Sunday Text and Thoughts for this week

Scriptures: James 1:19-25; 2:14, 18-26

Some thoughts for this week:

The Word of God is like a mirror, reflecting our true selves back at us so we can assess where we fall short in God's eyes. We are not to remain mired in guilt when He reveals our shortcomings, but move forward in faith, asking God to transform us more into Christ's likeness. This is a painful process. Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us that the Word is like a double-edged sword that pierces us down to the marrow of our bones – in effect, removing the facades we use to hide our faults and discovering the impurities within. Remember that our doing of God's Word is impossible under our own power. We must rely on God to enable us along this path of obedience.

Some questions to consider for this week:

1. Is anger a bad thing?
2. What does it mean to be swift to hear?
3. Verse 21. We sometimes see salvation as a one time transaction-something like setting up a reservation in heaven. How is being saved seen in this passage?
4. Verse 25. How does the law give freedom?
5. Do you think the world sees the law as the law who gives freedom?
6. Can you believe in God and go to hell? What all can you believe and still not make it into heaven?

Pray for our class, the leadership at our church and the many health issues plaguing people in our church this week.  Pray that God will speak through His word to us this Sunday in class and from the music and pulpit.