James Expounds on Faith Volume 6

 Receiving Wisdom from God Part 3

James 1:9-11 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. KJV

We now find the Apostle James directing his words of wisdom to the brothers in Christ who are poor or rich in this 🗺 world of woe with these following words, "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways." (James 1:9-11) (KJV). It is not within our realm of understanding to know why our Lord Jesus Christ gives or grants or gathers earthly material wealth to some of His sons and daughters, yet He allows some of them to go without many or much earthly things, however, we do know that whatever has been given to any individual or group of followers of our Lord Jesus Christ does mean that proper stewardship over such things is the only reason they were ever received in the first place. Of course our Father in Heaven blesses the 👐 hands of the man or woman of God who is diligent and honest in their obtaining 🌎 earthly wealth, however, ill gotten gain will never go unpushied by our Lord Jesus Christ, even if the punishment is visited upon 👪 family in future generations. The Apostle James is here declaring to the brother or sister in Christ who are poor to rejoice in the fact that though many are of low degree and few material things during the sojourn here and now, they should shake off double mindedness with meditating on the solid sure salvation that has been given by our Lord Jesus Christ and believe in our exaltation as a child of God and an heir of Jesus Christ with all that He is and all that He has, as it is written, "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." (1 Corinthians 10:26) (KJV). In one part of Hannah's prayer to the Lord God/Elohim as she was praying for the Lord to open up her womb and bless her with a child, she said, "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." (1 Samuel 2:6-9) (KJV). The life span and the death time of those who belong to Jesus Christ our Lord is already written by Him, so is the accumulation, acquiring, or appropriation of riches during our brief and very fleeting ⌚ time on the 🌎 earth are also written by Him and advanced to any of us to use (not to build ourselves little 👑 kingdoms here), but to advance the 👑 Kingdom of God on the 🌎 earth in preparation for eternity with Him in Heaven, as it is written, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21) (KJV).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of James 9-11, "The holy humble temper of a Christian, both in advancement and debasement, is described: and both poor and rich are directed on what grounds to build their joy and comfort, James 1:9-11. Here we may observe, 1. Those of low degree are to be looked upon as brethren: Let the brother of low degree, etc. Poverty does not destroy the relation among Christians. 2. Good Christians may be rich in the world, James 1:10. Grace and wealth are not wholly inconsistent. Abraham, the father of the faithful, was rich in silver and gold. 3. Both these are allowed to rejoice. No condition of life puts us out of a capacity of rejoicing in God. If we do not rejoice in Him always, it is our own fault. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God (as Dr. Whitby explains this place); and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, as they produce a lowly and humble disposition of mind, which is highly valuable in the sight of God. Where any are made poor for righteousness' sake, their very poverty is their exaltation. It is an honour to be dishonoured for the sake of Christ. To you it is given to suffer, Philippians 1:29. All who are brought low, and made lowly by grace, may rejoice in the prospect of their exaltation at the last in heaven. 4. Observe what reason rich people have, notwithstanding their riches, to be humble and low in their own eyes, because both they and their riches are passing away: As the flower of the grass he shall pass away. He, and his wealth with him, James 1:11. For the sun has no sooner risen with a burning heat than it withereth the grass. Note hence, Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Riches are too uncertain (says Mr. Baxter on this place), too inconsiderable things to make any great or just alteration in our minds. As a flower fades before the heat of the scorching sun, so shall the rich man fade away in his ways. His projects, counsels, and managements for this world, are called his ways; in these he shall fade away. For this reason let him that is rich rejoice, not so much in the providence of God, that makes him rich, as in the grace of God, that makes and keeps him humble; and in those trials and exercises that teach him to seek his felicity in and from God, and not from these perishing enjoyments."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

