July 2023 – Scott's Ramblings

For many, James is the most troubling book in the New Testament. It confounds them because they think James says that works is an integral part of salvation. And it does. But not like they think. James argues that works are a product of saving faith, not the cause of it.

We know (at least I do) many who think that if they are “good enough” or “religious enough”, God will allow them into heaven. How many times have you heard, “I think God will balance my good works against my bad works, and if I did enough good works, God will let me into heaven”? But it doesn’t work that way. The Scriptures are clear, salvation is by faith alone in Jesus’ shed blood and substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. Ephesians 2:8,9 clearly tell us that we have been saved by grace alone (For by grace you have been saved through faith. And it is not from yourselves – it is the gift of God. It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast. TLV).

So what is James talking about in James 2:14-18? What does he mean, “Can faith alone save him”?

In the context of James’ discussion, he is talking about the sufficiency of faith alone to show others the work of Christ in us. What does he say? “What good does it do..?” What good indeed. Jesus instructs us to emulate him. How are we to do this? By faith. What does this faith manifest? If it doesn’t manifest anything, James says it’s worthless. Faith moves. Faith acts. Faith isn’t just a mental exercise.

Jesus tells us, “This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you”.

Do you see the connection? James is asking how can we call ourselves followers of Jesus if we neglect the basic necessities of our own brothers (in modern thinking that would be members of our own church)? So, what is our answer?

Do we pass by those who are in a lower economic station than us? (Guilty)

Do we cringe when we see “that guy” that always seems to have a need of some type? (Guilty)

How about the sick? (Guilty)

How about the widows and orphans? (Guilty) (My inclusion of widows and orphans may seem out of the blue, but re-read your bible, both parts, and see how often God talks about taking care of them. You’ll be surprised.)

My inclusion of widows and orphans may seem out of the blue, but re-read your bible, both parts, and see how often God talks about taking care of them. You’ll be surprised.

James calls us to show the love of Jesus, and our very salvation, by our works. In chapter 2, I believe “works” is defined as taking care of our fellow believers. I’ll be the first to admit that I have done a lousy job. I’m so glad that God permits repentance and a chance to do things I’ve left undone. And I think, that too, is a part of what James is telling us. If we can’t right a wrong, why mention it? Just to make us feel bad? No, it is to give us a chance to correct an error.

Lastly, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that there must be a church ministry for <insert need here>, there doesn’t. Ministry is ALL of our responsibility.

Do you know of someone in the hospital? Go see them.

Do you know someone who is having.., say, car problems? You help them out.

Someone that can’t cover their bills? Step up, brother.

Someone one just going through a hard time? Be a shoulder to lean on. (In most cases, they don’t want advice, they want a compassionate ear, do you have one?)

If you are willing to be available, God will show you the need. And when you step up to help meet that need, the joy you receive will make you wonder why you hadn’t done it earlier.

Lets get busy!

Maranatha!

Yavoh!

My best friend from church got the final word from his cancer doctor a couple of days ago.. “There’s nothing else we can do for you. Your (lung) cancer has spread and you have about 4 to 6 months to live.”

My friend (I’ll call him John for privacy’s sake) originally had lung cancer a few years back and, after treatment including removing a third of his left lung, was given a clean bill of health. Buuuutttttt, about a year ago it came roaring back. And it had spread to I don’t know how many places in his body.

John went to the doctor last year because he was having shortness of breath. The doctor sent him for a chest x-ray and found a new tumor on his lung. Worse, he had fluid in his left lung which he had to go once a week to get removed. On average, they would extract 500ml of fluid.

Then came the chemo. The first round he went through didn’t hit him too bad. His hair didn’t fall out, he retained most of his energy, had a good appetite, and so far so good. Buuuuttttt, it also didn’t touch the cancer. So enter chemo round 2. This one was a horse of a different color. Everything that didn’t happen the first time, happened this time. All of it.

Oh, and half way through the second round, they discover that he has 3 arteries which are 95% blocked. Need to get stents put in. Problem, the surgeon that would normally do it here refused because of the tumor on John’s lung. So he has to go to a nearby major city to find a surgeon willing to do the surgery. Finally gets that done and makes it back home in one piece.

But the chemo is taking its toll. John is a go-getter type, always on the move, always doing something, helping people, etc. With this round of chemo, his strength is zapped. He has very little energy to do anything. I would see him at church on many occasions where I could tell he wasn’t well, but he was just trying to power through. One does not simply power through chemo.

So, here we are a year later, the death sentence has been pronounced and all John wants to do is make a (possibly final) trip back to his home state and see his family. But it seems, even that is not to be. He and his wife were to fly out today, but when John got up and tried to start packing his bag, he was too ill to do so. They cancelled the trip (and miraculously got a refund!) and went to the doctor to see if anything can at least help him feel better. The doc put him on some medicine which seems to be helping…some.

On the spiritual side, we (me anyway) are trying to discern what God is doing or wants John to do. We know God CAN heal John, we just don’t know if that is the plan. John doesn’t come from a Pentecostal/Charismatic background, so he has difficulty praying what we would call “the prayer of faith”. And that’s fine. God will meet John wherever he is in his faith-walk. Since John doesn’t discuss “being healed” much, I don’t really know what, if anything, he thinks or expects God to/will do.

I’ve tried to be a good friend and brother to John, but I’m at a loss here. What do I do? What do I tell him? I don’t want to just spout trite Christian platitudes. I want to offer him genuine assistance. But what does one do for someone with cancer? I don’t know.

John. and his wife are considering trying to schedule another trip to their home state, but the price of tickets has already skyrocketed and John’s health is questionable. I hope they get to go. It may well be his last chance to see his family.

So, please pray for John and his wife. Pray that God will show them what to do and give them peace no matter what that is. Also pray, that if this is to be John’s last days, that he will not be in much pain. That has to be the worst part-pain.

This has to be the hardest part. Trusting God when your life is literally on the line. I pray that John’s faith remains strong and he will stay faithful to his Lord. I also pray that I will have the insight to be the kind of friend he needs.

Maranatha!

Yavoh!

Month: July 2023

Faith or Works?

Feeling