Bible Matters 470: James Gospel of Love

There is no doubt that Paul wrote the majority of the books in the New Testament.  Many of the books are similar and the styles are not always the same, so much so that scholars feel that Paul may not have wrote all these books.  When it comes to understanding the truth in God’s word, you have the study and compare against the testimonies of the other witnesses, to understand the truth.  Paul only spent fifteen days with Peter and Jesus’s brother James to support his ministry.  Paul knew that his word may not be the truth.  That is why Paul has told you five times that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses you shall know the truth.  (See 1 Corinthians 14:29; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 5:19). 

2 Corinthians 13:1 – This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

James as the brother of Jesus did not always believe in Jesus.  Both Matthew and Mark gave testimony of the time when Jesus was teaching and his mother, brothers and sisters stood outside of the venue.  You see, his family did not immediately believe in the messages brought by Jesus.  Jesus made it clear that his family are those who do the will of God. 

Matthew 12:46-50 – While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.  But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mark 3:31-35 – There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.  And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.  And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?  And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

 At some point in their walk on this earth, his family decided to follow Jesus.  You see, their walk is no different than yours.  When you decide to follow God’s word, then your life will change.  Both of his brothers, James and Jude, wrote concise powerful books of the bible.  Very few deceivers can pluck false doctrine from either of the books of James or Jude to deceive the lost.  

The book of James, a brother of Jesus, consists of only five chapters.  In those five chapters, James captures God’s gospel of Love, exactly as brought to this earth by his brother Jesus.  If you are new to God’s word, then go read James until you fully understand the message that Jesus brought. The book of James is an example that quality does not often come with quantity.  If you want a quality message on God’s gospel of Love, then go read James, until God’s word pierces your heart and your walk with God becomes pure. 

God is looking for your change of heart.  Do all you can do from this point forward to please God and live his gospel of Love. 

Let’s review the epistle of James testimony on the gospel of Love. 

• Believe in one God

 

James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him

 

James 3:17-18 – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

 

• Repent of your sins and surrender to God.

 

James 1:20-21 – For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

 

James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

• Judge no one

 

James 4:7-8,11-12 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

 

• Love God

 

James 2:5 – Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

 

• Love your Neighbor

 

James 2:8 – If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well

 

• Keep yourself in the love of God, unto eternal life.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 5:20 – Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Believe that God has a plan for you.  Have faith, worship only God and go live his gospel of Love.  God rewards those that diligently seek him.

To God be the glory in all you do, Amen.