James Expounds on Faith Volume 5

Receiving Wisdom from God Part 2

James 1:7-8 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. KJV

The Apostle James continues on to now declare an emphatic rebuke of the brother in Christ who allows himself to be tossed back and forth like the sea is with the wind (verse 6) bordering on an insensitive, indurate, and insulting tone given to each and everyone of us in order to make the point clear that there can be no uncertainty in our purpose and actions before our Father in Heaven vacillating between two opinions, just as the Prophet Elijah declared to the children of Israel with these words, "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." (1 Kings 18:21) (KJV). In other words, we must not be wondering, wandering, and wavering with our belief as to who is God, for Christ is Lord and God, therefore, the Apostle James wants us to by faith ask Him for the wisdom to respond and react during our trials, test, and temptations that He alone would be glorified, so he writes to us these next words, "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:7-8) (KJV). The little English phrase 'a double minded' that begins verse 8 is translated by the Greek word dipsuchos (used only one other time in the New Testament) which means two spirited, that is, vacillating (in opinion or purpose): - double minded. The devil wants us to doubt our Father in Heaven and be confused 😕 by his tricks so that we will halt between two opinions, for we see it alive and well all over the world in visible Christianity today because there is not merely two opinions that he (the devil 👿) has thrown into the mix, but a buffet of opinions about God and His Word that the enemy wants us to line up and pick and choose what we believe to be the truth and ignore the real truth as it is clearly detailed to us and for us in Scripture concerning all matters under the Sun ☀. It is up to each one of us to not be silent (like the children of Israel were) when Elijah questioned them as to who is God. Jesus Christ is Lord and God and when we know and understand this without vacillating, then we can ask our Lord Jesus Christ in faith and receive Divine Wisdom from Him that will lead us into accomplishing His will on the 🌎 earth and not our will. Let us also with a rock solid 💪 strong belief know that our Father in Heaven will never come to us, correspond with us, or communicate to us in any manner to do or to be or to live outside of what He has once and for all communicated in His Holy Word the Bible, therefore, we shall never receive direction from God to go against the teachings in the Word of God, Amen!

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of a wavering double minded man of God, "To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust - to mount sometimes towards the heavens, with an intention to secure glory, and honour, and immortality, and then to sink again in seeking the ease of the body, or the enjoyments of this world - this is very fitly and elegantly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. A mind that has but one single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in its devotions, and will be superior to all trials and oppositions. Now, for the cure of a wavering spirit and a weak faith, the apostle shows the ill effects of these, (1.) In that the success of prayer is spoiled hereby: Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord, James 1:7. Such a distrustful, shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. In asking for divine and heavenly wisdom we are never likely to prevail if we have not a heart to prize it above rubies, and the greatest things in this world. (2.) A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways, James 1:8. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be great unsteadiness in all our conversation and actions. This may sometimes expose men to contempt in the world; but it is certain that such ways cannot please God nor procure any good for us in the end. While we have but one God to trust to, we have but one God to be governed by, and this should keep us even and steady. He that is unstable as water shall not excel."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

James Expounds on Faith Volume 4

 Receiving Wisdom from God Part 1

James 1:5-6 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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. KJV

