faithful to keep his promise V11

Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

5) DESIRED GOD’S COUNTRY V16 now they desire a better country

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Heavenly

God prepared for them a city

Pilgrim’s Progress

Abraham came from a pagan culture. He was a cattleman and was rich. He was just doing his daily tasks when God called. When God called, he followed God without question. God promised him a nation, a blessing, a land, and a people.

Sarah, who was barren, trusted God’s promise of a child.

They desired a heavenly country. God prepared them a city.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Who Does God Use? This week we will look at how God uses people. What characteristics does God develop in His servants? Our study will be in Hebrews 11.

Characteristics of Faith

Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Definition of faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Source document for faith

WORD OF GOD v3

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Our salvation and growth in the Lord are contingent on two things. First the word of God, the Bible, and second, faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross at Calvary.

We only know of God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, through the reading or hearing of God’s word. Once we hear and the Spirit of God draws us to Jesus, then by faith we repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Jesus took our sin debt upon Himself and we now walk in newness of life.

This week we will see how God used ordinary people to accomplish His plan.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAITH:

1) OFFERED TO GOD V4 Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

2) SEEK GOD V5-6 he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Get to know God better.  What are some characteristics of God? 

3) FEAR GOD V7 moved with fear

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah’s fear moved him to prepare the ark. Eight saved/world repopulated

Note that these people were doing nothing extraordinary. They were just living their lives.

Abel was a shepherd. His father probably taught him about what God did for him in the Garden of Eden, after he and Eve sinned. God sacrificed an animal. The blood atoned for their sin. The skins were used as a covering for their bodies. Abel gave a blood sacrifice.

Enoch sought God. It does not tell us his occupation. God does tell us he had a testimony that he pleased God. That should be the testimony that every believer desires.

Noah lived in a wicked generation. So wicked, that God chose to destroy all living creatures. Then one day God told Noah to build an ark. He told Noah to build the ark before He told him why.  Noah obeyed without questioning God. Noah must have been really confused because there had never been any rain before. He must have been mocked, ridiculed, and scorned, as he was doing the building. During this time, he was preaching about God’s righteousness. No converts in one hundred years. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (v8)

What has or could He do with us if we were available for His use?

4) OBEY GOD V8-11 obeyed

Abraham went, not knowing where he was going V8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Sojourned in strange country V9

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Looked for city V10

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Sarah judged God faithful to keep his promise V11

Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

5) DESIRED GOD’S COUNTRY V16 now they desire a better country

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Heavenly

God prepared for them a city

Pilgrim’s Progress

Abraham came from a pagan culture. He was a cattleman and was rich. He was just doing his daily tasks when God called. When God called, he followed God without question. God promised him a nation, a blessing, a land, and a people.

Sarah, who was barren, trusted God’s promise of a child.

They desired a heavenly country. God prepared them a city.

6) SUFFER FOR GOD V23-31, 32-38 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.²⁸ Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Of whom the world was not worthy V38

CONCLUSION:

BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.  (HEB 11:6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Who Does God Use? This week we will look at how God uses people. What characteristics does God develop in His servants? Our study will be in Hebrews 11.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAITH:

1.OFFERED TO GOD V4 Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

2. SEEK GOD V5-6 he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Get to know God better.  What are some characteristics of God? 

3. FEAR GOD V7 moved with fear

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah’s fear moved him to prepare the ark. Eight saved/world repopulated

Note that these people were doing nothing extraordinary. They were just living their lives.

Abel was a shepherd. His father probably taught him about what God did for him in the Garden of Eden, after he and Eve sinned. God sacrificed an animal. The blood atoned for their sin. The skins were used as a covering for their bodies. Abel gave a blood sacrifice.

Enoch sought God. It does not tell us his occupation. God does tell us he had a testimony that he pleased God. That should be the testimony that every believer desires.

Noah lived in a wicked generation. So wicked, that God chose to destroy all living creatures. Then one day God told Noah to build an ark. He told Noah to build the ark before He told him why.  Noah obeyed without questioning God. Noah must have been really confused because there had never been any rain before. He must have been mocked, ridiculed, and scorned, as he was doing the building. During this time, he was preaching about God’s righteousness. No converts in one hundred years. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (v8)

What has or could God do with us if we were available for His use?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Who Does God Use? This week we will look at how God uses people. What characteristics does God develop in His servants? Our study will be in Hebrews 11.

Definition of FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Source document for faith

WORD OF GOD v3

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Our salvation and growth in the Lord are contingent on two things. First the word of God, the Bible, and second, faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross at Calvary.

We only know of God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, through the reading or hearing of God’s word. Once we hear and the Spirit of God draws us to Jesus, then by faith we repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Jesus took our sin debt upon Himself and we now walk in newness of life.

This week we will see how God used ordinary people to accomplish His plan.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Who does God use? The answer may surprise us.

This week we will look at a number of people and their status in life.

God speaks to this issue in 1 Corinthians 1.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:²⁷ But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;²⁸ And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)

God chose the “…the foolish things of the world…”, “…the weak things of the world…”, and “…base things of the world…”. Not exactly who we would choose to develop a ministry to reach the world for Christ. From the outset God was looking for individuals who were teachable. Some were more teachable than others, but all were willing to be taught and used by God to do His will.

Characteristics of people who God uses

Knew God

Faith in God

Righteous

Walked with God

Out of their weakness, God made them strong

Good testimony

Persevered

Did not quit

These people were common folk, who did uncommon tasks for God.

CHALLENGE TO SERVE

God does not want your ability, He wants your availability.

Who can God use?

YOU!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com