GaleB
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James 2:1-7
"1 My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
2 For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,
3 and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "Have a seat here, please," while you say to the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet,"
4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you, is it not they who drag you into court?
7 Is it not they who blaspheme the honorable name which was invoked over you?"
Thank you Father for the reading and study of your word.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Last edited by GaleB, 7/25/2008, 11:25 am
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7/25/2008, 11:22 am
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Joleen711
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Re: James 2:1-7
What James is saying here points out that there were people that were segregated then too. Partiality between the rich and the poor. And if you look today that is still going on in our society and I dont know if its just me but it seems like it is more so today than it was in Biblical times.
God looks at all men as equals and as christians we claim to be Christ like. Like Luke 6:4 says, "we are to imitate Him".
If we show partiality then it leaves an impression that Jesus was like that too.
In Verse 5-7 Jesus usually revealed himself to the poor first. Why? The thing that comes to my mind is that people who usually have lots of money, lots of "things" usually have an attitude that they have worked hard for what they have, not usually giving the glory to God. So who will deny Christ first? the Rich I would think. And I think that would even go that way now. That is why Christ went to the poor first, because they had nothing left and they sought out for answers. Just like people today...when they are down and in the bottom of the pit and no where to go, who do they turn too? God.
Maybe I am off on this but that is what it seems like to me. That is why it is so important not to segragate or have partiality towards anyone. Treat everyone the same...with love.
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7/25/2008, 4:01 pm
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GaleB
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Re: James 2:1-7
Very good Joleen.. Very good indeed.
Yes, God wanted us to live Christ like lives. To model our lives after Him. As you stated, Jesus, ministered to the poor first.
Humbled by position, lives, status, they were probably more open to hope and the love Jesus brought.
I'd also like you to think of something , in another perspective.
When we are in the midst of trials are we often tempted to believe we are powerless and without hope?
We do not want to stay where we are, in the midst of the difficulty. We want to find a way out if we can, and we want to associate ourselves with those that we think can help.
We look for people whom we think have some glory, some prestige that will rub off when we are with them.
Or maybe we are hoping that they will share some of their prestige with us and that we will be lifted out of our difficulties because of our association with them.
Our lives, in the middle of these trials seem without glory, without anything good in them.
I think of hope we place in Doctors. Yes, do we not? We research, study, turn every stone, looking for that Doctor , that will *save us* or our loved one.
Is it the Doctor that saves us, makes us better, restores our health?
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7/26/2008, 2:20 pm
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Joleen711
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Re: James 2:1-7
GAle, great question!
I think sometimes we do put to much faith in Doctors. God being the Great Physician ultimately heals us. But I do think that just like any spiritual gift, God does give the doctors the gift of knowledge and compassion. I beleive that God works through those doctors to heal us. I am not saying all doctors, because I could name one for each toe and finger on my self that should not be a doctor. but that is my opinion.
But seriously, God heals us.
hugs, Joleen
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7/28/2008, 11:54 am
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horseshadowrider
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Re: James 2:1-7
Amen to what Joleen wrote and also (smiles).
I also wanted to state again that though it is harder for a rich man to come to God than it is for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle, rich folks often do become saved and really give their resources to God and serve Him with great fervor.
I have a friend who is a lawyer in Chicago (or was) and he left his practice and took his whole family to Costa Rica and lived in a poor home with a family there, their son went to the local school, all so they could serve God and also learn spanish really well because when he got back he opened up a new practice that is all elder law. And many of his clients are spanish.
So, just wanted to inject that balance into the equation.
Definitely, GOD USES the doctors to heal us. Sometimes he doesn't use doctors, he uses miracles and faith and maybe diet and herbs or lifestyle changes but when doctors are instrumental in our healing, God is using them because "Every good thing comes down to us from the Father of Lights."
love you all
V.
---
Virginia
4 plc fracture of the C1, Tethered Cord, (acquired chiari and elongated brainstem resolved by Tethered Cord surgery); atlanto occipital dislocation and cranial settling all due to equestrian accident,
2004. CC Fusion upcoming.
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7/28/2008, 1:33 pm
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Joleen711
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Re: James 2:1-7
OOps, Virginia, thank you. I forgot to share that side of the equation too. You are right though. I have seen people completely turn their wealth over to help those in need.
Hugs, Joleen
loving this study! 
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7/28/2008, 2:59 pm
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GaleB
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Re: James 2:1-7
Right Ladies...
This scripture , James is telling those in exile, not to see the rich in a higher esteem than the poor. The rich in fact, in those days were the very ones who oppressed them.
The Doctor example, is a reminder, God directs, and gives that Doctor, all He is.
We should be careful not to revere, the Doctor, but the God who allows him to discern, treat and care for His people.
God thank you for the study of your word. Thank you for your reminders of how you want us to live.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
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7/29/2008, 5:42 am
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