James 2

Following Jesus means evaluating people as He does. God shows no partiality; in fact, He chooses the ones that others would see as meaningless and expendable to be the ones in whom He most magnificently displays His glory. We follow His example when we show the same love we give ourselves to our neighbor. Truly, just saying we follow Jesus is not enough; there must be actions that bear out our verbal acknowledgment. Verbal assent is good, as far as it goes, and it is that much more impacting when displayed through transformed actions of service and love.

James 1

James, the first book of the New Testament to be written, addresses an issue that has been ever present in the church - testing and trials. James writes to be thankful for such afflictions, as they present opportunity for character to be developed. God will generously provide wisdom to those who ask for assistance in times of testing so that the follower of Christ can be stable in turbulent times. Those who endure temptations are promised rewards for their labors. James quickly reminds his readers that God is not the creator of temptation. Every gift He gives is good and perfect due to the simple fact that He is the Originator of the gift. Our response is to be obedient to His commands and directions, allowing the Holy Spirit to change us into the likeness of Jesus, the Christ who died for us.

Hebrews 13

The fact that Jesus is superior must have implications on the way one lives presently. His superiority motivates unifying love, hospitality, purity in relationships, contentment and boldness. The superiority of Jesus as King prompts those who follow Him to pray for their earthly leaders in a way that might not seem possible otherwise. Jesus' superiority grounds one's belief in Truth and protects them from being mislead by error. Prayer is a vital part of the life affected by Jesus, for it is through His power that His followers find strength for their daily lives.

Hebrews 12

With so many examples set for us, we also should live in a way that demonstrates our faith in Jesus as superior to all others. He endured far more than any other will or can endure, and as God's children some discipline is expected as it eventually yields the rewards of a great inheritance. Those who follow Jesus with their lives must do so carefully, to experience life the way God intends it to be experienced. This is accomplished out of a reverent heart attitude; God removes all other baser motivations and purifies them with His holiness.

Hebrews 11:20 - 40

Because Jesus is superior, faith in Him enables people to experience spectacular life situations. The history of Israel is resplendent with accounts of people whose faith in God and His promised Deliverer produced actions that pleased God and resulted in extraordinary feats. Dead raised to life, nations rising from a barren couple, a national Golden Age sparked by a shepherd boy, the list goes on. And yet, there is something even better prepared for those who continue to demonstrate their faith ... because what the folks of old anticipated has now arrived and been validated as the promised Deliverer - Jesus, the Messiah.

Hebrews 11:1 - 19

How important is faith? Faith is described as a confidence in what is not seen. It is through faith that the patriarchs obtained a 'good report' of their lives through their faith-motivated actions. It was through faith that these mighty men and women of old did remarkable works and saw amazing circumstances in their own lives. It was through their faith that God was able to accomplish what He had promised that these heroes lived such incredible lives.

Hebrews 10:19 - 39

Because Jesus suffered on our behalf, and because His suffering has purchased salvation for those with their trust in Him alone, believers can approach God boldly and without fear of punishment for their transgressions. His sufferings make our peace possible. Those who continue to live a life characterized by sin will receive greater punishment for neglecting to appropriate so great a salvation when it was offered.