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God Gives Grace to the Humble
Last week we had a guest speaker, TJ Freeman, from the Brainerd Institute. We were not able to record his edifying sermon on friendship in ministry due to our technical limitations.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 153 “God Gives Grace to the Humble” James 4:1-10. I apologize for some microphone trouble that lasted for a few minutes of this recording.
Our primary text for March 1 was James 4:1-10. For our first reading we read 1 Peter 5:1-11. Two weeks ago we said that some scholars think James 3:13-18 is the thematic highpoint of the letter. Some of these same scholars also think that James 4:1-10 is the hortatory highpoint of the letter. Some other scholars think that these two sections together form the thematic highpoint of the letter.
There are differences of opinion about what the theme of James is. One way to express the theme of James would be: “Seek godly wisdom to progress to spiritual maturity”.
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Podcast: Back to Rurality
Back to Rurality (Spotify)
The Brainerd Institute, located in Wellsboro, PA
equip[s] the saints to lead healthy [rural] churches.
The Institute produces two podcast series as part of their mission to facilitate the spiritual progress of rural churches in our region and beyond.
- Rural Pastors Talk (Rural Church Renewal) (Spotify) focused on issues pastors of rural churches face.
- Back to Rurality (Spotify) focused on issues all Christians in rural churches face.
I listen to and recommend both podcasts. They are available on multiple other platforms (such as Apple: Back to Rurality) as well as on their website (Institute Podcasts).
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Wisdom from Above
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 152 “Wisdom from Above” James 3:13-18.
Our primary text for February 15 is James 3:13-18. For our first reading we read Proverbs 9:1-18. Some scholars think this paragraph is the thematic highpoint of the letter. In 3:13 James challenges the reader to consider whether his or her thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions match up to the wisdom that is from above. He then describes earthly, unspiritual, demonic “wisdom” in 3:14-16. Then he describes the wisdom from above in 3:17. The contrast is sharp and which is better is obvious. Then James 3:18 describes the outcome of living a life guided by the wisdom from above; those who make peace are sowing peace and will harvest righteousness in due time.
In the the rhetorical question James starts with we see a hint of where the enablement to obey God comes from. James tells us to show our works in the meekness of wisdom. In James 4:6 James tells us plainly that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. If we rely on ourselves for salvation or spiritual growth we are not showing the wisdom that is from above.
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Podcast: Baptist Principles
6 Reasons I’m a Baptist
Professor Brandon Smith (X account here) hosts the Church Grammar podcast. In this podcast (6 Reasons I’m a Baptist) Professor Smith discusses six areas of agreement he has with Baptist beliefs and practices. I found it interesting that he highlights the Five Solas and calls Baptists “reformational”.
Here is part of Professor Smith’s introduction to this podcast:
… I’m not going to be speaking for all Baptists everywhere. I’m not going to speak for every single stream of Baptists within the Baptist tradition. Of course, every tradition has their diversity on certain issues, but I want to talk about why I’m a Baptist, what biblical, theological, and historical ideas and thoughts frame the way that I view my church, the way that I view my ministry, and the way that I teach. And I think that it will be, in some ways an introduction to what most Baptists have believed for all of Baptist history.
This thought-provoking podcast is available here on Spotify. I also found it here on Castbox and also here on Apple.
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Not Many of You
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 151 “Not Many of You”, James 3;1-12.
Our primary text for February 8 is James 3:1-12. For our first reading we read Matthew 15:1-20. The thesis of our texts that I want to focus on is:
All believers sin in what they say, write, and think.
This passage should be applied to audible speech, written words, and private thoughts. It should also be applied to memes, photographs, cartoons, drawings, etc. We should be very careful about what we post on social media, for instance.
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Podcast: Protestant Distinctions
A Letter to Rome: Charles Hodge and the Protestant Response to Rome
The Greenville Seminary hosts the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast. This episode of the podcast addresses the significant differences between Protestantism and Catholicism. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Seminary, discusses Charles Hodge and a careful letter Hodge wrote to Pope Pius IX in response to an invitation to attend the First Vatican Council. If you want to understand our differences this episode could be very helpful.
This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple, and the Dead Presbyterians Society website.
