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The Epistle of James is now Available!
October 3, 2017 by Sam Storms
Several weeks ago I announced that my entire series of sermon notes on the book of Hebrews was available on my website. Today I’m happy to tell you that all twenty-two lessons on the book of James are now posted. If you are unfamiliar about how to access these documents, simply click on Resources at the top of the Home page, and then on Articles. Look under Biblical Studies, and at the bottom of the list you will see both Hebrews and James. These twenty-two articles are essentially a verse-by-verse analysis of James. I hope and pray you will find them helpful in your life or ministry, or in both.
Resist the Devil and he will flee from you
By: Sam Storms
Resist the Devil and he will flee from you
By: Sam Storms
On two occasions in the NT we are told in almost identical terms to resist Satan. The promise appended to this command is that if we obey it, he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Continue reading . . . On two occasions in the NT we are told in almost identical terms to resist Satan. The promise appended to this command is that if we obey it, he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Let it be said right up front that “the devil”...Read More ➔
Submitting to God in Humility
By: Sam Storms
Submitting to God in Humility
By: Sam Storms
Both humility and pride are difficult to define. But define them we must, as nothing is more deadly to Christian spirituality than pride and nothing more needed than humility. Continue reading . . . Both humility and pride are difficult to define. But define them we must, as nothing is more deadly to Christian spirituality than pride and nothing more needed than humility. We know this from numerous biblical texts, one of which is James 4:6-7. There we are told tha...Read More ➔
The Lion is also the Lamb: A Reflection on what makes Jesus so Irresistibly Attractive
By: Sam Storms
The Lion is also the Lamb: A Reflection on what makes Jesus so Irresistibly Attractive
By: Sam Storms
What is it about Jesus that makes him worthy of your adoration and praise? What is it about Jesus that makes him irresistibly attractive? Why is he alone worthy of your whole-hearted allegiance and love? Continue reading . . . What is it about Jesus that makes him worthy of your adoration and praise? What is it about Jesus that makes him irresistibly attractive? Why is he alone worthy of your whole-hearted allegiance and love? Consider one answer from the portrai...Read More ➔
10 Things you should Know about Total Depravity
1By: Sam Storms
10 Things you should Know about Total Depravity
By: Sam Storms
With this article I’m launching a series that will appear every Monday for the foreseeable future. It will focus on 10 things that every Christian needs to understand about particular theological truths from Scripture. I start the series today with 10 things you and I should know about the doctrine of total depravity. Continue reading . . . With this article I’m launching a series that will appear every Monday for the foreseeable future. It will focus ...Read More ➔
If Today is Good Friday, what did Jesus do on Saturday?
1By: Sam Storms
If Today is Good Friday, what did Jesus do on Saturday?
By: Sam Storms
Today we recognize and celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on what is known as Good Friday. Two days hence we will rejoice on Easter Sunday that Jesus rose again to life. So what was Jesus doing on Saturday? Continue reading . . . Today we recognize and celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on what is known as Good Friday. Two days hence we will rejoice on Easter Sunday that Jesus rose again to life. So what was Jesus doing on Saturday? Many believe that h...Read More ➔
Consumerism and Disdain for the Past
2By: Sam Storms
Consumerism and Disdain for the Past
By: Sam Storms
I’ve been reading Carl Trueman’s excellent book, The Creedal Imperative (Crossway, 2012). I wish I hadn’t waited this long. Continue reading . . . I’ve been reading Carl Trueman’s excellent book, The Creedal Imperative (Crossway, 2012). I wish I hadn’t waited this long. In the opening chapter he comments on what he calls “the cultural case against creeds and confessions.” By this he means the various forces and feat...Read More ➔
Why Does God Permit Satan To Exist?
1By: Sam Storms
Why Does God Permit Satan To Exist?
By: Sam Storms
I distinctly remember the first time I heard John Piper provide an answer to this question. His comments have shaped my own understanding of why God permits the Devil to continue to exist and to launch his assaults against Christians. Continue reading . . . I distinctly remember the first time I heard John Piper provide an answer to this question. His comments have shaped my own understanding of why God permits the Devil to continue to exist and to launch his assa...Read More ➔
The Heart of the Reformation
By: Sam Storms
The Heart of the Reformation
By: Sam Storms
As you probably know, next year, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg. Continue reading . . . As you probably know, next year, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg. Whether or not this can be identified as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, it serves to remind us of the radical challenge that Luth...Read More ➔
I Love You, Lord
1By: Sam Storms
I Love You, Lord
By: Sam Storms
If somehow it were possible to lay bare your soul in the presence of everyone, what would it reveal about the priorities of your life? Continue reading . . . If somehow it were possible to lay bare your soul in the presence of everyone, what would it reveal about the priorities of your life? If your thoughts could somehow be recorded and played back in stereo for all to hear, what would we learn about what matters most to you? If your efforts and actions in the co...Read More ➔
Should I give my money only to the local church, or also to other non-profit Christian ministries?
By: Sam Storms
Should I give my money only to the local church, or also to other non-profit Christian ministries?
By: Sam Storms
If you don’t already listen daily to the Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast, I urge you to make it a regular part of your spiritual diet. In a recent episode, a caller asked John Piper this question. Continue reading . . . If you don’t already listen daily to the Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast, I urge you to make it a regular part of your spiritual diet. In a recent episode, a caller asked John Piper this question. It is one that I am also frequently ask...Read More ➔
God Gives Greater Grace
By: Sam Storms
God Gives Greater Grace
By: Sam Storms
There are some biblical texts that can feel a bit overwhelming when first read. Someone recently indicated to me that they felt this way on reading James 4:4-6. Continue reading . . . There are some biblical texts that can feel a bit overwhelming when first read. Someone recently indicated to me that they felt this way on reading James 4:4-6. There James declares that God is jealous for the complete devotion of our hearts (see James 4:4-5). This individual respond...Read More ➔
God is a Jealous Lover!
