Trust in our Lord! Interested to see more, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlxu5V2UWgI&list=PLHScdPYDtchPtiJ6wQ7f7t1ReXpLnw8dQ&index=1 #biblescripture #psalm #trust

Before you were formed, God already knew your name. 🌿✨ You are not an accident — you are chosen, loved, and created with a divine purpose. 🙏 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.’ — Jeremiah 1:5 💛 #Jeremiah15 #ChosenByGod #FaithInGod #GodsPlan #BibleVerse #PurposeDrivenLife #ChristianEncouragement #JesusIsLord #BibleScripture #ChristianFaith #LordBooksCommunity #highlights

THE LANGUAGE AND CONTEXT IN THE EPISTLE OF JAMES Hello good morning!! How are you doing?? In continuation with what we have reflected yesterday, let's today look at the language and context of the message of James There are similarities between the language in this epistle and James' speech at the Jerusalem council (see Jam 1:1 and Act 15:23; Jam 1:16, 19 and Act 15:25; Jam 1:27 and Act 15:14, 29; Jam 2:5 and Act 15:13, 14, 25; Jam 2:7 and Act 15:17; Jam 5:19–20 and Act 15:19). The author uses an authoritative tone appropriate for James, Yeshua’s half-brother. The robust spiritual tone of the book is consistent with the Eusebius citation that distinguishes this James by adding the title "the Just." Many of these Christian Jews were probably oppressed and poor. Gentiles would frequently reject them because they were Jews. The non-Christians Jews would likewise reject them because they were Christian Jews. According to the text, the majority of these Christians were impoverished, and some were subjected to oppression by the wealthy (Jam 2:6-7). The legacy of James’ teachings and wisdom is condensed into a brief but impactful book. It starts with a greeting to all of the messianic Jews who are not in Israel. The rest of the scripture doesn't read like a letter since, unlike Paul's writings, it doesn't address any specific issues facing a single local church. Rather, this book serves as a synopsis of James' wise counsel for any and all Baliraja-follower communities. His intention is to interfere in our affairs and question our way of life, not to impart fresh theological knowledge. Have a blessed day ahead!! God bless you much. Prayers and greetings!! #bible #biblescripture #scripture #bibleverse #wordofGod #James #EpistleofJames -Ends-

THE TARGET AUDIENCE, DATE & THE BIG IDEA OF JAMES Good morning Children of God! How are you doing?? Today we will look at the immediate target audience of the Epistle of James along with the date and the big idea in it. The target audience Among the New Testament epistles, this one is regarded as the oldest. The epistle doesn't go beyond Acts 9. The recipients of the persecution described in Acts 8:1-4 seem to be the dispersed Jewish believers (Jam 1:1). In particular, Jews who reside outside of Palestine are the target audience for the letter, which is addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel (Jam 1:1). According to Acts 26:6-7, the Jewish people are also known as the "twelve tribes." Many Jews were dispersed throughout several countries following the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (Acts 2:5–11). James addressed his message to messianic Jews. He refers to them as "brethren" at least nineteen times. It is clear that these were brethren "in the Lord" rather than merely brethren "in the flesh" (Jam 2:1). The date According to Jam 2:2, where "assembly" is sunagogen, the Church was still holding meetings in synagogues. All of these factors suggest the dating as early as 34-35 C.E. The Big Idea Adhering to theological doctrines is not the only aspect of being a follower of Yeshua. Following Yeshua’s summation of the Torah – love God with all of your heart and love your neighbour as yourself – makes followers of Baliraja genuinely wise. Hope that these would provide you with contextual clarity on the book while you read it. Have a blessed day ahead!! My prayer, love, blessings and healing remains with you!! #bible #biblescripture #scripture #bibleverse #wordofGod #James #EpistleofJames

INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE OF JAMES Part-2 The second one is the son of Alphaeus (Matt 10:3; Acts 1:12) about whom very little written evidence is found in the Bible. According to Mark 3:16-19, two of the Iakobos’ were the sons of Zebedee and Alphaeus, who were among Yeshua’s inner circle of twelve. Third is the father of Judas the apostle. One of the few references to him is found in Luke 6:16. Fourth is the half-brother of Yeshua (Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3). All probabilities lead to this person as the author of this epistle. Acts 12:17, 15:13, and 21:18 show that James, went on to lead the Jerusalem church. He at first did not believe in Yeshua (Jn 7:5), but after Baliraja’s resurrection and later appearance before him, he became a disciple (1 Cor 15:7; Acts 1:14 3). He eventually became the leader of the mother church in Jerusalem (Gal 2:9). When Peter was delivered from prison, he sent a special message to James (Acts 12:17). He was the main leader in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13-33) When Paul visited Jerusalem, he went to greet and meet James (Acts 21: 18-19). As the head of the church in Jerusalem, he instructed Paul to undergo the ritualistic purification as per Jewish customs to which Paul obliged (Acts 21:17-26). #bible #biblescripture #scripture #bibleverse #wordofGod -Ends-

INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE OF JAMES Part-1 Good morning church!! From today onwards we will start the detailed reflection of the book of James. Kindly pray for God's wisdom to be with us, while we take up this important task. The author of the Epistle of James The epistle of James is one of the general epistles like Jude, John 1, 2, and 3, and Peter 1 and 2. In the form of circular epistles, these messages were distributed and read in various places. The author of the epistle of James needs some contextual understanding. Ya'akov is the Hebrew spelling of this author's name, which was originally pronounced Iakobos in Greek. The majority of both ancient and contemporary translations render his name as "Jacob". The New Testament is filled with Iakobos. The first one is the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Matt 4:17-22; Mark 3:17 with Luke 9:51-56), who was martyred at a very young age by Herod in 44 C.E. (Acts 12:1-2). These brothers were also nicknamed “Sons of Thunder”. Thus, John’s brother is excluded from the list of potential authors of this letter. to be continued.... #bible #biblescripture #scripture #bibleverse #wordofGod

ARE YOU ABLE?? Part-2 As we come to the end of this message, let’s wrap it up with a few simple observations. I know it’s easy to criticize this mother and her two sons who came to Jesus with what seems to be an impetuous and even self-centered request. But as I ponder the matter, I find myself more and more sympathetic to them. At least they were willing to commit themselves. That’s more than could be said about most of us. When Jesus started talking about the cup and the baptism of blood, I’m sure we would have wanted to postpone our decision so we could think about it a little more. Maybe we would have tried to renegotiate our contract to get a better deal. But God bless James and John. And God bless their courageous mother. At least these boys were willing to take a stand with Jesus. They didn’t know all the details but they signed up anyway. And they didn’t wait till the Resurrection to choose sides. Years later they would pay a heavy price for that commitment. One would die a martyr and the other would end up in lonely exile far from Jerusalem. Let us learn from this that the road to heaven always goes by way of the cross. If you skip the cross, you’ll end up missing heaven too. Over 100 years ago, A. B. Bruce pointed out that “if crosses would leave us alone, we would leave them alone, too.” Ah, but the cross of Christ will never leave us alone. It stands at the center of our faith. Take the cross out of Christianity and you’ve taken Jesus out as well. We are called to follow Jesus, and that means denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following him wherever he leads us. I close with the question Christ asked these two eager apostles: “Are you able?” This is the question the Lord asks each one of us today. Are you able to drink the cup of suffering? Are you able to follow Jesus to the cross? Are you willing to follow God’s plan for your life no matter what it takes and no matter where it leads? Are you willing to serve instead of rule? Are you willing to serve before you rule? Are you willing to serve as you rule? In the end our greatest need is Jesus. It always comes back to him, doesn’t it? We are called to follow him even when his steps lead us to the cross. We are helpless without him. But in him all things are possible. Are you able? What is your answer? #bible #biblescripture #scripture #bibleverse -Ends-