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Can That Faith Save Him?
There was no service Sunday January 25, 2026 due to the weather so there was no sermon post last week.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 150 “Can That Faith Save Him?”, James 2:14-26.
Our primary text for February 1 is James 2:14-26. For our first reading we read Galatians 5:16-26 to show that Paul also has a concept like dead faith. We read Romans 4:1-5 to show that Paul is very clear about justification by faith alone. We also read Ephesians 2:1-10 to show that Paul also assuredly has a concept of living faith. We need to take James seriously without pitting him against Paul. Both authors warn us of pseudo-faith and commend to us saving faith. James wants us to show evidence of our faith to vindicate our claims to being true believers. But James is not suggesting that demons can add works to their faith and thereby be saved. He is saying the faith that doesn’t exhibit commensurate works is suspect. Take it as a first use of the law or as a third use of the law as appropriate.
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Podcast Series on William Tyndale
Tyndalehouse Cambridge started a series of podcasts today on the history of the English Bible with a focus on William Tyndale. The podcast, The Long Road to the English Bible: Tyndale’s Life and Legacy, is available on Spotify, Apple, and other podcast platforms. Tyndalehouse Cambridge provided an introductory post on the series which identifies the contributors.
Tyndalehouse Cambridge also recently published an article about William Tyndale: William Tyndale’s NT at 500.
The best biography of William Tyndale that I have read is William Tyndale: A Biography by David Daniell. This link goes to Amazon. For some reason the paperback edition is now very expensive.
Note that Tyndalehouse Cambridge is also the organization that maintains the STEPBible which is an excellent study tool.
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Podcast Series on Law and Gospel
The Pactum Podcast started a multi-part series on the Law Gospel distinction today: Law and Gospel Importance. The podcast is also available on Spotify and other podcast platforms. The hosts of the podcast, Pat Abendroth and Mike Grimes, are both pastors at Omaha Bible Church. I have found their past discussions of the Law Gospel distinction to be very helpful. In the first episode Pat and Mike give six reasons why the Law and the Gospel are both important.
According to Luther, the true theologian knows the Law Gospel distinction:
The person who can rightly divide Law and Gospel has reason to thank God. He is a true theologian.
Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, 2:14.
Although Luther brought an important focus on the Law Gospel distinction we need to keep in mind that many other magisterial Reformers also called attention to it. Unfortunately this distinction is often missing from contemporary Evangelicalism. These podcasts can help us retrieve this vital doctrine.
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A Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism
Michael Horton interviewed R. Scott Clark on his Know What You Believe with Michael Horton podcast recently. They discussed Clark’s new commentary on the Heildelberg Catechism. This podcast is available on YouTube: The Story Behind the Heildelberg Catechism with R. Scott Clark (YouTube) and on Spotify: The Story Behind the Heildelberg Catechism with R. Scott Clark (Spotify) (and other podcast platforms). The book is available at Amazon and elsewhere: The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary. I have not yet obtained the book but I hope to do so soon. This discussion gets to some of the reasons why this catechism is so important to us.
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Whoever Keeps the Whole Law
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 149 “Whoever Keeps the Whole Law”, James 2:8-13.
Our primary text for January 18 is James 2:8-13. For our first reading we read Galatians 5:1-6. We started with a review of the Law/Gospel distinction and related early Protestant categorizations: the 3 Categories of the Law and the 3 Uses of the Moral Law.
Given that framework we considered the concerns that James wrote about. Along the way, to help us understand James, we considered various assertions that the Apostle Paul made. James drives us to consider the questions “Do I really fulfill the royal law?” and “Do I really love my neighbor as I love myself?”. James and Paul both speak of judgment. But Paul also tells us that “by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). James wants us to act in a manner commensurate with the royal law of liberty. I think James uses the word liberty to remind us of the Gospel. James is using the law in the third way (to guide believers to express their gratitude to God by obedience). We need to distinguish Justification and Sanctification just as we need to distinguish the Law and the Gospel. I wonder if James observed “easy-believe-ism” there in the Dispersion. But I am encouraged to think that even the author of Hebrews felt “sure of better things - things that belong to salvation” (Hebrews 6:9).