By: Sam Storms
God is a Jealous Lover!
By: Sam Storms
So why does God care so much about whether you and I love him preeminently, indeed exclusively? What does it matter? Continue reading . . . So why does God care so much about whether you and I love him preeminently, indeed exclusively? What does it matter? In James 4:4-6 we are told that people who flirt with the world and, as it were, “jump into bed with other gods,” are guilty of spiritual adultery. That almost seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it? ...Read More ➔
The Power of Prayer and the Peril of Presumption
2By: Sam Storms
The Power of Prayer and the Peril of Presumption
By: Sam Storms
I dare say that most of us have no idea how truly presumptuous we often are in our relationship with God. And this is nowhere more in evidence than in our experience and practice of prayer. Continue reading . . . I dare say that most of us have no idea how truly presumptuous we often are in our relationship with God. And this is nowhere more in evidence than in our experience and practice of prayer. I was recently alerted to this yet again by something James said ...Read More ➔
Is the Holy Spirit the Father's "Grandson"?
By: Sam Storms
Is the Holy Spirit the Father's "Grandson"?
By: Sam Storms
One of the more important biblical portrayals of the Holy Spirit is found in Romans 8:9. There the Apostle Paul wrote: “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Continue reading . . . One of the more important biblical portrayals of the Holy Spirit is found in Romans 8:9. There the Apostle Paul wrote: “You, however, are ...Read More ➔
When “enthusiasm is an unknown luxury”: Spurgeon on the Nature and Need of Revival
By: Sam Storms
When “enthusiasm is an unknown luxury”: Spurgeon on the Nature and Need of Revival
By: Sam Storms
Few have written with such clarity and passion on the subject of revival as has Charles Spurgeon. Spurgeon parted company with many who have reflected on this topic by arguing that the term itself “can only be applied to a living soul, or to that which once lived. To be revived is a blessing which can only be enjoyed by those who have some degree of life” (“What is Revival”?). Continue reading . . . Few have written with such clarity and pa...Read More ➔
A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complete Truthfulness
By: Sam Storms
A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complete Truthfulness
By: Sam Storms
Very soon Crossway Publishers will release John Piper’s new book, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complete Truthfulness (304 pp.). I can’t recommend this excellent book too highly. If you want another opinion or two about its value, consider these endorsements below. Continue below . . . Very soon Crossway Publishers will release John Piper’s new book, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complet...Read More ➔
Jerry Bridges (1929-2016)
By: Sam Storms
Jerry Bridges (1929-2016)
By: Sam Storms
I just learned that Jerry Bridges passed away last night at the age of 86. What a remarkable Christian man, author, and husband. Continue reading . . . I just learned that Jerry Bridges passed away last night at the age of 86. What a remarkable Christian man, author, and husband. I first met Jerry personally when I was pastoring a church in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I can’t recall the precise year, but it was sometime in the late 1980’s. He was on his way to...Read More ➔
My take on the Debate, the Race, and our Prospects
1By: Sam Storms
My take on the Debate, the Race, and our Prospects
By: Sam Storms
[This is an excellent summary of where things stand written by Denny Burk.] Continue reading . . . [This is an excellent summary of where things stand written by Denny Burk.] Posted on March 4, 2016, by Denny Burk at www.dennyburk.com For those who are wondering, here are my thoughts on last night’s debate and where things stand as far as the presidential race is concerned. Also, a brief word of gospel encouragement: 1. Donald Trump has debased himself an...Read More ➔
The Underlying Cause of Marital Strife
By: Sam Storms
The Underlying Cause of Marital Strife
By: Sam Storms
The truths that James articulates in chapter four, verses one through three of his letter are relevant not merely to life in the church but to life in general, especially in the marriage relationship. Continue reading . . . The truths that James articulates in chapter four, verses one through three of his letter are relevant not merely to life in the church but to life in general, especially in the marriage relationship. “What causes quarrels and what cau...Read More ➔
Waging War against the Passions of the Flesh
By: Sam Storms
Waging War against the Passions of the Flesh
By: Sam Storms
In the previous article we noted how James identifies the fundamental cause or source of our sin: it is our “passions” or “desires” that wage war within our souls (see James 4:1-3). Continue reading . . . In the previous article we noted how James identifies the fundamental cause or source of our sin: it is our “passions” or “desires” that wage war within our souls (see James 4:1-3). Then note how he turns to give th...Read More ➔
The Sinister and Singular Cause of All Sin
3By: Sam Storms
The Sinister and Singular Cause of All Sin
By: Sam Storms
I don’t like oversimplification. I don’t typically give much credence to those who try to reduce complex problems to a single cause. But I’m going to make an exception to that today. And I’m making an exception because James does. Or I should say, God does through the writing of James. Look at what he says in James 4:1-3. Continue reading . . . I don’t like oversimplification. I don’t typically give much credence to those who tr...Read More ➔
Is the Gospel Really all that Important?
By: Sam Storms
Is the Gospel Really all that Important?
By: Sam Storms
Clearly, if we are to live in a way that both pleases God and is satisfying to our souls, we must understand the gospel, not only in terms of its core content but also its ethical consequences. So what is the gospel, and is it all that important in the New Testament? Continue reading . . . Clearly, if we are to live in a way that both pleases God and is satisfying to our souls, we must understand the gospel, not only in terms of its core content but also its ethic...Read More ➔
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