Freedom!

James teaches us practical lessons of faith meeting life. Faith is not religious exercise, but new birth that creates new life. When we are truly religous, we are seeking to please God first. A man who is seeking to please God keps a tight reign on his tongue, looks after those in need, keeps oneself from being polluted by the world, and does not show partiality based on materialism. The royal law has profound mercy built in. A lack of mercy for others shows that my heart has not been transformed.

WHERE FAITH MEETS LIFE
Freedom!
Pastor Mark Johnson
June 27, 2010
 
James 2:1-13
 
James teaches the practical lessons of faith meeting life.
 
True faith is not simply a matter of religious exercise, but of a new birth that creates a new life.
 
The Father chose to give them birth through the Word of Truth.
 
The Father’s goal was that they (we) would be the first fruits of His creation. Evidence of this new creation is doing what the Word says out of desire.
 
The truly religious (synonymous with God pleasing):
 
  • keeps a tight rein on his tongue
  • looks after those in need
  • keeps oneself from being polluted from the world
  • does not show partiality based on materialism
 
These are not points to check off my spiritual bucket list, but rather a chart to study the health of my transformed life.
 
I. We are called to keep the “royal law”.
 
James 2:8
 
This law is the “mother of all laws” that governs all human relationships.
 
This law is kept not by a set of ordinances, but by the beat of the heart.
 
If the heart has the right desire, then right action will naturally follow.
 
II. Right relationship or religion is based on the heart.
 
III. Don’t forget Judgment Day.
 
You have the choice of which plea you will take to the Day of Judgment.
 
You can rest in the law that gives freedom.
The royal law has profound mercy built in.
 
We are free from fear and effort in our love for others. We act in the love planted in us by God.
 
A lack of mercy to others shows that my heart has not been transformed.
 
1 John 4:17
 
 
 
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