Does James contradict Paul? This is one of the big questions that has been asked of his letter and it is the primary reason why some people have been suspicious of the letter. Paul has been keen in his letters to argue that we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith. In Ephesians… Continue reading James and Paul: Law, grace and faith
Category: Bible Study
Faith at work -introduction to the book of James
The book of James is often treated as the poor man’s relation to Paul’s epistles. Luther infamously described it as an “epistle of straw” and I think many, like him have seen it as troublesome, potentially in conflict with the message of justification by faith and salvation by grace alone that we see in Romans,… Continue reading Faith at work -introduction to the book of James
The chorus of Creation
This week’s Faithroots Podcast on Revelation 4
The beloved son
God keeps repeating his promise to Abraham that he will have a son and one day, that promise is fulfilled. Sarah conceives, the pregnancy is successful, a miracle in her old age. God blesses them with their own son and so remembering how they had laughed previously, they call him “Isaac” (Genesis 21). Then in… Continue reading The beloved son
Hagar
Throughout Genesis, there are little hints that Abraham is getting it. He has put his faith in God and he is learning to trust and obey the promise. Then Abraham goes and throws a curve ball in. In Genesis 18, Sarah comes to Abraham with a cunning plan. It is clear that she is infertile,… Continue reading Hagar
What is it that Abraham has faith for?
In Genesis 15, Abram (he hasn’t been renamed yet) meets with the living God. The LORD tells him not to be afraid, he will be his shield and his reward. In effect God is reiterating his promise to bless Abram. He will protect him and provide for him. Abram’s response is a question, along the… Continue reading What is it that Abraham has faith for?
Church Health check
#FaithrootsPodcast Revelation 2-3
Choosing Salem
After rescuing Lot, Abram returns to meet some of the kings of the land. How he deals with two of them contrasts sharply (Genesis 14:17-24). The king of Sodom, offers Abram a share of the returned spoils as a reward for his efforts. Abram isn’t interested in this. He refuses point blank. He makes it… Continue reading Choosing Salem
Rescuing Lot
Lot has headed off to live near Sodom and Gomorrah. He quickly becomes entwined in the life and politics of Sodom and when an enemy raiding party attack the city, he is caught up with the captives (Genesis 14:1-12). This is reported back to Abram and I guess it would have been easy for him… Continue reading Rescuing Lot
Calling on the name of the Lord
One of the standout points in the story of Abraham is the statement that “Abraham called upon the name of the Lord.” We find it in Genesis 12:8 and 13:8 with particular connection to the altar between Bethel and Ai. When Abraham first goes into the land, he builds the altar and then when he… Continue reading Calling on the name of the Lord