During the trials, temptations, and test of our faith because of persecution that comes from the 👿 devil through his demons working in and through the human beings that still belong to him, we need not only patience, but we need heavenly and divine wisdom from God to see us safely through our trials. Just as the Apostle James used the word 'wanting' (in the previous verse regarding patience) he so uses the English word 'lack' which both words are translated by the Greek word leipō a primary verb meaning to leave, that is, (intransitive or passive) to fail or be absent: - be destitute (wanting), lack. Therefore, we find the Apsotle James making this statement to each and everyone of us redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "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 1:5) (KJV). When we are absent of any kind of understanding of what we should do or where we should be or whom we should be with, then we'll need guidance from the Only One who sees the end from the beginning as declared to us by the Prophet Isaiah with these words, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:" (Isaiah 46:9-10) (KJV). We need the wisdom from our Father in Heaven to understand from where and why the test, temptations, and trials are coming to us, so that we can then be better equipped to 🚶 walk through them triumphantly. The English word 'liberally' is translated by the Greek word haplōs (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning simply bountifully or abundantly or extravagantly. The English word 'upbraideth' is translated by the Greek word oneidezō which means to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt: - cast in teeth, (suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid. In other words, the Apostle James is disseminating, decreeing, and declaring for all of us to know that our Father in Heaven will not reproach or revile us for our past sins that have been confessed and repented of, nor will He refuse us His wisdom because of our present or current nonsense or unsuitableness', but He will give to each of us bountifully and liberally His wisdom when we ask. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say of James 1:5, "Wisdom signifies in general knowledge of the best end, and the best means of attaining it; but in Scripture it signifies the same as true religion, the thorough practical knowledge of God, of one’s self, and of a Savior. Because God is the only teacher of this wisdom. Who has all good, and gives all necessary good to every one that asks fervently. He who does not ask thus does not feel his need of Divine teaching. The ancient Greek maxim appears at first view strange, but it is literally true: -Αρχη γνωσεως της αγνοιας ἡ γνωσις. 'The knowledge of ignorance is the beginning of knowledge.' In knowledge we may distinguish these four things: - 1. Intelligence, the object of which is intuitive truths. 2. Wisdom, which is employed in finding out the best end. 3. Prudence, which regulates the whole conduct through life. 4. Art, which provides infallible rules to reason by."

We can trust our Father in Heaven to give us His wisdom during all times, but we must ask 'in faith' having a strong confidence in God and believing that He alone is Sovereign over all things under Heaven, therefore, we find the Apostle James declaring these words to us next, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:6) (KJV). The English word 'wavering' is translated by the Greek word diakrinō meaning  to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; hesitate: - doubt, stagger, waver. The English phrase 'driven with the wind' is translated by the Greek word anemizō (used this one time in the New Testament) meaning to toss with the wind: - drive with the wind; the meaning for us is that we can be moved all about and around away from the truth of the Word of God as the Apostle Paul said to the Church @ Ephesus with these words, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:14) (KJV).  In other words, for we Christians who have our salvation in Christ sure, sound, and sealed for all eternity, then our enemy the 👿 devil tries to get us blown off course by making us doubt and hesitate and be unsure of what God's Word actually says and means, for this is what he has done from the very beginning, remember what he said to Eve, "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1) (KJV). However, what we are to do is to not be tossed about with every new wind of doctrine that contradicts, confuses, or clouds what the Word of God says about all matters under the ☀ Sun. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say of James 1:6, "Believing that God IS; that he has all good; and that he is ever ready to impart to his creatures whatever they need. Not judging otherwise; having no doubt concerning the truth of these grand and fundamental principles, never supposing that God will permit him to ask in vain, when he asks sincerely and fervently. Let him not hesitate, let him not be irresolute; no man can believe too much good of God. The man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, resembles a wave of the sea; he is in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed: now rising by hope, then sinking by despair."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

