Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Perhaps the Epistle of James is best known for its teaching on the relationship between faith and works. On first glance, James seems to be asserting something quite different about salvation than we find affirmed by Paul. Of course, Paul champions the truth that one is justified before God upon the basis of faith in Christ alone. Works have nothing to add to the grace and mercy that the sinner finds in our Lord Jesus Christ—“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28). On the other hand, however, James seems to contradict Paul with his claim that the sinner is, in fact, “justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). So what gives?
This Lord’s Day we will begin our exploration of this apparent inconsistency as we consider James 2:17-20. In this passage, James will set forth his case that true, saving faith in Christ always leaves a trail of evidence. It makes its indelible mark on the behavior of the one redeemed. And, understood this way, we will discover that there is absolutely no discrepancy between the teaching of Paul and our Lord’s brother. Both are making the same point, yet from differing, but equally valid, perspectives. As you prepare your heart to worship our Lord, take a close look at James 2:17-26, and compare this with the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-23.
A Look Ahead
As amazing as it sounds, next Sunday November 27 is the First Sunday of Advent! This year our Advent sermons will come from John 17, what is commonly regarded as our Lord’s ‘high priestly prayer’ for the Disciples and those who have believed their testimony. And what a blessed chapter this is! On each of the five Sundays of Advent 2016 (culminating on Christmas Day, Sunday December 25) we will be probing this text and discovering more about our Savior who took on human flesh for our eternal salvation. And, in keeping with our annual tradition, we will also gather on Saturday December 24 at 5:00 PM for our Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion.
I love you all, and always have you in my heart and in my prayers!
Mike