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Hold the Faith without Partiality
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 148 “Hold the Faith without Partiality”, James 2:1-7.
Our primary text for January 11 is James 2:1-7. We also read Romans 3:19-31 as our first reading. We looked at the general use of the word faith in the New Testament: personal belief as in Romans 3:19-31 and the substance of our beliefs as in Jude 1:1-4. James is primarily concerned with personal, saving faith throughout Chapter 2 but of course that personal faith must be grounded in the Word of God (“the faith once for all delivered to the saints”).
This personal saving faith consists of Knowledge, Agreement (Assent), and Trust (KAT). Many unfortunately add and/or subtract from this old Protestant delineation of personal saving faith.
We looked at the one imperative mood verb in James 2:1 (hold). Here in 2:1 James is telling us to practice (hold) our faith without sinful partiality. James gives us an example of sinful partiality in vv2-3. Then he evaluates this partiality in v4. In vv5-7 he argues against such partiality. In vv8ff he will bring his strongest argument against sinful partiality. We concluded with a review of Paul’s “walk in a manner worthy of” passages. We need to start the Christian life with an understanding of the Law and the Gospel. We also need to continue the Christian life the same way. We can only please God by faith with the indwelling Holy Spirit leading us.
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Justification by Faith Alone
Michael Horton, Gavin Ortlund, and Jordan Cooper discuss justification by faith alone in Christ alone in this Sola Media (Sola Media) podcast: Justified by Faith and Works? Defending Sola Fide with Gavin Ortlund and Jordan B. Cooper (YouTube). Horton represents the Reformed perspective, Ortlund represents the confessional Baptist perspective, and Cooper represents the confessional Lutheran perspective. It is notable that on this vital issue of justification there is remarkable agreement among the three perspectives. That is what one would expect because justification was, as Horton puts it, “the heart of the Reformation”. These three scholars discuss not just the word justification but also the concept by whatever name it may be designated.
Am I justified in the old Protestant sense of the word? That is the question.
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Religion That Is Pure and Undefiled
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 147 “Religion That Is Pure and Undefiled”, James 1:26-27.
Our primary text for January 4 is James 1:26-27. We read Galatians 6:1-5 as well. We revisited the logical flow of James 1. It is very important not to turn James into a salvation-by-works letter. James anchors salvation in the new birth at 1:18: Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, ESV . Then James tells us to receive with meekness the implanted word in 1:21. Receiving the implanted word includes hearing the word and doing the word per 1:22. We need to look at 1:26-27 with that perspective in mind.
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R. C. Sproul on Literal Interpretation
I hold to the premise that we should interpret Scripture literally. As the Westminster Confession and the Second London Confession put it (1.9)
… the true and full sense of any Scripture … [is] not many but one.
According to R. C. Sproul Luther held to the position that we should seek the plain meaning of the Word. Dr. Sproul explains sensus literalis in the podcast Literal Interpretation, A Broadcast with R. C. Sproul. In this podcast Dr. Sproul answers the question “What does it mean to interpret the Bible literally?”. It seems to me that many conservative Christians in the Ressourcement/Retrieval/Renewal Movement are advocating the quadriga (the fourfold interpretation) of Scripture rather than sensus literalis. I consider this aspect of the Retrieval Movement to be counter-productive to the maintenance of the principal goals of the Protestant Reformation.
I recommend this podcast to anyone who wants to consider this issue: Literal Interpretation, A Broadcast with R. C. Sproul.
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But Be Doers of the Word
Our text for December 28 is James 1:21-25. We also briefly considered Romans 2:13. We started with a brief overview of the early Protestant doctrine of salvation (Reformed Soteriology) because many folks try to make James into an advocate of legalism. We maintain that James is no such advocate. Then we looked at how James uses repetition of a few key words to support the flow of the letter in verses 15-25. We made sure to remind ourselves that James is not advocating ignorance of the Word; we are to hear the Word and to do the Word. We considered the perfect mirror which is the Word of God. We generalized doing the Word into a broad spectrum of activities which includes how we think and our attitudes toward others. Then we briefly considered changing the promise in verse 25 into an admonition. God will bless the doer of the Word. So perhaps we should admonish ourselves to be blessed by doing the Word.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 146 “But Be Doers of the Word”, James 1:21-25.
