Andrews UMC

Ok, this week will be the conclusion of our study of the book of James. I hope that you have enjoyed this series as much as I have. Last week was a whirlwind of information that included a strong rebuke of rich oppressors, encouragement to persevere in trial-hardship,...

First of all, James 5 begins abruptly with a brutal punch in the face, a no holds barred rebuke of the rich. “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.” (James 5:1 NIV) OUCH!!! Did James get up on the wrong side of the bed...

This week is a continuation or conclusion of last week’s study of James 4, and it’s a long one or a little longer than usual, so strap in and return your tray table to its full upright and locked position. As we discovered last week the theme of James 4 is basically...

In many ways we humans have the wrong idea or a distorted view of God. God through His word (the Bible) has provided “everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV), but many do not...

How many of you played “mercy” growing up? It’s a game where two people face each other and join hands left to right-right to left with fingers interlocked. The objective is to bend and contort your opponent’s hands-fingers in such a way that it causes physical pain...

You don’t see it much anymore, but in cartoons, TV, and movies there would be a scene where someone was trying to decide about a particular situation. Suddenly a little angel and devil would appear one on each shoulder. Both would weigh in on the decision this...

When we lived in Dunwoody, Georgia just outside of downtown Atlanta, one of our neighbors across the street was quite the equestrian. In fact, his whole family was into horses in a big way: foxhunting, steeplechase, show jumping, polo, and more. It wasn’t just about...

1My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1 NIV James begins chapter 2 with a declaration or a formal announcement to all of his “brothers and sisters” in Christ. He’s not addressing biological siblings of...

Last week, I used the term “total package” in reference to being what James calls “mature and complete, not lacking anything”. They are one and the same. For example, if an athlete is a “complete” player without any weaknesses or lacking in any way,  exceling in every...

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” a quote by German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is one of those quotes or platitudes that sounds great, but in reality, it isn’t that simple and depends on how we react to the trials and tribulations of life. While what...

Sibling rivalry has always been a thing. The Bible’s most notable sibling rivalry is probably Jacob and Esau whose feud over a birthright lasted for decades, but just imagine that your brother is God. No, he doesn’t just think he’s God or God’s gift to mankind, He...

Whether we like it or admit it or not, we are influenced by others and our cultural environment, and this does have an effect on how we believe. It’s impossible to spend time with other people and/or consume information without something “rubbing off”. There is always...