James 2:2 KJV [2] “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;”      James begins an illustration in this verse about two men who visit the assembly. He gives a vivid description of both of these men. As we can see, they are very different in appearance. They are not wearing the same kind of apparel, nor do they have the same status in society. Both of these visitors likely sit in the assemblies of our churches today.      I want us to …

James 2:1 KJV “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”      To be like Jesus means we must treat others the way Jesus treated them. He did not elevate personalities, He did not play politics, and He did not show favoritism to those who were rich or prestigious in society. He loved every man and was willing to help all those who put their faith in Him. He did not involve Himself in cliques and picks. He made Himself of no reputation and quashed those who were demonstrating “respect …

James 1:27 KJV [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.”      After we have viewed ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word, we can begin to see others. The Word of God will produce compassion for others who are in need. We will see those who are struggling and in need of our assistance. Pure religion looks for an opportunity to serve both God and man.       Pure religion will put a desire in our hearts to live …

James 1:26 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.”      Our verse is a simple one to understand. James is teaching us that if our heart is right our speech will be right. What’s on the inside will eventually come out. A man’s religion should be measured both by what we see and what he says. Some are good at talking but their lives are not separated. They talk a good talk but they do not walk a good walk. James …