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Introduction to Study Notes
Today I am starting a new category of posts I call Study Notes. This category is about study tools, commentaries, other books, thoughts about what I am currently reading, various opinions about Historical Theology, other theological opinions, etc. I think that the frequency of posts will be irregular. I may occasionally post Kindle ebook sales but I will not be trying to monetize anything I do here on this website. I may also occasionally comment on various podcasts that I have listened to. I have several ideas right now that I want to write down here in this category but I am pressed for time. I hope to soon document the commentaries I am using for the series on James.
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Roof Status December 23, 2025
Hale Roofing has completed the work on our roof. Hale will soon be removing the lift vehicle and dumpster. We hope to publish a more comprehensive article in the near future. We don’t have any photographs this time.
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Waiting for the Consolation of Israel
Our texts for December 21 are Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:21-38. We considered the concept of Christian waiting. We are “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”. What can we learn about waiting God’s way from Simeon, Anna, and Paul? Surely there is to be worship and contemplation of our great God and Savior. And it seems likely that our sins are clouding our perceptions. Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 145 “Waiting for the Consolation of Israel”, Luke 2:20-38.
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Roof Status December 17, 2025
Hale Roofing has completed most of the work on our roof.
Hale has made good progress installing the parapet metal sheathing. Hale plans to be done with one more day of work (maybe on Friday Dec 19). See below for photos of the parapet sheathing.
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I Bring You Good News
Our texts for December 14 are Luke 1:57-66; Luke 1:67-80; Luke 2:8-20. In 1525 William Tyndale smuggled part of Matthew’s Gospel into England after anti-Lutheran opponents disrupted the production of the full New Testament in Cologne. That fragment of the New Testament contained a Prologue that defined the word gospel and explained salvation from an early Protestant point of view. We considered Tyndale’s definition of the word “gospel” and noted the influence of his translation of Luke 2:10 on future English translations. Then we looked at the birth of John the Baptist and at his father’s prophecy about Jesus, salvation, and John. We considered the proclaimation of the Gospel to the shepherds by the angel and we thought about how we ourselves should respond to the Gospel:
- believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved;
- grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus;
- worship God;
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 144 “I Bring You Good News”, Luke 2:8-20.
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Roof Status December 8, 2025
Hale Roofing made further progress today.
Hale has finished installing all of the fully adhered 60 mil reinforced TPO Membrane Roof System on the upper roof deck and walls. Hale still has to do some finish work before the parapet sheathing can be installed. Both roofs should be ready for parapet sheathing fairly soon (weather permitting). The parapet sheathing was delivered to the site today. See photos below.
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She Gave Birth to Her Firstborn Son
Our texts for December 7 are Luke 1:1-4; Luke 1:39-45; Luke 1:46-56; Luke 2:1-7. We considered Luke’s competence as an historian. Then we contemplated Elizabeth’s pronouncements of blessedness and Mary’s responding song. Then we thought about two saviors, the imposter Caesar Augustus and Jesus Christ our true Savior. Jesus fulfilled Micah’s Messianic prophecy. Jesus died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised again from the dead in accordance with the Scriptures. Only the true God-man could have done this for us.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 143 “She Gave Birth to Her Firstborn Son”, Luke 2:1-7.
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Roof Status December 5, 2025
Hale Roofing made progress this week on our roof in spite of the weather.
Hale has finished installing the “fully adhered 60 mil reinforced TPO Membrane Roof System” on the rest of the 7,900 square foot lower roof. Hale still has to install the metal sheathing over the entire parapet. Hale has installed about half of the TPO Membrane Roof System on the 1,700 square foot upper roof. The photos below show the exposed roof substrate on the upper roof, the steel sheets that are fastened over deteriorated areas of the substrate, and the 1.5” Polyisocyanurate Insulation which is installed on the roof substrate under the TPO Membrane Roof System.
