James (A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition)
Overview
In a world where image is everything, the Epistle of James calls Christians to "get real!" Author J. Michael Walters echoes James's cry that "virtual spirituality" cannot sustain authentic faith. The call to "true religion," as Walters labels it, is a call to arms for every disciple of our day. Walters reminds us that few aspects of the human experience are as prone to being phony as is religious faith. Christianity can become a matter of believing certain things without any real effect on the rest of life. There must be a recovery of authenticity in people's faith practices and a total commitment of their hearts to God. That is the intent of this epistle. James means to call his readers home.
As one schooled in the disciplines of pastoral ministry, Walters identifies in the epistle's writer a pastor's heart filled with conviction and compassion. James has gained a well-deserved reputation for presenting a no-nonsense approach to Christianity. He minces no words as he calls his readers back to the foundations of an authentic, biblical faith. Back to true religion, as opposed to the empty hype of pretend religion. Back to the practice of wholehearted spirituality that has characterized the authentic people of God from the beginning.
Top Highlights
“Desire that is misplaced easily turns to covetousness. Covetousness is essentially the sin of never being satisfied—always wanting more.” (Page 141)
“Fourth, the Epistle of James is notably impersonal.” (Page 20)
“James wants his readers to understand that there is a point behind trials, and thus there is good reason to consider such times as joy—because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (Jas. 1:3).” (Page 38)
“Second, the epistle is noteworthy for the absence of Christian doctrine” (Page 19)
“It is now everyone’s ‘right’ to vent his or her anger. Regardless of its validity or cost to the rest of society, venting anger has become an acceptable mode of public therapy. James condemns this for one overriding reason: it doesn’t work! It does not produce ‘firstfruits’; rather it lays waste otherwise fertile ground.” (Page 61)
- Title: James: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Author: J. Michael Walters
- Series: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Publisher: WPH
- Print Publication Date: 1997
- Logos Release Date: 2009
- Pages: 215
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. James › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780898271775, 0898271770
- Resource ID: LLS:WESCOM80JAM
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-04T17:48:16Z