God’s people should act like God’s people

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The Great Adventure”

Our Bible verse for today: “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:17 (NLT)

Our thought for today: “God’s people should act like God’s people.”

For many years I have greatly admired and appreciated Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s preaching, teaching, and writing. I have learned much from him and on occasions I have freely quoted from him to enhance my own preaching, teaching, and writing. I once read of a seminary student who heard a great sermon preached by an eminent old preacher. After the sermon the young man asked the old preacher if he could use some of his points in a sermon of his own. The older man responded, “Son, if my bullets fit your gun, you go right ahead and shoot them.”

From time to time, I unapologetically shoot some of Chuck Swindoll’s bullets and I’m going to do so again this morning. This past year I’ve been using the Swindoll Study Bible in my personal morning devotional time. It’s filled with many great insights, and his introduction to the New Testament book of James is a good example of that. Chuck wrote:

“The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament in the way that it encourages God’s people to act like God’s people. The pages of James are filled with direct commands, and he makes no excuses for those who do not walk their talk. More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with our faith.”

“It encourages God’s people to act like God’s people.” We live in a society today that is far from God and from Biblical standards. Sadly, that describes many Christians too. They are compromising Biblical values to more easily get along and fit in with an evil culture that is increasingly opposed to Christianity. Also, many Christians are caught-up in our culture of conspicuous consumption and are therefore becoming more selfish and less generous with their time and money. They are not acting like God’s people.

The adventure of living the Christian life must mean Christians acting like Christians – the people of God acting like the people of God. The book of James calls us to put feet to our faith and to live what we profess to believe. What our nation needs more than ever today is for God’s people to act like God’s people.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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