James Expounds on Faith Volume 3

 The Testing of Our Faith Part 2

James 1:3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. KJV

The Apostle wants us to understand our state, our situation, and the sacrifices we must endure as pilgrims on the 🌎 earth making our way to our real and true home in heaven. The faith (Ephesians 2:8) that we were given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can be trusted and will stand up against trials and it cannot ever be troubled. As we declared in the last study/commentary, the Lord Jesus Christ already knows this, but He wants us to know for ourselves that our faith is real and true, therefore, He who operates, orchestrates, and organizes all things does so with the trials/test of our faith that He allows to come to us, not to hurt 👥 us or harm us or to hinder us in our pilgrimage, but to prove to ourselves the authenticity of our own faith and to 'purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous for good works' (Titus 2:14). The good work of our trials/test will work within us patience which is not a virtue of mine and I dare say not of many specially during these last days of wanting and having things instantly and having the technology to get them in such a manner, that is, the microwave era and generation of humanity. The Apostle James says these words to those who lived during his day and especially to we Christians who are alive in this microwave generation, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:3-4) (KJV). The English word 'trying' is translated by the Greek word dokimion meaning a testing; by implication trustworthiness: - trial, trying. The English word 'worketh' is translated by the Greek word katergazomai meaning to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish, fashion: - perform. The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomonē meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). The English word 'entire' is translated by the Greek word holoklēros meaning complete in every part, that is, perfectly sound (in body): - entire, whole. In other words, it is this testing that proves trustworthiness and working, performing, and finishing in our inner man or inner woman that optimistic and hopeful assurance that leads to our developing patience and endurance for this 🏃 marathon race of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that is only completed when we leave our tent/house/body and go to Heaven where our Lord Jesus Christ will stand up from His Throne of Grace to welcome us home just as He did with Brother Stephen (Acts 7:55-60). One of the men whom our Lord Jesus Christ allowed the 👿 devil to hound, harrass, and hunt was Brother Job who said these words, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) (KJV). The Prophet Zechariah said these words, "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My Name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." (Zechariah 13:9) (KJV). Finally, fast forwarding into the New Testament we read these words from the Apostle Peter, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:6-9) (KJV).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say of James 1:3-4, "The perfecting of Christian endurance is not a thing that comes without effort. And so the Apostle puts it into the shape of an exhortation or an injunction. He does not specify methods, but I may venture to do so, in a few sentences. And I put first and foremost here, as in all regions of Christian excellence and effort, the one specific which makes men like the Master - keeping near Him. As the Epistle to the Hebrews puts it, ‘consider’ (by way of comparison) Him that endured, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ‘Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.’ Oh, brethren! there is nothing that sucks the brightness out of earthly joys when they threaten to interrupt our course, and dazzle our eyes, like turning our attention to Christ, and looking at Him. And there is nothing that takes the poison-sting, and the irritation consequent on it, out of earthly sorrows like remembering the’ Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ Am I to grumble when I think of Him? Shall I make a moan and a mourning for my sorrows when I remember His? Am I to say, ‘O Lord! Thou hast given me as much as I can manage in bearing this terrible blow which Thou hast aimed at me, without repining against Thee. I cannot do any work because I have got so much to bear’? Are we to say that when we remember how He counted not His life dear to Himself, and bore all, and did all, that He might accomplish the Father’s will? Do not let us magnify our griefs, but measure them by the side of Christ’s. Do not let us yield to our impatience, but rather let us think of Him. Consider Him, and patience will have her perfect work. Again, let me say, if we would possess in its highest degree this indispensable grace of persistent determination to pursue the Christian course in spite of all antagonisms, we must cultivate the habit of thinking of life, in all its vicissitudes, as mainly meant to make character. That is what the Apostle is saying in the context. He says, ‘Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.’ That is a paradox. It bids a man to be glad because he has trouble and is sad. It seems ridiculous, but the next verse solves the paradox: ‘Knowing this, that the trial of your faith worketh patience.’ That is to say - if I rightly understand the meaning of this world in its bearing on myself, the intention of my whole life to make me what God would have me to be, then I shall not measure things by their capacity to delight and please taste, ambitions, desires, or sense, but only by their power to mould me into His likeness. If I understand that the meanings of sorrow and joy are one, that God intends the same when He gives and when He withdraws, that the fervid suns of autumn and the biting blasts of November equally tend to the production of the harvest, that day and night come from the same cause - the revolution of the earth; if I understand that life is but the scaffolding for building character, and that, if I take out of this world, with all its fading sweets and its fleeting sadnesses, a soul enlarged, ennobled by difficulties and by gladnesses, then I shall welcome them both when they come, and neither the one nor the other will be able to deflect me from my course."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

