We had it all wrong as kids. We used to think sticks and stones could do more damage to us. Most of us have learned, though, that words can wound ever deeper.
Sermon Texts
The rich and the poor live in different neighborhoods. Their children go to different schools. They probably attend different churches. However, they are more alike than different.
This was big for James. We must hear the word of God, of course. But it must not end there. James said we must then do the word of God.
Paul called them “the whole armor of God.” They are our protection against the dangers of the world: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, etc.
What is more important to God: our faith or our works? Which is more important, orthodoxy, having right beliefs, or orthopraxy, having right actions? What is it that makes us acceptable to God - faith or works?
King David was wrong. He sexually abused Bathsheba. He had her husband murdered. Eighteen others died in the process. David clearly was in the wrong, and when the prophet Nathan confronted him, he admitted his wrong.