The Grands Letter

James 2:14-20, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18 But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?”

Dear Grands,

“Three men bearing the name of James are mentioned in the New Testament: (1) The son of Zebedee, (2) the son of Alphaeus, and (3) James, the Just, our LORD’s half-brother, the writer of this letter” (The Outlined Bible). Severe difficulties were falling upon Jews everywhere, and it was necessary that they be encouraged. There were also grave disorders in the early Jewish-Christian assemblies, making it vitally necessary that these assemblies be corrected. James is saying that true faith is verified by the works it produces. James was exceedingly practical; moreover, he lived what he preached.

Dr. Charles Swindoll recently stated what could well be established in many of our churches today:
“It is a house of prayer, not a house of business. It is a place of wroship, not a place of entertainment. Jesus is our Savior, whom we worship, not a brand to market. The body of Christ is a sanctuary of protection for the vulnerable—for children, single women, the abused, and the bruised and broken in life…The marvelous opportunity that lies before the church awaits only one thing: the church’s awakening. Stated simply, the people of God must return to a hunger and thirst for righteousness…the ministers of God must repent of their failure to fulfill their calling… and the house of God needs to represent its biblical purpose for existence. In spite of all the spiritual devastation and famine in our land, it is not too late to turn it around—by God’s grace.”

Swindoll’s strong words rate the applause of James, author of this letter. There is no doubt about it – the church has manouvered to the left edge of the world, and her works are no longer the result of pure, biblical faith. She seeks “numbers,” not “souls.” And many, who profess to be
preachers and pastors, were never called of God. They have devoted themselves to a lust for
money and for whom and for what it can buy. Pray daily for your church and her pastor(s). The LORD alone is able to restructure His Church –so vital for our times!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom