More Parallels Between James and the Gospels

Here are some more parallel passages between James and the Gospels.

James 2:5 parallels Matthew 5:3,5
James 2:6 parallels Luke 18:3 and Luke 20:47
James 2:8 parallels Matthew 22:39
James 2:11 parallels Matthew 5:21
James 2:13 parallels Matthew 5:7
James 2:14 parallels Matthew 25:21-46
James 2:15 parallels Matthew 6:25

The book of James is knit really close together with the sayings of Jesus in the Gospels. The writer of James must have had a deep and long lasting relationship with Jesus. How well are we "knitted" with Jesus. Do the words we speak echo the words Jesus? The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11 NIV).

James and the Gospels

Most theologians believe that James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote the epistle titled James. In my study of the book, I discovered another reason for believing that Jesus' half brother is the author of the book. It has to do with the fact that there are so many parallels to the Gospels. In chapter one of James alone, at least 7 parallel can be found.

James 1:2 parallels Matthew 5:11
James 1:4 parallels Matthew 5:48
James 1:5 parrallels Matthew 7:7
James 1:6 parallels Matthew 9:29
James 1:17 parallels Matthew 7:11
James 1:22 parallels Matthew 7:24
James 1:23 parallels Matthew 7:26

These parallel scripture passages in James indicates that the author must have had a pretty close and intimate relationship with Jesus and the events before his resurrection and ascension. The lesson today for you and I... the more intimate we become with Jesus the more our life will parallel that of Jesus. In other words, the more we commune with Jesus the more we will be like Jesus in thought and deed.

The Book of James

I have begun a personal study of the Book of James. As I was reading the following introduction to James from The Message, a thought occurred to me.

"When Christian believers gather in churches, everything that can go wrong sooner or later does. Outsiders, on observing this, conclude that there is nothing to the religion business except, perhaps, business — and dishonest business at that. Insiders see it differently. Just as a hospital collects the sick under one roof and labels them as such, the church collects sinners. Many of the people outside the hospital are every bit as sick as the ones inside, but their illnesses are either undiagnosed or disguised. It’s similar with sinners outside the church. So Christian churches are not, as a rule, model communities of good behavior. They are, rather, places where human misbehavior is brought out in the open, faced, and dealt with."

I find myself involved more often in church disputes than I wish to be involved in. But the above introduction to James reminds me that once we become believers, we carry a lot of worldly baggage into church. Anyone who expects the church to be perfect is misguided in their faith. We are merely sinners saved by grace. Our salvation experience is a journey toward perfection. As we allow the fruit of the Spirit to produce in our lives, we will become more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world in our thoughts and actions.

The book of James is a book of practical outward expression through the working of our inward faith. James deals with such matters as trials and temptations, listening and doing, favoritism, faith and deeds, our tongue, wisdom, submission, boasting, wealthy individuals, patience in suffering, and our prayer of faith. I am sure that living out the words of James will diminsh many of the conflicts that evolve in the community of believers. Will it end all conflict? Of course not, because if we are a true New Testament church, new believers will be added daily to the community of believers. These new believers will be bringing in their baggage. Thus the cycle of instruction, discipline, and growth continually occurs. The church is a hospital where our emptional, physical and spiritual man is to be made whole. People heal differently. Some heal quickly. Others heal more slowly. Still other choose not follow to the advice of our Great Physician and will live in their personal misery.

What are you doing with your talents?

I was reading the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-30 this morning in preparation for a talk with my twenty-somethings tomorrow night at our gathering. Here were just a few of my thoughts as I read and reflected on this passage. The Parable of the Talents is one of several parables that Jesus shared regarding the coming kingdom of heaven (chapters 23-25).

Think back in your life to when you were in school. Who was one of the most talented people you ever knew? What happened to that person? What were you known for in school? What talents did people recognize in you?

How am I cultivating and developing my Spiritual gifts? Paul exhorted Timothy with these words:

“. . . train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7

“. . . fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6

It is my Christian duty and responsibility to cultivate (nurture) those gifts that God has given to me “so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Eph. 4:12).

If my Master, Jesus, returned today, what would he have to say about the way I have used the Spiritual gifts (talents) that he has given me? What kind of responsibility do I feel I have toward God regarding these Spiritual gifts? Toward others? I hope my questions have stirred you to reflect about those gifts, talents, and abilities with which God has blessed you.

General Council Indy 2007

Our General Council in Indianapolis is finishing up this afternoon with a combined rally of youth and adults of between 15,000 and 20,000 in the RCA Dome. During the week business was conducted during the day and services for adults and youth were held seperately. I am pleased with the election of new leaders for our Fellowship. My good friend Dr. Goeorge Wood was elected General Superintendent; my friend Rev. Alton Garrison elected Assistant Superintendent, Rev. John Palmer elected General Secretary; Rev. John Bueno re-elected World Missions Director; and my good friend Rev. Zollie Smith was newly elected as U.S. Missions Director. I am excited to see that we are moving toward more diversity in both both age and race. We have a long way to go in seeing more diversity in age, gender, and race. But we are on the right road. Beth Grant, a woman was one of the top three nominees for Assistant Superintendent. Zollie Smith is an African American. My friend Doug Clay (fortyish) was considered for offices and was elcted as an Executive Presbyter at large. I am excited about what God has in store for the Assemblies of God. We must pray that we be open to His plans and purposes for our Fellowship. We must prepare ourselves for the changes that He will want to make through our leadership. I took a few pictures with my cell phone. Sorry about the quality. But I wanted to give you sense of this historic event in our Fellowship.

Life Is Like . . . Boating

It is a really hot day today. In fact it has been this way most of the week. It's a good thing. I am on vacation and can enjoy these hot days out on the lake. Which got me to thinking about an upcoming topic that I have been asked to address in my preaching at one of our newer church plants, Life! Church. The pastor asked me if I would participate in a series of Sunday messages called "Life Is Like . . ."

Some of the topics being approached is Life Is like . . . Skydiving. Another is Life Is Like . . . Hiking. My assigned topic: Life Is Like . . . Boating.

Here's the outline of my general thoughts.

Introduction
- Jesus was an avid boater. He spent a great deal of time near the Sea of Galilee. Boats were used for travel, transportation of goods, and livelihood (fishing).

- My boating world is for pleasure. I have learned some valuable life lessons through my boating experience.

Talking Points
1. Boating requires preparation - Luke 5:1-3

2. Boating requires launching. Be sure your drain plug is in - Luke 5:4-5

3. Expect the unexpected when boating. Keep your life preserver nearby – Mark 4:35-41

- Unknown currents (drifting) – Hebrews 2:1
- Unforeseen (hidden) surprises – Matthew 14:22. Think Titanic. Quote: “life below the waterline” – Gordon McDonald
- Storms (wind and waves) – Matthew 14:23-27. Know the signs – Matthew 16:1-4
- Breakdown (failure) – Matthew 14:28-32. Quote: “The only time you fail is the last time you try.” - unknown

4. Boating is fulfilling – John 10:10

- Boating is fun in spite of the surprises and cost. So is life! – Luke 5:6-11.
- Serving Christ only will lead to fulfillment in life.

I am off to morrow to attend a Church Planting Facilitator Training Summit, General Prebyter meetings, and General Council, all being held in Indianapolis. I won't be back until the 13th. Hopefully, I will have some time to blog and let you know what is happening and what I am thinking. This General Council is pivotable for our Fellowship. Keep the Assemblies of God in prayer. We are electing three of executive officers and several important issues are to be discussed and acted upon during the general business sessions. For more on that, you can go to http://www.futureag.blogspot.com/