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You Shall Call His Name Jesus
Our text for November 30 is Luke 1:5-25, 26-38. Gabriel announced miraculous births to Zechariah and to Mary. These two announcements provided the foundation for the Gospel of Luke. Both John and Jesus contributed to the history of salvation. John, however, needed that salvation just as we do. But Jesus provided that salvation.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 142 “You Shall Call His Name Jesus”, Luke 1:26-38.
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Roof Status November 26, 2025
Hale Roofing was able to make further progress this week on our roof. The weather and the Thanksgiving Holiday shortened their time on the roof.
Hale had finished most of the approximately 7,900 square foot lower roof by end of day Wednesday November 26, 2025. See photos below.
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Be Quick to Hear
Our text for November 23 is James 1:19-21. James tells us to be quick to hear, to be slow to speak, and to be slow to anger. If we get angry we will produce ungodliness. That is the opposite of what we want to produce. So James also tells us to put away all sin (all filthiness and rampant wickedness). And James tells us to receive the implanted word with meekness. Paul tells us the same kind of things. These commands are for believers. Some will say we can’t control our anger. But James is telling us that believers can control their anger. Paul tells us that the fruit of the Spirit should be exhibited in the lives of believers. In the same letter he also tells us to walk by the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). The implanted word is crucial to this endeavor. God the Father has saved us (James 1:18); He will continue the good work in us that He began.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 141 “Be Quick to Hear”, James 1:19-21.
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Roof Status November 21, 2025
Hale Roofing has made good progress this week on our new roof.
They have removed the terra-cotta tiles from the parapet walls and installed wood blocking on the parapet walls. The metal sheathing is yet to be installed on top of the wood. They have also removed all of the old tires from the roof.
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The Birth of Christ in Luke
God willing, we will begin a four sermon series on The Birth of Christ in Luke on Sunday November 30, 2025. Then on December 28 we will resume the series in James (Let Steadfastness Have Its Full Effect).
Tentatively, we will consider:
- Nov 30 Luke 1:26-38 The Annunciation
- Dec 07 Luke 2:01-07 The Birth
- Dec 14 Luke 2:08-20 The Shepherds
- Dec 21 Luke 2:21-38 The Temple
We also plan to sing four Advent/Christmas/Epiphany hymns each Sunday.
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The Father Brought Us Forth
Our text for November 16 is James 1:16-18. We should take James seriously when he says “Do not be deceived” (v16). This command is not just a rhetorical flourish. James is giving us an important admonition to help us “let steadfastness have its full effect” (v4). Then in v17 James gives us a specific area of doctrine where believers can be deceived. Everything God does is good; every good gift comes from Him; God never changes so we do not need to be concerned about Him giving us bad gifts. Then in v18 James tells us about being born again. We conclude by looking at how we are born again: by the Word of Truth.
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 140 “The Father Brought Us Forth”, James 1:16-18.
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Steadfast under Trial
James 1:12-15 helps us to distinguish trials, temptations, and sins. But we also need to keep in mind that some temptations are also sins. We want to remain steadfast under trial. By the grace of God we can, if we are born again, work toward that goal. Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 139 “Steadfast under Trial”, James 1:12-15.
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For the Sun Rises
In our sermon today from James 1:9-11 we considered how wealth or the lack of wealth can shift our perspective from God’s point of view to the world’s point of view. We want all of our “boasting” to be God-centered boasting. We want none of our boasting to be self-centered bragging. Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 138 “For the Sun Rises”, James 1:9-11.
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But If Any of You Lacks Wisdom
In our sermon today from James 1:5-8 we considered how wisdom and double-mindedness impact our spiritual maturity. Are we “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”? Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 137 “But If Any of You Lacks Wisdom”, James 1:5-8.
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Count It All Joy
Our text for October 19 is James 1:1-4.
- Introduction: Perfect and Complete
- A Servant of God (1:1)
- All Joy (1:2)
- The Testing of Your Faith (1:3-4)
- Conclusion: Lacking in Nothing (1:4)
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 136 “Count It All Joy”, James 1:1-4.
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To the Twelve Tribes
Our text for October 12 is James 1:1-4. We consider various introductory matters such as authorship, the focus of the letter, and challenges to the acceptance of James.
- Introduction (1)
- Focus (4)
- Challenges
- Gospel
Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 135 “To the Twelve Tribes”, James 1:1-4.
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