James Expounds on Faith Volume 2

 The Testing of Our Faith Part 1

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; KJV

There are over 150 verses in the entire Bible that speak about joy. The epistle or ✉ letter of the Apostle James here at the very beginning mentions joy, however, it is not in the way we are often used to hearing the 📝 writers of the Books 📚 of the Bible mention joy. We are most used to hearing about the 😂 Joy of the Lord that should permeate our souls causing our overflow of worship and praise and prayer to Him, but here we find these words from the Apostle James which is not the way in which we see many of the other writers refer to 😂 joy, as it is written here, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" (James 1:2) (KJV). The English phrase 'ye fall into' is translated by the Greek word peripiptō meaning to fall into something that is all around, that is, light among or upon, be surrounded with: - fall among (into). The English word 'divers' is translated by the Greek word poikilos meaning motley, that is, various in character: - divers, manifold. The English word 'temptations' is translated by the Greek word peirasmos meaning a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptations or trials, to try. In other words, the Apostle here wants us to understand what temptations/trials that are allowed to come to us really are meant to do for us. Our Father in Heaven does not need to reassure Himself that we are His adopted children because He knew us before the foundations of the world's He created were ever laid by Him. However, we need to have our faith tried and tested for our own assurance of true faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for despite our struggles and weaknesses we have the imputed Righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord imparted to us and when we submit, surrender, and serve Him obediently we will have the assurance of our faith in our inner man or inner woman and we will be able to know what the Prophet Isaiah wrote to the people of Israel long ago when he said, "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17) (KJV). The Apostle Paul wrote about his many struggles and weaknesses in almost all of his epistles, but he also declared his 💪 strength and overcoming came by virtue of his full and complete reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, His Righteouness imputed, His Grace granted, and His Mercy shown unto him in all of his trials, test, and tribulations brought upon him by the Jews/Hebrew non-Christians and the Gentile non-believers as well, one example that stands out and sticks out and strengthens me the most when I meditate upon it is when he wrote these words to the believers in Rome, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39) (KJV).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of James 1:2, "The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. As good people are liable to be scattered, they must not think it strange if they meet with troubles. 2. These outward afflictions and troubles are temptations to them. The devil endeavours by sufferings and crosses to draw men to sin and to deter them from duty, or unfit them for it; but, as our afflictions are in God's hand, they are intended for the trial and improvement of our graces. The gold is put into the furnace, that it may be purified. 3. These temptations may be numerous and various: Divers temptations, as the apostle speaks. Our trials may be of many and different kinds, and therefore we have need to put on the whole armour of God. We must be armed on every side, because temptations lie on all sides. 4. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself; but they are such as he is said to fall into. And for this reason they are the better borne by him. The graces and duties of a state of trial and affliction are here pointed out to us. Could we attend to these things, and grow in them as we should do, how good would it be for us to be afflicted! One Christian grace to be exercised is joy: Count it all joy, James 1:2. We must not sink into a sad and disconsolate frame of mind, which would make us faint under our trials; but must endeavour to keep our spirits dilated and enlarged, the better to take in a true sense of our case, and with greater advantage to set ourselves to make the best of it. Philosophy may instruct men to be calm under their troubles; but Christianity teaches them to be joyful, because such exercises proceed from love and not fury in God. In them we are conformable to Christ our head, and they become marks of our adoption. By suffering in the ways of righteousness, we are serving the interests of our Lord's kingdom among men, and edifying the body of Christ; and our trials will brighten our graces now and our crown at last. Therefore there is reason to count it all joy when trials and difficulties become our lot in the way of our duty. And this is not purely a New Testament paradox, but even in Job's time it was said, Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth. There is the more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces that are promoted by them." Here also is what Albert Barnes had to say of James 1:2, "Not brethren as Jews, but as Christians. Regard it as a thing to rejoice in; a matter which should afford you happiness. You are not to consider it as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity, but as a fit subject of felicitation. Oh the meaning of the word 'temptations,'. It is now commonly used in the sense of placing allurements before others to induce them to sin, and in this sense the word seems to be used in James 1:13-14 of this chapter. Here, however, the word is used in the sense of trials, to wit, by persecution, poverty, calamity of any kind. These cannot be said to be direct inducements or allurements to sin, but they try the faith, and they show whether he who is tried is disposed to adhere to his faith in God, or whether he will apostatize. They so far coincide with temptations, properly so called, as to test the religion of men. They differ from temptations, properly so called, in that they are not brought before the mind for the express purpose of inducing people to sin. In this sense it is true that God never tempts men, James 1:13-14. On the sentiment in the passage before us, see the notes at 1 Peter 1:6-7. The word 'divers' here refers to the various kinds of trials which they might experience - sickness, poverty, bereavement, persecution, etc. They were to count it a matter of joy that their religion was subjected to anything that tried it. It is well for us to have the reality of our religion tested, in whatever way it may be done."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

