Tag Archives: Bible study

The Beatitudes and Forgiveness, part 2

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Don Merritt

5:8       Blessed are the pure in heart,    for they will see God. The pure in heart are people who have no guile; they are innocent and do not carry with them intrigue and manipulative desires to control other people. Now imagine … Continue reading →

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Final Thoughts on James

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Don Merritt

Old Testament Israel lived under the Law of Moses, very much a transactional system of law, violations, punishments, and atonement. The great priority of that system was found in avoiding violations to curry God’s favor. Sacrifices were carried out continually … Continue reading →

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Summing Up

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Don Merritt

There are some misconceptions surrounding this book, and maybe that is why many modern-day teachers avoid it. Can Jesus be found in James? Well, let’s see… didn’t I write a “Bonus Post” on its connection with the Sermon on the Mount? … Continue reading →

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The Beatitudes and Forgiveness, part 1

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Don Merritt

Matthew 5:3-12 I have no doubt that you are familiar with this text; it is one of the most often quoted in Scripture. No doubt you’ve studied it in studies, classes and sermons many times, but have you ever considered … Continue reading →

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James Closes His Letter

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Don Merritt

James 5:13-20 In concluding his letter, James speaks on prayer in the only passage in his letter that doesn’t have a direct parallel in the Sermon on the Mount. Actually, this is one of the strongest statements concerning the power … Continue reading →

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Simplicity, Naïveté and the Ways of God

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Don Merritt

Recently a friend of mine was speaking with a small group of people; they were asking him questions about various things. One of them asked him what kind of programs and outreach activities he thought would best help a church … Continue reading →

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“Above all”

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

James 5:7-12 This passage opens with the words, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters…” (James 5:7a) and to really lock our understanding of it up, we should look at the word “then.” The Greek word here is ounwhich means “then, therefore, … Continue reading →

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The role of feelings and emotions

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

In most cases, our feelings and emotions don’t help us to make the right choices when we have been wronged. In such cases anger, outrage and hurt are normal and sensible reactions, but as experience teaches us, these usually fade … Continue reading →

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The Love of… Stuff

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Don Merritt

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and … Continue reading →

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Priorities

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Don Merritt

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? … Continue reading →

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