Good morning,

This month we will be studying the Book of James. I have provided you a summary of the book for your reference.

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 Matthew 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 (Galatians 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 around 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 
6. Its excellent Greek.

Outline

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. Trials and Temptations (1:2-18)
   1. The Testing of Faith (1:2-12)
   2. The Source of Temptation (1:13-18)
3. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)
4. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
5. Faith and Deeds (2:14-26)
6. Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)
7. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)
   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)
8. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)
   1. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)
   2. Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7-11)
   3. Concerning Oaths (5:12)
   4. Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13-18)
   5. Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19-20)

Please refer back to this as we go through the Book of James. Tomorrow we will start with Chapter 1.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Trying to tempt Jesus the Pharisees asked Him this question.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

Although believers in Jesus Christ are not under the law, without these two commandments we would not be saved. When we trusted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we repented of our sins, and chose to “…love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Our allegiance was now to Jesus who died for our sins, was buried, three days later rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven.  We now love and serve Him.

Jesus is our example on how to love others. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus paid the sin debt for you and me. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He secured our everlasting life through His willingness to bear our punishment Himself. That is true love.

We cannot die on the cross for others sins, but we can explain to them about the love Jesus has for them. How they need to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

We also must lives that exemplify our love for our Savior Jesus. Living above the world, doing things that honor God, and do it with every fiber of our being.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

“Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.” (James 4:8)

The hymn “Near to the Heart of God” was written by Cleland B. McAfee in 1903. This hymn was born out of tragic circumstances. Cleland McAfee (1866-1944) suffered the loss of two infant nieces to diphtheria in 1903.

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God;
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
near to the heart of God;
a place where we our Savior meet,
near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
near to the heart of God;
a place where all is joy and peace,
near to the heart of God.

REFRAIN

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us who wait before thee
near to the heart of God.

McAfee was preacher and choir director of the campus Presbyterian Church at Park College, Parkville, Mo. His daughter described the account in her book, Near to the Heart of God. Hymnologist William J. Reynolds quotes the account:

“The family and town were stricken with grief. My father often told us how he sat long and late thinking of what could be said in word and song on the coming Sunday…. So he wrote the little song. The choir learned it at the regular Saturday night rehearsal, and afterward they went to Howard McAfee’s home and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened, quarantined house. It was sung again on Sunday morning at the communion service…. The hymn was first included in The Choir Leader, October, 1903.”

UM Hymnal editor, the Rev. Carlton R. Young, suggests that the “stanzas affirm that near to God’s heart is a meeting place with the Savior, a place of ‘quiet rest,’ ‘comfort,’ ‘full release,’ and ‘joy and peace.’ The refrain petitions Jesus to sustain us near to God’s heart.”

“The unpretentious language is descriptive in the stanzas—painting a vivid picture of either the afterlife (heaven?) or a place where we can meet God face-to-face in prayer. The refrain finds its highest musical pitch on the word “Jesus”—invoking the “Redeemer” to “hold us . . . near to the heart of God.”

This is where each of us should endeavor to dwell. If we are dwelling in His presence daily, He will be able to guide, sustain, and comfort you along life’s rocky road.

Please encourage others with this thought.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. This week we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith from Acts 7.

Today we will look at the response to Stephen’s defense of the faith. Life presents us with choices. We can choose to follow righteousness or wickedness, God or Satan, God’s Son Jesus Christ or Satan’s demons outcasts from heaven. Ultimately our decisions determine our eternal destiny. The Jewish religious leaders refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah. That day they sealed their fate. Their wickedness caused them to choose death rather than life. However, if a person, who has led the wicked lifestyle described here, repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ they will be saved and enjoy fellowship with Jesus for all eternity.

 RESPONSE TO STEPHEN’S DEFENSE (Acts 7:54-60)

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. ⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, ⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, ⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. ⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

High Priest, people, elders, and false witnesses  response v 54, 57-60

a) They were cut to the heart v 54

b) Stopped their ears v 57

c) Cast him out of the city and stoned him v 58-59

Stephen’s response v 55-56, 59-60

a) Looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God v 55-56

b) Call’s unto God to receive his spirit v 59

c) Cries to God saying “Lay not this sin to their charge.”

CONCLUSION

•  KNOW YOUR HISTORY
• OBEY GOD’S WORD

CHOOSE JESUS, CHOOSE LIFE

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. This week we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith from Acts 7.

Today we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith. He walks his listeners through the history of Israel.  He begins with Abraham, the covenant, his family, Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, Promised Land, and David and Solomon.

STEPHEN’S DEFENSE

The history of Israel (Acts 7:1-53)

Abraham v 2-7

a) Family history v 2-4

b) Inheritance v 5

c) Bondage v 6-7

Covenant of circumcision v 8

Joseph: Prison to Prince v 9-16

a) Joseph afflicted by his brothers, made governor by Pharaoh v 9-10

b) Famine v 11-12

c) Revelation to brothers and father v13-16

Exodus to the Cross 17-53

a) Pharaoh’s plan to destroy God’s people v 17-19

b) Moses born and raised in Pharaoh’s court for 40 years v 20-22

c) Moses visits his brethren v 23-29

d) Moses flees to Midian for 40 years v 29-30

e) God calls Moses to deliver Israel v 30-35

f) God delivers Israel v 36

g) Moses reminds the people of their rebellion and idol worship v37-44

h) Joshua Promised Land till David v 45

i) David finds favor with God v 46

j) Temple built by Solomon v 47

k) God does not dwell in temples made by hands v 48-50

l) Stephen’s rebuke for disobedience and death of Jesus v 51-53

Stephen goes through the history of Israel and comes to verse 50 with this summation: “HATH NOT MY HAND MADE ALL THESE THINGS?” It was a rhetorical question. Of course God made it all. So then he rebukes his listeners.  Verse 51-53 states, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

Who are you following today? Are you God deniers or obedient lovers of the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ? Are you resisting the Holy Ghost or allowing the Holy Ghost to lead, guide, and comfort you?

