Tag Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ

the mystery of all religious error

The Preacher Leave a comment

Brothers and sisters, let me take you on a journey through the ages, a journey marked by error! We’re going to examine some of the grandest missteps in the Good Book, and I pray you’ll learn and love the Lord all the more by the time we’re done. Now, let’s start in the Garden of Eden.

GARDEN: And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food… Genesis 3:6
Eve, sweet Eve, saw that forbidden fruit and thought it looked mighty tasty. You know what they say, “Forbidden fruit is the sweetest.” But oh, how wrong she was! That bite led to the fall of man. When you think you know better than God, you’re just about to trip over your own pride. Brothers and sisters, remember this: the snake in the grass often has the best sales pitch, but his product never delivers what it promises!

CAIN: And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Genesis 4:5
Then we have Cain. Cain got madder than a hornet because God liked Abel’s offering better. His face was longer than a wet week! Instead of asking, “Lord, how can I do better?” he chose murder. Remember, when jealousy gets your goat, it’s just a short walk to the sin pasture. God’s ways aren’t always our ways, but they are always right.

PHARAOH: Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. Exodus 5:2
Pharaoh—now there was a man who thought he was all that and a bag of chips. He thought he could stand toe-to-toe with the Almighty. “Who is the Lord?” he scoffed. Let me tell you, when you hear someone ask that, you better stand. Pharaoh found out the hard way with ten plagues and a parted sea. Friends, when God says, “Let my people go,” you better step aside!

The more we know of God, the more we will obey Him. Conversely, the less we know of God, the less we will obey Him. Jesus himself pointed out the mystery of man’s error: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). This is a profound truth, my friends.

Sadducees and the Resurrection Errors
The Sadducees were trying to stump Jesus with riddles. They concocted a story about a woman who married seven brothers, each one dying in turn. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they asked, thinking they’d outsmarted Him. Jesus set them straight, reminding them that God’s word and His power transcends their earthly imaginations. Folks are still tying themselves in knots over theological riddles instead of trusting God’s word.

READING REQUIREMENTS in the OT law
In ancient Israel, God commanded His people to write His laws on stones and read them aloud. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and 31:10-13 remind us that these words should be in our hearts, taught diligently to our children, spoken of at home and on the road. Yet Israel neglected this command.

We are also to read the word in the New Covenant, (John 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17).

OT EXAMPLES of ERROR.
In the periods of Judges and Kings, they fell into cycles of forgetting, repenting, and deliverance. Not once do we read of the Israelites gathering to hear the law read, except under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). When the word is neglected, the people perish!

David’s mishandling of the Ark of the Covenant, resulting in Uzzah’s death (1 Chronicles 13:5, 15:11-15), serves as a stern reminder of the importance of knowing and obeying God’s instructions. The failure to follow God’s law led to Israel’s captivity (Isaiah 5:13, Hosea 4:6).

REJECTING JESUS, Then and Now
Even in Jesus’ time, ignorance led to His rejection. The rulers didn’t recognize Him as the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Today, many still cling to errors—whether it’s misunderstanding salvation (Acts 15), mixing law and grace (Colossians 2:10), or holding onto traditions that contradict Scripture. From infant baptism to unnecessary church hierarchies, people err because they do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God.

So, do you value your soul? Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). If we value our souls, we must study God’s word reverently, with fear, love, and care, and apply it daily.

Let’s avoid the errors of the past by immersing ourselves in God’s holy word. Read it, teach it, live it! And remember, when in doubt, God’s way is always the best way! Amen!

Agape, Spencer

you’re invited to one of our services at the Franklin and Juniper st church of Christ.

Who are we? We are just CHRISTIANS.

The Preacher 3 Comments

WE ARE JUST CHRISTIANS

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:28,29).

We’re often asked to show our ID’s. From getting on a plane, to buying things on credit, or to the police officer that pulled me over looking for my autograph.

We use identification to gain access to banking accounts, safety deposit boxes, and the like.

When we speak about locating the Lord’s church, we look for its identifying marks. What does it teach about salvation, assembling together for worship, morality, and eschatology.

The Christian has an identity also. It’s interesting to note that our identity is in relationship to our God and to fellow Christians.

Let us explore our multifaceted identity as outlined in God’s Word.

