February 25th 2021
David_Orr • February 25, 2021
Faith that Works!
J. Ronald Blue in John Walvoord’s “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” published by the Dallas Baptist Theological Seminary begins his entry on James confronting the controversy over canonicity.
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INTRODUCTION
Few books of the Bible have been more maligned than the little Book of James. Controversy is waged over it’s authorship, its date, it’s recipients, its cannonicity and its unity.
It is well known that Martin Luther had problems with this book. He called it “A Right Strawy Epistle.” But it is only “Strawy” to the degree it is “Sticky”. There enough needles in this haystack to prick the conscience of every dull, defeated and degenerated Christian in the world. Here is a “Right Stirring Epistle” designed to exhort and encourage, to challenge and convict, to rebuke and revive, to describe practical holiness and drive believers toward the goal of a “FAITH THAT WORKS.” James is severely ethical and refreshingly practical.
Considered one of the General Epistles, James, like the Epistles of Peter, John and Jude, is an encyclical (letter – epistle) addressed not to individual churches or persons but a larger sphere of believers. The teaching in these general letters complements the doctrines of Paul. Paul emphasized faith; James stressed conduct; Peter, hope; John, love and Jude, purity.
* Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 page 815 – The Bible knowledge Commentary – New Testament*
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Martin Luther’s words on James is where I got the title of this series “FAITH THAT WORKS”. What is strange is the fact that if you look up this on the Lutheran Church Website they have compromised their founder’s words to the point that they selected the word strawy and said that referred to the book’s integrity and that it “OPPOSES GRACE” and shouldn’t be in the Bible… except Luther Himself translated it and put it in the Lutheran Bible. Compromise is easy but Martin Luther struggled with this and determined James was merely stating the fact that real Grace shows itself to be real. What Martin Luther did in standing up against the opposition of the Catholic Church was the truest historical picture I can think of that testifies what James wrote to be real and true. “Here I stand, and I can do no other.”
Ridgecrest Blog
There’s a difference between walking near someone and walking with them. It's a difference you can feel. I don’t just want to walk beside my wife—I want to hold her hand, to wrap my arm around her, to stay close. And in the same way, God doesn't just want us to stroll behind Him at a safe distance. He wants us right next to Him. Closer than close. The Bible makes that clear—again and again. In fact, one of the most beautiful things is when the same truth is spoken in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s when we know God is driving a point home. Take James in the New Testament. He gives us four practical, life-changing steps that can draw us closer to God: Depend on the Savior Deny the devil Desire to sin less Delight in selflessness These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re daily actions. They’re reminders that we’re not strong enough to live this life on our own. We need help. We need a Savior. And when we lean on Him, He promises to draw near to us. That message isn’t new. It echoes through Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” This ancient wisdom from Solomon aligns perfectly with James. Why? Because truth doesn’t change. God's Word is living, consistent, and always calling us to take that next step closer to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been walking on autopilot—doing the right things, going to church, saying the prayers—but deep down, you know there’s a gap. Here's the good news: If you’re not close to God right now, it’s not because He moved. He’s still there. Still waiting. Still inviting. “Draw near to me,” God says, “and I will draw near to you.” That word “draw” isn’t passive. It’s personal. In the original language, it carries the idea of reaching out and hugging someone. That’s the kind of closeness God wants. Not cold religion, but a warm relationship. An embrace. An arm around your shoulder. And if you’ve never experienced that before—if you’ve never known what it’s like to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—it’s not too late. All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Admit you can’t save yourself. Believe that only Jesus can. He will meet you there. Every time. And if you’re already a believer? There’s still room to grow. Every single one of us could walk a little closer to Jesus than we did yesterday. None of us have arrived. And the beautiful part is—He’s not asking for perfection. He’s just asking for your heart. So today, let’s take those steps. Let’s depend. Deny. Desire. Delight. Let’s walk a little closer. Let’s hold His hand. And let’s never let go. Closing Thought: Wouldn’t it feel good to be hugged tight by Jesus? That’s not just poetic. That’s possible. Because He’s reaching out right now—waiting for you to reach back.
We are proud to share that Ridgecrest Baptist Church has been a part of the efforts supporting Together We Foster, an organization dedicated to serving the foster care community of Northeast Arkansas.
Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church! We're thrilled to have you join us today for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're a long-time member or visiting for the first time, your presence enriches our community. Let's open our hearts to receive God's word and blessings together. Thank you for joining us at our VBS closing celebration! Today, our kids will receive certificates, perform a special song for parents, and enjoy a slideshow/video highlighting this week's exciting activities. Stick around after the service for a celebration meal with all families. Blessings,
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