David Hathaway

Effectual fervent prayer / James Bible Study (Part 15) / Chapter 5

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5.13-18, NIV.)

Patience in suffering / James Bible Study (Part 14) / Chapter 5

James 5:5-10 speaks about the judgment awaiting the wealthy who have exploited the poor, as well as the patience and endurance of the righteous in the face of suffering. James advises the righteous to be patient in their suffering, like farmers waiting for the harvest. He encourages them to stand firm in their faith, despite the injustices they face. He praises the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as examples of endurance and steadfastness in the face of suffering.
'Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.' (James 5.5-10, NIV.)

The cries of the innocent are heard by the Lord / James Bible Study (Part 13) / Chapter 5

'If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.' (James 4.17.)
James 5:1-6 focuses on the condemnation of the rich who exploit the poor and warns of the impending judgment they will face.
'Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.' (James 5.1-6, NIV.)

Draw near to God / James Bible Study (Part 12) / Chapter 4

In the final verses of chapter 4, James is calling for humility, repentance, and dependence on God in all aspects of life, urging believers to live in accordance with His will rather than their own selfish desires. He advises humility before the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority over our lives. Encouraging believers to allow God to lift them up in due time.
'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
'Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
'Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
'Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.' (James 4.8-17, NKJV.)
 

God give grace to the humble / James Bible Study (Part 11) / Chapter 4

James exhorts believers to examine their motives, prioritise humility, resist worldly influences, and submit to God in order to receive His grace and protection against temptation.
'You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you"' (James 4.3-7, NKJV).

Aligning our desires with Christ / James Bible Study (Part 10) / Chapter 4

James 4:1-3 addresses conflicts and desires within the Christian community. The passage starts with James asking why there are fights and quarrels among them, attributing it to their desires for pleasure that wage war within themselves. He highlights that these desires lead them to covet and not obtain what they want, leading to conflict and even murder. James points out that they don't have because they don't ask God or they ask with wrong motives, intending to spend what they get on their own pleasures. In essence, James is cautioning against selfish desires and urges the readers to seek God's will and align their desires with it to find true fulfillment.
'What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures' (James 4.1-3, NIV)

Show your wisdom by the way you live / James Bible Study (Part 9) / Chapter 3

This passage highlights the importance of controlling the tongue, seeking wisdom, and living in accordance with godly principles to promote peace and righteousness.
'Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.' (James 3:13-18, NIV.)

Setting the direction of your life / James Bible Study (Part 8) / Chapter 3

James 3 underscores the importance of controlling our speech, recognising the profound impact our words can have for good or for ill. I’m speaking over you power, blessing, healing! Speak it out! If you believe it and speak it, and don’t doubt in your heart, you will have power with God, and God will begin to work! Jesus said it! We’ve got to begin to understand the positive! Too often we fill our minds with negatives! Our speech sets the direction of our lives. 
'When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
'All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.' (James 3.3-8, NIV)

Becareful what you say / James Bible Study (Part 7) / Chapter 3

In these verses, James addresses the issue of controlling one's speech. He starts by cautioning that not everyone should be eager to become teachers, as teachers will be judged more strictly. James then uses the analogy of a bit in a horse's mouth and a rudder on a ship to emphasise the power of a small instrument to control a much larger entity. In the same way, the tongue, though a small part of the body, holds significant power to guide one's life. James highlights the paradox that even though the tongue is small, it can boast of great things. However, he warns about its potential for harm, comparing it to a small spark that can set a whole forest on fire. The key message is the importance of controlling one's speech and being aware of the impact words can have on oneself and others.
'Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
'When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.' (James 3.1-6, NIV)

Faith and works / James Bible Study (Part 6) / Chapter 2

Genuine faith is demonstrated through actions and works. James argues that faith without deeds is dead and compares it to a body without a spirit. James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate that faith is validated by the deeds it produces. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and Rahab's actions in hiding the spies show that their faith was alive and active. Ultimately, James contends that true faith results in a transformed life and a commitment to doing good works.
'What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
'But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
'Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
'You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
'In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.' (James 2.14-26, NIV)

Fulfilling the Royal Law / James Bible Study (Part 5) / Chapter 2

In this episode, David teaches from James 2.5-13, NIV. Believers should avoid showing favoritism, treat all people with love and equality, and recognise the significance of mercy in their interactions with others.
'Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
'If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
'Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.' (James 2.5-13, NIV)

God has chosen you to inherit the Kingdom / James Bible Study (Part 4) / Chapter 2

'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?' (James 2.1-5, NIV.)
God has chosen you to inherit the Kingdom. The richness we have is based on our faith not on our possessions, and as we shall see, how we live out our faith. 
In these verses, James addresses the issue of favouritism or discrimination within the Christian community. He emphasises the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their social or economic status. James criticises the practice of showing special attention to the wealthy while neglecting the poor. He argues that such behaviour goes against the principles of faith in Jesus Christ, who showed no partiality. James encourages believers to demonstrate genuine faith by treating all people with love and without prejudice, recognising that true wealth lies in faith and devotion to God rather than in worldly status.

The righteousness God desires / James Bible Study (Part 3) / Chapter 1

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1.17-26, NIV.)

Blessed is the one who perseveres / James Bible Study (Part 2) / Chapter 1

In James 1.9-14, David teaches a powerful message about the blessings that come to those who endure trials with steadfast faith. The passage emphasises what true wealth is; asserting that the humble and lowly are exalted in God's kingdom. As believers face various challenges, the call to persevere stands as a pathway to receiving the crown of life promised to those who love the Lord. Join David in exploring the profound wisdom and blessings found in the journey of perseverance, as we navigate the trials of life with unwavering trust in God. 
'Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
'When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.' (James 1.9-15, NIV.)

Count it all joy / James Bible Study (Part 1) / Chapter 1

In these opening verses, James provides us with a profound perspective on trials and wisdom, which guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties. James 1:1-5 begins with James introducing himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. He addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad and encourages them to view their trials as opportunities for joy. James explains that enduring trials produces steadfastness and maturity in faith. He emphasises the importance of seeking wisdom from God, who generously gives it to those who ask without doubting. James assures believers that God's wisdom is accessible to all, fostering a trust that leads to a more robust and unwavering faith.
'My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' (James 1.1-5, KJV.)

Let not your heart be troubled / John 14 (Part 3)

Jesus tells His disciples that those who believe in Him will do the works that He has been doing and even greater works. He assures them that whatever they ask in His name, He will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus encourages them to ask anything in His name, and He promises to do it. This passage underscores the significance of faith and the role of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting the connection between believers and the power of God through Jesus Christ.
In these verses, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, emphasising the power of faith and the relationship between faith and miracles: 'Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it' (John 14.12-14).