When viewed in relation to God we are His children. “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Cor 6:18)

When viewed in relation of hope we are heirs. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17)

When viewed in relation to each other we are brethren. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1)

When viewed in relation to character we are saints. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7)

If viewed as fighters we are soldiers. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Tim. 2:3)

When viewed in relation to our abode upon earth we are pilgrims. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1Pet. 2:11.)

When viewed as the Image of Christ we are persecuted. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:13; cf. Matt 10:24,25; 2Tim 3:12).

When viewed as learners of Christ we are disciples (adherents). “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19 ASV).

When viewed in relation to Christ we have a name; we are called Christians. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26b).

When viewed as workers for the Lord we are servants of Christ. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13).

Agape,

Spencer

We are striving to be undenominational and non-sectarian. We plead for a restoration of New Testament Christianity. It is our sincere conviction that one cannot be right in the sight of God by ignoring and disregarding the teaching of God’s word. Let us strive to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

God Gave them Up

The Preacher 3 Comments

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Rom 1:24).

People often cite the Letter to the Romans for their erroneous view on election and predestination. While these concepts are here, their view that God preselects individuals to be lost or saved before they were born and without any reason is error.

We can answer this erroneous view beginning with chapter one where we are told why God gave them up to their sin. People are not lost because God randomly chose them to be lost. People are lost because of their disobedience to Him (sin), neither does He cause them to sin.

Note verse 26, “For this cause God gave them up.” Paul is telling us WHY God gave them up, and the reason is not because God just didn’t want them to be saved. There are reasons.

For God to give someone up to sin, there must be some standard by which the guilt is determined.

God gave them up to their sins because they gave Him up. Notice what people had done BEFORE God gave them up.

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Rom 1:19-24 emphasis mine seb).

God had revealed to mankind His existence through His creation. Instead of glorifying Him, they were ungrateful, turned to their own wisdom, and then to idolatry. They took a piece of creation and worshiped it.

Jeremiah described their foolishness this way; “For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good” (Jer 10:3-5). Jeremiah then warns them, “Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish” (10:14-15; cf, Isa 44:9-20).

Think about it. Created humans rejected their creator, then created a wooden image to worship, and did not give the God of Heaven thanks nor glory for His great might. Do we see anything different happening today? The only difference is the object of worship.

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Phil 3:18-19).

Agape,

Spencer

This article is part 1 of a series titled, God’s Moral Law. click here for part two.

You’re invited to attend one of our services at the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper in Borger Texas.

Preaching through the Gospel of Mark in 2024

The Preacher 9 Comments

Lord Willing, Each first Sunday of the month in 2024 will come from the Gospel of Mark. While there are 16 chapters in Mark and only 12 first Sundays, we will follow each chapter until chapter 12-16 which will have one sermon in December.

January: Mark 1. My Beloved SON.

February: Mark 2. Jesus is GOD.

March: Mark 3. Sinning against the Holy Spirit.

April: Mark 4. What Kind of SOIL am I?

May: Mark 5. Fearing Jesus, Mocking Jesus, Seeing Jesus.

June: Mark 6. How well do we TRUST Jesus?

July: Mark 7. LIP Service toward God.

August: Mark 8. The Value of a SOUL.

September: Mark 9. HEAR Him.

October: Mark 10. What do you WANT me to do?

November: Mark 11. From Heaven for from Men?

December: Mark 12-16. What did Judas BRING to the garden?

We invite you to attend one of our services at the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.

Why do we DOUBT? p3

The Preacher 1 Comment

Would ye also go away?

John 6:67-68

They went away because of His Teaching.

John 6:53

Some go away because of Fear of men.

John 12:42

Some go away because of Doubts or Questions.

John 7:52-53

Some go away out of procrastination.

Matt 8:21

“Why did you doubt?” p3

(Matt 14:24-31).

Why do we doubt? What is the source of doubt? This series of articles seeks to search the scriptures for the answer, and to learn how to combat, or to Overcome Doubt.

The first article showed that Doubt is based on Disbelief, and the way to overcome disbelief is through knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second article spoke about obstacles that reveal doubt. This article will attempt to Overcome Doubt that arises when we turn away from the truth toward uncertainties. 

When we begin to DOUBT, our response is often to take matters into our own hands. Think of those examples when folks didn’t know how God was going to fulfill a promise, so they tried to “help” Him out. Sarah’s suggesting Hagar (Gen 16:1-4). King Saul making an unlawful sacrifice when Samuel was delayed (1Sam 13:8-13).

When life becomes uncertain, we may place our trust in more UNCERTAINTIES. We try to walk by sight instead of by faith. When doubts arise and fears dismay, we place our trust in earthly resources.

Paul charged Timothy to warn the rich of this. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1Tim 6:9, 17).

For many of us, instead of the NOTHING wavering faith of James 1, we become tossed about by every wind of doctrine. “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” (Eph 4:14). We turn from the truth of God’s word to the opinions of others.

When doubt increases, others place their trust in SELF. “I’ll do it my way.” “Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities” (2Pet 2:10; Lu 12:15-21).

These things may appear helpful, but they are UNFRUITFUL. The deceit of the world leads to being unfruitful, “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt 13:7,22; Mark 4:18,19).

For some they turn to seemingly successful & happy people that end up ROBBING them of whatever faith they have remaining. “Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph 5:6; Col 2:4,8,18; 3:6; 2Th 2:3).

Paul wrote about these deceptive people, “holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away. For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 3:5-7).

Each of the above strategies smack of an EARTHLY wisdom from beneath that moves away from the wisdom of God’s word that comes from above. “This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed” (James 3:15-16).

What is the remedy to doubt?

The first and main thing we need to do to answer doubt is to continue to SEEK the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In the famous passage on worry, Jesus said, “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). Just because we sometimes doubt, doesn’t mean we stop doing the right thing. Sin is never the answer to doubt.

Look UP, set your affections on things above. Developing hope is a great strategy for overcoming or alleviating doubt. “If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory” (Col 3:1-4). When we have a big enough why, we can endure any how.

We can READ the word of the Lord. When we don’t know what to do, instead of turning to the earthly advice, turn to the word of God, or to people that will give godly advice (Titus 2:1-8). His word gives us all things pertaining to life and godliness (2Pet 1:3). Doubt is the opposite of faith, and faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). Read the bible for insight into this life. We can learn how to handle fear and doubt by reading of the examples of those that faced the same things. “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2Tim 3:16-17).

While doubt is uncomfortable, there is still hope. Doubt tends to focus on what’s missing. There are still things to ENJOY. The wise advice of one of our songs is to “count your many blessings.” Look for what is good, and watch for the good that may come from our continued faithfulness in times of trial. James wrote for us to count it all joy when we face trials. “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning” (James 1:17).

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 3 of a series on Overcoming Doubt.

1John 3:19-24, The CHILD of God

The Preacher 1 Comment

The CHILD of God can know. 1John 3:19-24

19-24) The child of God can know…

# CLEAR Conscience. 3:20-21.

# HEAR Him. 4:6; 1:1-5; 2:7,24; 3:11.

# IF we walk, confess, keep, hear, love. 1:7; 9; 2:3,24; 4:12;

# LOVE Him and those He Loves. 3:18-23.

# DO those things pleasing to Him. 3:22.

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Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 3:14-15 How do we KNOW?

The Preacher 1 Comment

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE’VE PASSED FROM DEATH INTO LIFE?

KEEP HIS COMMANDS. 2:3-5, 24; 1:5-10.

NO Love of the World. 1John 2:15-17.

OUGHT TO LOVE AS HE LOVED.
3:16 Lay down our lives for the Brethren.
4:11 Love the Brethren.

WALK as He walked. 1John 2:6.

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Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

Why do we DOUBT?

The Preacher 1 Comment

Jesus asked this question of Peter when he began to sink after walking on the water.

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God”

(Matthew 14:25-23).

You may wonder why the Lord was so critical of Peter’s doubt, because walking on water is not normal. But that was not the Lord’s rebuke. Peter was walking on water. Jesus was walking on water. They both walked on water together in the storm.

Do we also doubt in the storms of life?
Why do we doubt? What is the source of doubt? This series of articles will seek to search the scriptures for the answer, and to learn how to combat, or to Overcome Doubt.

The first thing we ought to do is to make certain we know what it means. Jesus asked Peter, “why did you doubt (duplicate, i.e. mentally to waver in opinion) [Strong’s Greek dictionary; distazo]. The dictionary defines doubt as; “to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe.” DOUBT is the opposite of BELIEF. Therefore, our first source of DOUBT is DISBELIEF. This will be the ultimate root of all the sources.

DISBELIEF is the target of the Lord’s question to Peter (v31), and is our challenge today. Belief in God is the beginning of our salvation. It’s placed first of all other commands in obeying the gospel. Works without faith is vanity. Faith is a work (John 6:29; 1Thess 1:3; 2Thess 1:11).

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

The type of Belief under consideration is compared to the faith of Abraham when he went to sacrifice the son of promise. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). His belief was so certain that he supposed God would raise Isaac from the dead (Heb 11:17).

However, faith is not blind. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). There’s evidence to believe. Peter’s evidence was the prior miracles of Jesus (which are still evidence for us today John 20:30-31). Peter had participated in the feeding of the 5,000 just preceding his water ambulation. How many steps he made on the water we do not know, but one step out of a boat into the deep stormy waters is sufficient. He had gone out in the limited commission with powers, “against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1).

Well, that was Peter you may say; what about us? We don’t see those miracles today. No, we don’t see biblical miracles today, but that’s okay. The miracles Peter saw, and those in the early church are for our belief. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31). But there’s more…

God’s word says that God’s creation is for belief. “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20). God’s creation is enough to begin our belief in Him.

Paul used this same evidence for belief. “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17; 17:27-28). The evidence of creation and human life will point you in the right direction to look further. There are only 2 possibilities about creation: 1) that everything came from a thoughtless nothing, or 2) everything came from a very wise, powerful, and brilliant God.

Belief is not blind. It has evidence and there’s so much evidence inside and outside of scripture. If you doubt, perhaps a study of evidences is for you to combat that doubt. Here are a few areas to study…

I have a few resources in my library. One of my favorites is by a brother in Christ named A.O. Schnabel, “Has God Spoken?” This book references scriptures of nature that science discovered many hundreds and thousands of years later. Some discoveries as recent as the 1960’s!

There’s no need to doubt. We can know and be assured.

(to be continued)

Agape,

Spencer

How to READ the bible pt4

The Preacher Leave a comment

Be a DOER of the word.

James 1:23 KJV

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Luke 6:46 KJV

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Matthew 7:21 KJV

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

How to be a DOER…

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Be DILIGENT to search the word.

OBEY the commands of Christ.

rise EARLY to obey. EXPEDITE His will.

REPENT & RETURN when you stumble, He is faithful.

Agape,

Spencer

The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.

You can read part one here.

James 2: Respect of Persons

The Preacher 1 Comment

Who’s your NEIGHBOR?

love your NEIGHBOR as yourself.

Borger Bulletin 02/27/22

Lu 10:29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my NEIGHBOR?”

Mt 22:39 “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Jas 2:8; Gal 5:14; Rom 13:9-10]

  1. N-NAAMAN was neighbor of a stolen servant girl. 2King 5
  2. E-EVERYBODY is your neighbor.
    1. Lu 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
    1. even ONLINE!!!
  3. I-INVITE them to worship? Jas 2:1-7.
  4. G-GOOD WORKS or lack thereof?
    1. Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
    1. Tit 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
    1. Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
    1. Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
    1. Tit 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
    1. GOOD PEOPLE ONLY?
      1. Lu 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
      1. Mt 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  5. H-HATE YOUR ENEMY?
    1. Mt 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
    1. After you got your pound of flesh Could you invite them to worship? Luke 6:27-36
  6. B-BORDER of your house.
    1. Pr 27:10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Prov 3:29
    1. After a land dispute could you invite them to worship?
    1. What about foreigners? Ex 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Ex 22:21
      1. Ex 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
    1. Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Heb 13:2
  7. O-OUGHT to pursue peace.
    1. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
    1. Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
    1. Mr 9:50; Ro 14:19; Heb 12:14
  8. R-RECRIPROCAL neighbors?
    1. Lu 14:12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.
    1. After disregarding your poor neighbor could you invite them to worship?
    1. RESPECT of PERSONS. Jas 2:1-13

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of James (July 2023). If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 6:30pm each Wednesday night for the next few weeks.

Click here for an overview chart of the Book of James.