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November 19

Scripture for today: Ezekiel 39:1-40:27; James 2:18-3:18; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 28:2

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“So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone” (James 2:24 NLT).

From: November 19, 2018

WORKS EVIDENCE NOT PRECEDENCE OF SAVING FAITH

At first glance, this statement about faith seems to contradict Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Galatians, which clearly uphold that faith alone pleases God. Yet, James and Paul are not in conflict. Paul is concerned that some would make works and law-keeping the means for justification. He rightly proclaims that faith in Christ’s finished work is the only means for our justification. While James is concerned that those who claim to be followers of Jesus, might bear the fruit of salvation, which is good works.

Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone is Paul’s clear teaching. But if Paul corrects those who think that good works will be sufficient for salvation, James corrects those who would offer mere lip service to their faith without any fruit verifying its authenticity. Paul is concerned with what true faith believes, while James is concerned with what true faith does after it believes. Good works are the evidence, not the the precedence of saving faith.

“In the visions of God He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city” (Ezekiel 40:2 NKJV).

From: November 19, 2017

God gave Ezekiel a vision of a new temple in Jerusalem. The description is very detailed, so much so, that it is clear that it doesn’t describe Solomon’s temple from previous days, nor Zerubbabel/Herod’s in days after. Ezekiel’s temple has yet to be built. Those who read this vision metaphorically see a spiritual picture of the Church. Those who see the description as too specific and connected to the geography of Israel, see it as the temple that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ.
 
Ezekiel’s temple vision is a mystery and difficult to understand, yet it is filled with beauty and hope for the future. This hope is not in a temple made with human hands, but in the God who gives such visions and fulfills all of His promises. “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!'” (2 Cor. 1:20). One day we will understand Ezekiel’s temple vision as the Lord Jesus will give us full understanding.

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10 NKJV)

From: November 19, 2015

Those who love talking beware! The tongue has great power. Power to bless and to curse. Yet, sin is on the tip of the tongue. Complaining, gossip, lying, filthy language, sarcastic joking and cursing are among the sins of the tongue. From where does this talk come? The heart. The tongue is a heart monitor. It reports the attitude of the heart. Only God can give us new hearts and tame our tongues.

“So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone” (James 2:24 NLT)

From: November 19, 2014

At first glance, this statement about faith seems to contradict Romans 3:28 which clearly upholds that faith alone pleases God. Yet, James and Paul are not in conflict. Paul is concerned that some would make works and law-keeping the means for justification. He rightly proclaims that faith in Christ’s finished work is the only means for our justification. Faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone is Paul’s teaching. But if Paul corrects those who think their own works will be sufficient for salvation, James corrects those who would offer mere lip service to their faith without any fruit verifying its authenticity. Paul is concerned with what true faith believes, while James is concerned with what true faith does after it believes. Faith alone grafts us onto the Vine that we might live, but fruit-bearing shows that we do live.

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability” (Proverbs 28:2)

From: November 19, 2012

Even Solomon, who God used to write this proverb, led Israel’s decline into idolatry and “moral rot.” If God’s chosen nation was susceptible, then any nation is. Americans are increasingly of the opinion that moral character is a private matter that has no bearing on public competence. However, the Bible says that character and competence cannot be separated. Morality matters.

“No man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8)

From: November 19, 2011

Those who are ‘talkers’ beware! Sin is on the tip of the tongue. Complaining, gossip, lying, filthy language, sarcastic joking and cursing are among the sins of the tongue. From where does this talk come? The heart. The tongue is a heart monitor. It reports what’s in the the heart. Only God can change hearts and tame our tongues.