Monthly Archives: September 2015

Bonus Post: James and the Sermon on the Mount

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Don Merritt

The connection between James and the Sermon on the Mount is striking in that there are so many that James could almost be a commentary. Maybe it’s just me, but I think that another curious feature of this connection is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, James, Jesus, life, love | 2 Comments

Faith Without Action is Dead

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Don Merritt

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged attitude, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, James, Jesus, life, love | 4 Comments

Bonus Post: James as “Wisdom Literature”

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Don Merritt

While our book of James is written in a letter form, there are no personal messages contained in it, for it is actually another literary form popular in the ancient world, a paracnesis or moral instruction. Proverbs in the Old Testament … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, hope, James, Jesus, life, love | 4 Comments

Poor in Circumstances, Rich in Faith

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Don Merritt

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged attitude, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love | 2 Comments

A September 11th Reflection

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Don Merritt

How long O Lord will your children misuse the creativity you have given them to make new ways to kill? How long O Lord will hate and violence reign upon this earth? How long O Lord will our sons be … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged Christian, Devotional, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, photos, Prayer, September 11 | 1 Comment

Favoritism

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Don Merritt

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love | 10 Comments

Love is Active

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Don Merritt

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, James, Jesus, life, love | 6 Comments

Do what it says!

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Don Merritt

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged attitude, Bible study, Christian, encouragement, hope, James, Jesus, life, love | 14 Comments

Slow to Speak

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Don Merritt

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral … Continue reading →