Tomorrow we will see the response of Stephen’s listeners.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. This week we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith from Acts 7.

Today we back up to Acts 6:8-15. Stephen is accused of blasphemy against Moses, God, the holy place, and the law. We need to understand this passage to fully appreciate Stephen’s defense of the faith in Chapter 7.

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. ¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. ¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, ¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: ¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. ¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:8-15)

Note that Stephan was “…full of faith and power…” Note that it was false witnesses that accused him. The charges were false.

Today, we see much of the same thing happening. People are perverting what the Bible says for their own advantage. Some are in it for the money, some to change the gospel message, and others to totally deny Jesus Christ.

Stephen is given the opportunity to defend what he believes. Chapter 7 documents what he said.

So what about us? When people curse our God, promote false doctrine, or refuse to believe, what is our response? I hope we will lean some lessons from Stephen’s defense of the faith.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study God’s goodness in the United States and some concluding remarks.

God showed His goodness to the United States by protecting us, allowing the Bible to be taught as the curriculum of choice for over 300 years, and giving us wisdom to honor and support Israel.

God’s goodness in the United States

1. Revolutionary War We did not have the resources, expertise, or manpower to defeat the British. God gave us the ability to defeat the enemy.
2. God allowed our country to be governed by the Bible for nearly 300 years. The Preachers preached it, the schools taught from it, and local governments invoke the power of God on their communities.
3. God allowed us to reap the blessings from having close ties with Israel.

Conclusion 

• God’s goodness comes from obedience to God
• God’s goodness comes from praise, thanks, and worship to God
• God’s goodness comes from repenting of known sin and crying out to God
• God’s goodness comes from Jesus our Good Shepherd
• God’s goodness comes from Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection
• God’s goodness comes from knowing that Jesus is the way, truth, and life
• God’s goodness comes from the Bible
• God’s goodness comes from honoring and supporting Israel

 This study has shown us that God is good to those who put their trust in Him.  Believers, if we believe this, we should be telling everyone about the goodness of God. Unbelievers, hopefully this study has convinced you that God is good and that you would like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

Please contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study God’s goodness in the church age.
God showed His goodness to the church by sending the good shepherd, with the good news, Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

God’s goodness in the church age

a. Jesus is the Good Shepherd John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
b. The Gospel- The Good News 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”
c. Jesus is the way, truth and life John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Three questions. First, is Jesus your good shepherd? Second, have you ever believed on Christ? Third, do you know Jesus as the way, truth, and life?
The answers to these three questions will determine where you will spend eternity. If you have any doubts, please call me.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Psalm 107 and God’s goodness.

When bad things happen to us, how do we react? In today’s study we will examine several different scenarios and see how the people reacted and what God did.

God’s goodness to His people v 4-42

1. God delivers from their distresses v 4-7
2. Wandering in the wilderness v 4
3. Hungry and thirsty and crying out to the Lord v 5
4. God delivers them from their distresses v 7
5. God satisfies the longing soul v 8-9
6. God saves from their rebellion v 10-14
7. Condemned for rebellion against The Most High God v 10-12
8. Cried to the Lord and He saved them v 13-14
9. God is good v 15-16
10. God saves the fools from their transgressions v 17-20
11. Fools transgress v 17-18
12. They cry unto the Lord and God saves, sends His word, heals them and delivers them v 19-20
13. God exhorts man to praise the Lord v 21-22
14. God calms the storm v 23-30
15. Life at sea v 23-27
16. They cry unto the Lord and God calms the storm v 28-30
17. God exhorts men to exalt and praise God v 31-32
18. God creates living habitation out of wilderness v 33-38
19. God turns fruitful land into wilderness because of the wickedness of the people v 33-34
20. God turns the wilderness into a fruitful land and blesses the righteous v 35-38
21. God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous v 39-43
22. God brings low the wicked v 39-40
23. God raises up the poor and righteous v 41-42
24. God’s challenge to observe these things v 43

I hope you see in this passage the frailty of man and the goodness of God. We find that when the people rebel and are willing to cry out to God, He hears them and saves them. First John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God wants us to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Have you called on Jesus to save you? If not, please call on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Need more information? Give me a call.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. This week we will study Psalm 107 and God’s goodness.

When we come before the Lord to worship, we should begin with thanksgiving. Thank Him for all the wonderful things He has done. The acronym ACTS is helpful. A is for adoration. C is for confession. T is for thanksgiving. S is for supplication. Our God is worthy to be praised.

Psalm 107:1-3

Exhortation to praise God v 1-3

1. Give thanks unto the Lord v 1
2. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so v 2
3. God gathers the redeemed from their enemies v 3

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; ³ And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.”

One of the things we can be thankful for is God’s mercy. Without His mercy we could not be saved. Once we have received His mercy through His Son Yeshua (Jesus), we should proclaim this good news to whoever will hear it. So many people are in need of God’s mercy. God delivers His redeemed out of the hand of the enemies.

Are you redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his precious blood on the cross? If so, have you told others of God’s mercy, love, and redeeming power? We all need to tell others about Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001