James Expounds on Faith Volume 1

 Greetings to the Saints Then and Now

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Twelve Tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. KJV

This Apostle James is thought to be the brother (in the flesh, born to Joseph and Mary our Lord Jesus' Earthly Parents) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that being true, he refers to himself simply, sweetly, and solely as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James recognized that the Brother he knew and loved from his childhood whom he had played countless games with for many years was not only his brother, but the Savior of the 🗺 World and the very God who created him and everyone else on the 🌏 planet, therefore, we find this greeting and description of himself opening up his ✉ letter to all the believers from the Twelve Tribes of Israel scattered 💭 throughout various other countries in the 🗺 world, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." (James 1:1) (KJV). In like manner to every individual Hebrew of the Twelve Tribes of Israel who had come to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and were persecuted by their fellow Hebrews who had rejected Christ as the Son of God and their Messiah, so are most of we true Christians in this ⌚ time and of every era and generation persecuted by non-believers, even those of their/our same 🏡 household, as it is said by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-36) (KJV) and scattered in various places around the 🗺 world, for the true ⛪ Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not visible in one 🏢 building over another or in one Denomination or Non-Denomination over another. We the true children of God adopted in His family by way of the 'new birth', as it is written, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23) (KJV) are all over this 🌏 planet in the above places and in 🏡 house Churches or other places, some of us are together with other true brothers and sisters and some of us are separated from our true brothers and sisters 'in Christ' not by choice, but by the providence, purpose, and plan of our Father in Heaven. Where ever we are, we are the Temple of the Living God just as the Apostle Paul wrote with these words to the Church @ Corinth, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) (KJV). This should be the direction, the determination, and the desire of every single one of us who belong to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The English word 'servant' used here by the Apostle James to describe himself is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning a slave (literally and figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency to our Lord and Savior Jesus Chist); we are His servants/slaves.

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of James 1:1, "We have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. I. The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Christ's kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant. Note hence, Those who are highest in office or attainments in the church of Christ are but servants. They should not therefore act as masters, but as ministers. Further, Though James is called by the evangelist the brother of our Lord, yet it was his glory to serve Christ in the spirit, rather than to boast of his being akin according to the flesh. Hence let us learn to prize this title above all others in the world - the servants of God and of Christ. Again, it is to be observed that James professes himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ; to teach us that in all services we should have an eye to the Son as well as the Father. We cannot acceptably serve the Father, unless we are also servants of the Son. God will have all men to honour the Son as they honour the Father (John 5:23), looking for acceptance in Christ and assistance from him, and yielding all obedience to him, thus confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. II. The Apostle here mentions the condition of those to whom he writes: The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. Some understand this of the dispersion upon the persecution of Stephen, Acts 8. But that only reached to Judea and Samaria. Others by the Jews of the dispersion understand those who were in Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and other kingdoms into which their wars had driven them. The greatest part indeed of ten of the twelve tribes were lost in captivity; but yet some of every tribe were preserved and they are still honoured with the ancient style of twelve tribes. These however were scattered and dispersed. 1. They were dispersed in mercy. Having the scriptures of the Old Testament, the providence of God so ordered it that they were scattered in several countries for the diffusing of the light of divine revelation. 2. They began now to be scattered in wrath. The Jewish nation was crumbling into parties and factions, and many were forced to leave their own country, as having now grown too hot for them. Even good people among them shared in the common calamity. 3. These Jews of the dispersion were those who had embraced the Christian faith. They were persecuted and forced to seek for shelter in other countries, the Gentiles being kinder to Christians than the Jews were. Note here, It is often the lot even of God's own tribes to be scattered abroad. The gathering day is reserved for the end of time; when all the dispersed children of God shall be gathered together to Christ their head. In the mean time, while God's tribes are scattered abroad, he will send to look after them. Here is an apostle writing to the scattered; an epistle from God to them, when driven away from his temple, and seemingly neglected by him. Apply here that of the prophet Ezekiel, Thus saith the Lord God, Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come, Ezekiel 11:16. God has a particular care of his outcasts. Let my outcasts dwell with thee, Moab, Isaiah 16:3-4. God's tribes may be scattered; therefore we should not value ourselves too much on outward privileges. And, on the other hand, we should not despond and think ourselves rejected, under outward calamities, because God remembers and sends comfort to his scattered people. III. James here shows the respect he had even for the dispersed: greeting, saluting them, wishing peace and salvation to them. True Christians should not be the less valued for their hardships. It was the desire of this Apostle's heart that those who were scattered might be comforted - that they might do well and fare well, and be enabled to rejoice even in their distresses. God's people have reason to rejoice in all places, and at all times; as will abundantly appear from what follows."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 191

