Central to James’ argument is that living faith results in transformed lives, particularly in the crucible of persecution and suffering. This transformation affects character (1:19-21) and attitudes (2:1-7) because it is about our lives being shaped by love for God and for neighbour (2:8-13). This means that there should also be a change in behaviour… Continue reading Faith and works, hearers and doers
Author: faithrootsdw
Bitter-sweet
Faithroots Podcast on Revelation 10
Can I choose between faith and works?
James continues to tease out the relationship between faith and works to show that the two go hand in hand together. Having used a practical example, he now uses logic by setting up a hypothetical debating partner. A look at the text (Read James 2:18-26) The hypothetical interlocutor suggests that it is possible for one… Continue reading Can I choose between faith and works?
Were COVID measures outrageous and unprecedented?
One of the frequent complaints during and after the COVID19 pandemic was that the decision to bring in a lockdown, including and particularly the closure of churches was disproportionate and outrageous. The belief is that Governments used the pandemic as a pretext. To bring in draconian rules to restrict our civil liberties. It has been… Continue reading Were COVID measures outrageous and unprecedented?
What does saving faith look like?
“How are you?” It’s a standard greeting but not one we expect a response to. We ask it, expecting the other person to say “I’m fine.” So, what do we do when the other person misses the social cues and gives an honest and reasonable answer to the question? Do we say “Bless you” and… Continue reading What does saving faith look like?
Have the National Trust got rid of Christmas and Easter?
It’s that time of year, we’ve had first sight of the big department stores’ adverts, Cliff Richard has released an album and the annual market stalls, lights (unless you live in Medway) and Ferris Wheels are going up. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. So, bang on time, along with complaints about the… Continue reading Have the National Trust got rid of Christmas and Easter?
Marching rights
At the weekend, I wrote about why I didn’t think that the Palestinian protest marches should go ahead on Armistice Day. Some people have argued that the protestors were right to go ahead with the demonstrations because there is an important right and freedom to assemble and protest. It’s important therefore to be clear about… Continue reading Marching rights
More reflections on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza
Today, several backbench MPs as well as the major opposition parties in the UK Parliament are putting down amendments to the Kings Speech calling for either a significant humanitarian pause in the war or full and a formal ceasefire. These motions have little chance of passing and even if they did would change very little… Continue reading More reflections on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza
The perfect law
James’ emphasis on practical faith could be mistaken for legalism. How does this fit with the Gospel? Well James now helps us to think about what it means to obey the Law of God, specifically as it relates to favouritism. A look at the text (Read James 2:8-13) The Law is “the royal law” of… Continue reading The perfect law
Faith, suffering and healing
One of the most common questions we tend to ask is to do with faith, suffering and healing. That’s probably because our health can be so often where we face suffering and where faith is tested. Even if we don’t face persecution, we are likely to face ill health at some point and will know people… Continue reading Faith, suffering and healing
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