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.
Sermon Texts
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.
Unfortunately, the church is not exempt from sexual scandal. More and more we are learning of serial abusers in the church and coverups by church leadership. Some church leaders respond by shaming the victim or refusing to take their claims seriously. We can and must do better. The story of David and Bathsheba can give us some guidance.
In a time of acrimonious division in our country, the church has a ripe opportunity to be a unifying voice. In the church, everyone is welcome: gay, straight, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, everyone. Paul says that Christ has broken down the walls of hostility that divide people. We must be careful that those walls are not erected again.