Faith without works...
Was taking a look at James 2 (faith without works is dead) this morning at Shop 16 in resevoir - Melbourne. A challenge for sure... I've been reading 1 Kings at the moment and was reminded of the Hebrew idea of wisdom being rooted in skill rather than esoteric knowledge (more a greek idea). So, when James is speaking he is talking to audience of gentiles who have been schooled in greek philosophy and culture (just like us!)... and he's having to make a connection between faith and works (not a connection needed in a Hebrew culture - they are the same there).
We took a few minutes to ponder how we can fight the seemingly inevitable dualism (separation of spiritual from natural) in our world today...
a few ideas?
1. tell the truth
2. do what you sing (even in worship on a sunday)
3. worship every day...
4. be conscious of God's presence and your participation in His work of salvation every day
5. confess your sins to one another (for your healing - see James... I'm convinced this is also about combatting dualism but no time to explain...).
6. any other ideas????