James 5:14 KJV [14] “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:” It is a blessing to have a church family. I don’t know how a saved person can make it without being part of a local New Testament Church. I know many would criticize that statement, but it is the truth. I joined the church immediately after being saved and baptized, and the Lord has given me the desire to be a part of the church …
“Suffering and Song”
James 5:13 KJV [13] “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Is it possible to be afflicted and be merry at the same time? It was for Paul and Silas in the book of Acts. They had been beaten with many stripes and thrown into the inner prison. They suffered affliction for their faithfulness in preaching the Gospel. Even though they were afflicted, they were not through serving God. The Bible says in chapter sixteen that they began praying and singing praises to God. We don’t know what they were singing, …
“The Power of Yes and No”
James 5:12 KJV [12] “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” Our word should be our bond. As Christians, we should be people of integrity. When we give a direct answer to someone, they should be able to take it to the bank. People should be able to trust what we say because we prove ourselves trustworthy. When we answer, there will be no need for earthly oaths and swearing. I’m …
“The Patience of Job”
James 5:11 KJV [11] “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” The book of Job contains the conversations between God and Satan, Job and his wife, Job and his so-called friends, and Job with his Creator. The problem with Job’s friends is their lack of awareness of the conversation held in the first chapter and their lack of knowledge regarding the blessings that would take place in the final chapter. It’s a lesson …