James 1:26,27 (KJV)
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James
No More Cussing or Filthy Language
One thing that was spoken by Paul to the Colossians above is “filthy communication out of your mouth”. Of which also James taught.
The Lusts Of The Flesh
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh.
James 5:14-16
James 5:14-16 (KJV)
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Calling Upon Others For Healing
When it comes to healing, James also said that we ought to be confessing our sins and what is troubling us one to another in the faith.
James 4:8,9
James 4:8,9 (KJV)
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness
Damaging Effects Of Pornography
If you are addicted to pornography, then this message is for you. Please take a moment now and pray. Allow Jesus to cleanse you and change your wicked heart.
James 2:19,20
James 2:19,20 (KJV)
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Faith Without God’s Will Is Dead Faith
It is clear that our faith without doing God’s works in our lives is not faith at all. When our desires matter more than others, then God does not really matter in our life also.
Faith Plus Godly Works
Our own works, no matter how good they seem, do more harm than not. This is why a desire to be led by the Spirit of God, and not ourselves, is so important.
James 1:12
James 1:12 (KJV)
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Evangelism Is Not Easy But Worth It
While in the service of God there will be persecution, even to the point of death. Nobody said that being a witness for Christ will come easy, instead it comes with a lot of hard work and tears.
James 1:21-22
James 1:21-22 (KJV)
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
A True Christian
Now that we have defined what a true Christian is, I would like you to think to yourself if you are living a life of a Christian.
Seven Disciples Were Called
Because Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost, he was able to do great wonders and miracles among the people, much like Jesus did.
What Would You Do For Jesus?
What if you felt that God was calling you to help a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor in need. Would you do it?
Are You A True Christian?
It is clear that when Jesus says our whole body is in darkness, if He is not a part of it, that this should mean something to us.
James 5:16
James 5:16 (KJV)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Possessed Man In The Tombs Is Set Free
So Jesus and His disciples found themselves with a man in very rough shape. People tried to get him under control but no one could.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Jesus explained what it takes to follow Him. He said, “he that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
James 1:12-15
James 1:12-15 (KJV)
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 4:14
James 4:14 (KJV)
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Faith Plus Works
It is God that would move us to love one another as He loves us. Without such love in our lives, there Is no true faith.
James 2:14-17
James 2:14-17 (KJV)
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 4:7,8
James 4:7,8 (KJV)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Belief In Jesus Is A Life Change
As we read the Bible, it is crystal clear that to believe and walk in faith, is also a life change. We no longer walk after the lusts of the flesh but in the Holy Spirit.
Gain Wisdom And Keep It
Those that look to Christ are safely guided by God. Because we are quick to remember Him and what He teaches us through scripture and prayer, we draw nearer to Him daily.
Obey God’s Commandments And Enter Life
There are many people that think they are doing God’s will but are really leading people astray. Many of these same people do not even teach on obeying God’s commandments.
James 1:22-24
James 1:22-24 (KJV)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Bible Study And Prayer
Be Leary about attending any Bible study where prayer is not emphasized. We never want to be led astray by men and women’s own understanding avoid from God.
Endure In Your Faith For Salvation
The more we seek the Lord in prayer and the Bible, our faith will grow stronger. We will not be like some, where “cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts.