PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

Biblical truth standing on its spiritual head to get our eternal attention.

Playing with Words – Believe

| January 13, 2024

Did you know our English word “believe” is etymologically related to “love”? When we “believe” in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, we “be-love” them. Therefore, to believe is an act of love. Playing around more with the word “believing”…. “Believing” begins with “be” and ends with “ing”. When we are “BE-lieving-ING” we are “BE-ING”. […]

James 4:7-8 – Running Away and Running To

| November 1, 2023

James 4:7-8 is taking on a more powerful meaning to me. Here’s the text: James 4 (CSB) 7) Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 ) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Why […]

Romans and James – Works

| August 30, 2023

“Works” in Romans versus James: Romans (theological) – “not saved by works” (Romans 4:2) means, our works cannot fundamentally change God to save us because of faith in our works. James (practical) – “saved by works” (James 2:24) means, God fundamentally changes us in salvation to have works because of our faith in God. Other […]

“Works” – Romans versus James

| August 22, 2023

Romans (theological) – “not saved by works” (Romans 4:2) means, our works cannot fundamentally change God to save us because of faith in our works. James (practical) – “saved by works” (James 2:24) means, God fundamentally changes us in salvation to have works because of our faith in God.   Other succinct ways of saying […]

Triggers

| August 25, 2022

What do we need to do when what “triggers” us leads to sin?   First, WHAT – We need to learn what our “triggers” are so that we can use foresight to stay away from such events. Second, WHEN – When we find ourselves already being “triggered”, we need to recognize our vulnerability so we […]

James 2 – Favoritism and Faith Only

| June 10, 2022

How is the sin of negative favoritism like faith only? Does James speak of these contextually together in his sermon on practical Christianity?   Contextually, notice the progression: 1. BAD TREATMENT OF POOR – “if you look with favor on the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and […]

James 2 – Showing Favoritism to Ourselves

| June 8, 2022

Showing Favoritism to Ourselves How is the sin of favoritism like adultery and murder? Does James speak of these contextually together in James 2? Favoritism in the assembly is displayed by paying special attention to the rich, and devaluing the poor. This is made evident by relegating the latter to standing over there or sitting […]

Chiasm – James 1:19-21

| January 25, 2021

A – “YOU”- 19) You-all know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. B – DEEP-SEATED EMOTIONS: Everyone [pas] must be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger [orgē]: 20) for man’s anger [orgē] Anger/orge has agricultural roots. C – RIGHTEOUSNESS: does not accomplish God’s righteousness. C’ – UNRIGHTEOUSNESS: 21) Therefore putting away all […]

James 1:22-23 – Chiasm

| January 25, 2021

A – 22) But you-all be doers [poiētēs] B – of the word [logos], C – and not hearers [akroatēs] only, D – deluding your own selves [heautou]. C’ – 23) For if anyone is a hearer [akroatēs] B’ – of the word [logos] A’ – and not a doer [poiētēs], he is like a […]

James – Immature Tempters

| September 11, 2019

Here’s a challenging question: In the book of James he writes, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (CSB’17 James […]