The term ‘Christian’ is often associated with actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, Christians are expected to emulate his actions and teachings in their daily lives.
The Epistle of James provides a practical guide for Christians, outlining the actions and behaviors that should be exhibited in their day-to-day lives. It has been called the “Monday through Saturday guide for Christians” because of its practicality.
James, the author of the Epistle, was likely the brother of Jesus. (Matthew 13.55; Galatians 1.9) In the beginning, James and the other brothers of Jesus tried to discourage the Lord (John 7.5). However, as time passed, James grew spiritually and became an active member of the early Christian community.
- James was with the disciples in the upper room. (Acts 1:14)
- Peter sent good news to him. (Acts 12:17)
- James speaks to the brethren at the Jerusalem gathering. (Acts 15:13-21)
- Paul spoke to James and the elders. (Acts 21:18-25)
- James is mentioned in Galatians 2.9 as a pillar of the church.
James’ transformation from a skeptic to a devout follower of Christ is a testament to the power of faith. He witnessed the great things that the Lord had done and was inspired to share his story with others. Like James, we too can grow in our faith and become pillars of the church, spreading the teachings of Christ to those around us.
Are you willing to share your story and grow in your faith, just like James did?
Just some thoughts,
In this series of articles, we will explore the meaning of being a Christian, as described in the book of James. We will start by examining the origins of the term “Christian” and its significance to followers of Christ.
The term “Christian” is used three times in the Bible; Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. Each time the word is used, it refers to a follower of Christ. Regardless of their origin or location, disciples of Christ began to wear the name of Christian and were recognized by others as being “followers of Christ.”
Before the term “Christian” was used, followers of Christ were known as people of the “Way.” This term was commonly used to describe someone who followed the teachings of Christ, as we can see in verses such as Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, and 22:4.
In a commentary on Acts 9.4, A. T. Robertson says,
“It is a Jewish definition of life as in Isa_40:3 “the way of the Lord,” Psa_1:6 “the way of the righteous,” “the way of the wicked.” Jesus called himself “the way” (Joh_14:6), the only way to the Father. The so-called Epistle of Barnabas presents the Two Ways. The North American Indians call Christianity the Jesus Road.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures on Acts 9.4)
In conclusion, the term “Christian” has its origins in the early followers of Christ, who were known for their devotion to his teachings. As Christians today, we are called to continue this tradition and follow the Way of Christ.
Are you ready to embark on this journey?
Just a thought,
Do you check prices when you go grocery shopping? Do you read the sales to be sure the “deal” you are getting is a “deal?”
In 50 Secrets Your Grocer Won’t Tell You, Jeff Weidauer revealed that the 10-for-$10 is one of the most effective promotions. Sales volume takes off when a grocery store offers this option even though it’s not uncommon to charge the consumer more.
He explained how they’ll take 89-cent cans of tuna and flag them with a “10-for-$10” sign to increase sales. Shoppers will unwittingly pay the extra $1.10 because they think it’s a deal. Temptation works the same way. That which seems irresistible is costing us more than we think. (Reader’s Digest, February 2014, p.142)
Satan makes sin look wonderful, but the consequences are eternal punishment. Sin is made to look glamorous, but its wages are death. (Romans 6.23) No one is beyond of scope of being tempted by Satan. He will use every available means to pull you away. (Ephesians 6.11; 1 Peter 5.8)
Each Christian needs to strengthen themselves so we are not pulled away (James 1.14)
How can one continue to strengthen themselves against sin?
Here are a few suggestions on growing in Spiritual Strength:
- Surround yourself with people trying to get to heaven (Hebrews 10.24, 25)
- Spend time in the Bible (God’s words on avoiding sin) (1 Timothy 2.15)
- Communicate with God (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
- Change your life to live for God if you have not (Acts 2.38)
Just some thoughts,
For thousands of years, people have searched for answers. Some are searching for the meaning of life, while others are searching for a simple answer to a simple question.
When we are searching for answers, where do you go? Google? A friend? The Bible?
When you have a Bible question, where do you look?
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick told an Eastern Tale that tells of the search for truth. *
A traveler passing through a village spotted a man on the ground, obviously searching for something. Wanting to help, the stranger stopped and asked what he was trying to find. The man explained he’d lost his key.
Together they searched through the dust and leaves for more than an hour but found nothing. The traveler asked the old man if he was sure the key had been lost in this area. The elder told his new friend, “Oh, no! I lost it in my house.”
Irritated by the waste of time, the traveler demanded, “Then why are we looking out here?” The wise man, who used such opportunities to teach others, replied, “Because out here the light is so much better for looking.”
*The Great Cholesterol Con, Malcolm Kendrick, 2007, p. 206
Many people look where they are comfortable instead of the place to find the genuine answers. God has provided us all things for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3) and the words of the Bible are written so we may believe (John 20.31).
How much time are you spending searching the Bible for life’s answers?
Are you searching the Bible more than Google?
Just a thought,
The walls of the pit must have seemed higher than a building as it blocked out the sun while his brothers looked down at him. The only thing he had done was to share the dreams he had over the past few nights. His brother became furious at his interpretation of the dreams. His brothers disliked the more he obeyed his father. Now, he is in a pit… just waiting.
The next step would take him farther from home. His brothers ended up selling him to slave traders. He ended up being sold again to the captain of the military guard in Egypt. Now he was a servant in a foreign land far from home. In a short time, he went from being the most loved son of his father to being a servant in a God-less kingdom.
Even though he was in a foreign land, the Lord watched over him and brought him to a place of prominence in the empire. Long story short, he ended up in prison for doing what was right. His choice of the right thing ended up putting him in the wrong place.
How can a man stay true to who he is called to be when, at every height, there is a rocky bottom?
Whether a pit or a foreign prison, he was at the bottom again?
What do you do when everyone turns their back on you?
- Joseph stayed faithful. The Lord blessed Joseph in prison and each blessing brought him success. (Genesis 39.21-23)
- Joseph uses his abilities. Not only was Joseph faithful, but he used his gifts to bless those around him. (Genesis 40.1-15)
- Joseph remembered God. As God remembered Joseph, Joseph remembered the way God had blessed him and he looked into the future. (Genesis 41.50.52)
Just some thoughts,
The Wall Street Journal (WJS, 1/27/18)reported on a study published in the December 2017 Journal of Happiness Studies and suggested “getting married is one of the best ways to cement a couple’s long-term happiness.”
Using research spanning the past two decades and over 300,000 people, the study sought to discover if marriage causes happiness or if happy people are more likely to get married and stay that way.
The simple conclusion is “a close marital bond spurs long-term happiness.”
The WSJ reporter noted, “That level of commitment, formalized by a ritual and a legal document, may be one reason why the advantages of marriage trump those of just living together.” The article was appropriately titled, “For Happiness That Lasts, Take Those Vows.”
The Bible speaks to the value of the marriage relationship and the strength of the marriage commitment:
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
- “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9)
- “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:31-33)
There are more verses that could be mentioned, but the commitment of a marriage is strong and even stronger when God is present. God’s plan is always best.
