InPerspective

James 3:1-12

One tiny spark can set off a raging forest fire that can cause incredible damage and destruction. In the same way, careless or malicious words can destroy reputations, emotionally scar another person for years, and create havoc and misery in numerous lives. We must realize the awesome power of the tongue, and rely on the Holy Spirit for the power to control our speech for the glory of God.

James 3:1-2

The tongue has great potential for good or evil – to either spread bitterness, division, and false doctrine, or to praise, bless, encourage, uplift, and promote sound teaching. Therefore, teachers and elders in the church of Jesus Christ must be especially diligent to cultivate Christlike control of their communication and speech, in their sacred responsibility as overseers of the souls under their care.

James 3:1-2

People can tell a great deal about your heart by the words that come out of your mouth. In other words, what you say says a lot about you. The constant subjection of our speech to biblical scrutiny and the control of the Holy Spirit is not only a worthwhile goal for every Christian – it is especially important for those who would be teachers and spiritual leaders in the church of Jesus Christ.

James 2:14-26

The Bible declares that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. But James warns us that there is such a thing as a dead faith that is not accompanied by good works for the glory of God. This type of so-called faith is useless and cannot save anyone, while genuine faith by which we are justified before God is a faith that also produces good works and spiritual fruit.

James 2:14-26

Reformed theology echoes the teaching of the Apostle Paul in declaring that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the works of the Law. And yet, the epistle of James seems to contradict Paul by stating that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." How do we reconcile what appears to be a sharp contradiction between James and Paul?

2 Timothy 3:14-16

What sets the Bible apart from any other book? Where did it come from? How did we get it? Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he answers these questions in his new series The Divine Majesty and Sufficiency of God's Word.

James 2:8-13

James exhorts us, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” But we violate this royal law if we judge people based on appearance, economic status, social standing, and worldly criteria rather than on their inward character and their inherent dignity and worth as human beings created in the image of God.

James 2:8-13

“Don’t play favorites” is a cardinal rule for parents, to avoid creating resentment and bitterness in their children. But James cautions us of the danger of playing favorites in the church. We are not to show favoritism and partiality based on wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, for this may lead to mistreatment and contempt towards other brothers and sisters in Christ of like precious faith.

James 2:1-7

The Bible says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart – and James exposes this hypocritical tendency that should have no place in the church. We are prone to base our judgments on reputation and outward appearances. But God rejects such partiality and favoritism, for He looks at the heart, knows its every thought and intent, and judges with perfect wisdom.

James 2:1-7

How would you react if you came across a poor man with shabby, dirty clothes on the street? Now, how would you react if such a man came to your church? God despises an attitude of partiality and favoritism based on mere outward appearance. We must learn to treat others not on the basis of wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, but based on Gospel-fueled Christian love and compassion.

James 1:19-27

Many people believe that all religions lead to God – and actually, they are right. All religions do lead to God but the question is: What will God say to you when you get there? Those who follow the false religions of the world will hear, "Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness. I never knew you." Will you hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master" ?

Nahum 3

God brings judgment upon His enemies and at the same time, delivers and justifies His people. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he unpacks this biblical truth in his message, "The Wrath of God Will Be Satisfied, Yet the People of God Will Be Justified."

James 1:19-27

You may have heard believers say things like, "I'm not religious, I'm a Christian," or "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship." While there may be some truth to these sentiments, the epistle of James clearly stresses that Christianity IS a religion, and that believers ARE to be religious. What are the characteristics of pure and undefiled religion that James exhorts us to pursue?

James 1:22-25

In terms of what truly matters, there are really only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who ultimately dismiss, ignore, or reject the Word of God – and in so doing, reject the God of the Word. In stark contrast, there are those who respond to the Word of God in faith and belief, cling to the sovereign Lord who gave it to us, and build their lives upon its teachings.

James 1:22-25

We all know the familiar saying, "Monkey see, monkey do" – but in light of today's Scripture text from James, we might rephrase this as, "Christian HEAR, Christian do." James warns us against the ultimate folly and fruitlessness of only hearing the Word of God, without the commitment to actively DOING the Word of God by applying its divine wisdom and instruction to our daily lives.

James 1:19-21

There is much more to gardening than just planting the seeds – you must regularly weed the garden so the plants will grow to maturity. James reminds us that, like a gardener diligently pulling weeds to cultivate a fruitful garden, we must put away all filthiness, wickedness, and ungodliness, so the implanted Word of God can grow to maturity and bear lasting fruit in our lives.

James 1:19-21

The book of James is the New Testament counterpart of Old Testament wisdom literature books like Proverbs, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes. James teaches us about Gospel Living Through Gospel Wisdom, and today we examine the application of wisdom in his admonition: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Nahum 2

In days past, a town crier or watchman would shout out a warning at the sight of danger. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he shows us how Nahum did the same thing with Ninevah and the Assyrian empire.

James 1:16-18

Much of the evangelical church believes that sinners become Christians by exercising their free will and choosing to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ. But James writes, “Of HIS OWN WILL He brought us forth by the word of truth.” We do not CHOOSE to be born again by our own decision, but God CAUSES us to be born again by His sovereign work of grace in regeneration.