 The Final Greetings or Farewell to the Hebrew Converts

Hebrews 13:22-25 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen. KJV

The writer of this ✉ letter to the Hebrew converts to Christ and to us today and of every era and generation is now closing what he declares to be a short 📝 writing to them earnestly entreating them to 👂 listen to and heed all of his divinely inspired words urging them and intended to persuade them to action in every area of their/our Christian walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The 📝 writer (whether the Apostle Paul or some other Man 👨 chosen by Christ) at the time of his 🖋 penning this 📄 document is being persecuted by the Satanic Romans along with Brother Timothy and surely other disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. The main point and desire is that he would be able to be freed from his present persecution by our Lord Jesus Christ and be reunited with all of them, as it is written here with these words, "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen." (Hebrews 13:22-25) (KJV). He 🙏 prays again so earnestly, eagerly, and energetically that he will be able to make it through his current persecution and be able to praise, worship, and glorify our Great God and Father Jesus Christ just as Nehemiah declared that Ezra spoke of Him with these words, "And Ezra blessed the LORD, the Great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground." (Nehemiah 8:6) (KJV) and likewise just as the Apostle Paul spoke of Him in his ✉ letter to Brother Titus with these words, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14) (KJV).

Although the 📝 writer of this ✉ letter wanted to and did instruct them/us and even give them/us comfort, the primary reason for his expressing to them here to 👂 listen to or to use his exact words, 'suffer the word of exhortation', he more than any thing wants them/us to bear with these words in this entire epistle and be encouraged to (despite any of their/our outward circumstances, conditions, or concerns) do exactly what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers @Philippi with these words, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14) (KJV). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 13:22-25, "He gives the Hebrews an account of Timothy's liberty and his hopes of seeing them with him in a little time, Hebrews 13:23. It seems, Timothy had been a prisoner, doubtless for the Gospel, but now he was set at liberty. The imprisonment of faithful ministers is an honour to them, and their enlargement is matter of joy to the people. He was pleased with the hopes of not only seeing Timothy, but seeing the Hebrews with him. Opportunities of writing to the Churches of Christ are desired by the faithful ministers of Christ, and pleasant to them. Having given a brief account of this his letter, and begged their attention to it (Hebrews 13:22), he closes with salutations, and a solemn, though short benediction. The salutation. (1.) From himself to them, directed to all their ministers who had rule over them, and to all the saints; to them all, ministers and people. (2.) From the Christians in Italy to them. It is a good thing to have the law of holy love and kindness written in the hearts of Christians one towards another. Religion teaches men the truest civility and good-breeding. It is not a sour nor morose thing. The solemn, though short benediction (Hebrews 13:25): Grace be with you all. Amen. Let the favour of God be towards you, and His grace continually working in you, and with you, bringing forth the fruits of holiness, as the first-fruits of glory. When the people of God have been conversing together by word or writing, it is good to part with prayer, desiring for each other the continuance of the gracious presence of God, that they may meet together again in the world of praise."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…