Faith Plus Works: What's the Truth About James? (12-1-24)

Topics: Judgment Day, Rewards in Heaven, Crowns in Scripture, Hebrews 9:27, Christ in You (Colossians 1:26-27), Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20:1-16), Judgment Based on Jesus’ Work, John 5:24, The Great White Throne Judgment, Revelation 20:11-15, The Bema Seat Judgment Explained, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Reward of the Inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24), Misinterpretation of "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" (Matthew 25:21), Servants or Friends (John 15:15), Judgment of Unbelief in Christ and Working According to the Law (Romans 14:12), Context of 2 Corinthians 5:10, Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:15), Symbolism of Crowns, James 1:12, Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4), Meaning of Casting Crowns (Revelation 4:10), 1 Corinthians 9:25, Jesus Alone is King (Hebrews 2:7), Sufficiency of Christ’s Blood, Hebrews 13:5, Salvation by Grace Not Works, Futility of “Earning” Rewards, Isaiah 64:6, Role of Faith in Judgment, Judgment of Unbelievers, Revelation 22:12, Eternal Security in Christ, John 10:28, Rewards vs. the Gospel, Perfection of God’s Love (1 John 4:18), Judgment of Sin Already Paid, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Misuse of James 3:1 about Teaching, Refinement of Incorrect Teaching, 1 Corinthians 3, Role of Works in Christian Life, Assurance of Our Salvation, Jesus' Death as the Basis for Inheritance (Hebrews 9:15), Meaning of Being Co-Seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6), Judgment of Believers vs. Unbelievers, Role of Faith not Performance, Christ as the Reward, Colossians 2:10, Futility of Human Effort for Rewards and Crowns, Not Judged for Sins Because Jesus Was JudgedSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Walk Away From Being Christian, Born Again Meaning (John 3:7), Permanency of Spiritual Rebirth, John 3, Jesus’ Conversation with Nicodemus, Flesh vs. Spirit Birth, Finality of Being Born Again, Belief Grants Spiritual Birth, Grace vs. Works for Salvation, Role of Faith in Salvation, Misunderstanding Salvation as Works, James vs. Paul on Salvation, Legalism in the Church, Misuse of “even the demons believe” (James 2:19), Role of Holy Spirit in Rebirth, Leaving Church System but Not God, Tradition of Men vs. True Christianity, Broken System of Man-Made Religion, Criticisms of Box Church Practices, Misrepresenting Jesus in Churches, Why Works Don’t Determine Salvation, Problem of Mixing the Covenants, Grace Replaced Law, Trusting Jesus for Salvation, Misconceptions About Repentance, Why Sin Can’t Undo Salvation, God’s Forgiveness of All sins, Once-for-All Sacrifice of Christ, Performance Based Faith Error, True Salvation vs. Church Participation, Understanding Spiritual DNA, Apostasy, Role of Cross in Salvation, Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law, How Salvation Is a Gift, Comparing Spiritual and Physical Birth, Trusting Grace Over Effort, Why Christians leave Religious Systems, Damage of Pastoral Abuse, False teachings in Churches, Simplicity of Belief, Problem With Church Hierarchy, Walking Away From Tradition, Walking Away From Religious System Send Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: 613 commandments in the Law, Significance of 10 Commandments, Indivisibility of the Law, Role of Holy Spirit Before the Law, Historical Context of Jews and the Law, Formation of 12 Tribes of Israel, Covenant Between God and Israel, Ratification of Old Covenant Through Blood, Flaws in the Old Covenant Agreement, Purpose of Old Testament Law, Jeremiah’s Prophecy of New Covenant, Jesus’ Descent From Tribe of Judah, New Covenant Through Jesus, Difference Between Old and New Covenants, Role of Gentiles in the New Covenant, Requirements of the Law vs. Faith, Paul’s Teaching on Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5, Romans 6), Romans 6:14 and Living Under Grace, Grace vs. Law in Christian Morality, Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law, Meaning of "It is finished" on the Cross (John 19:30), Colossians 2:16 and Freedom From the Law, Symbolism of the Law as a Shadow, Reality and Substance of Christ, Significance of Transfiguration, God’s Command to Listen to Jesus, Hebrews 1 on God Speaking through His Son, The Spirit’s Ministry after Pentecost, Redemption of Jews from Law, Necessity of Jesus Being Born Under the Law, Understanding Morality Through the Spirit, Insufficiency of Human Effort for Righteousness, Paul’s warning Against Teachers of the Law (1 Timothy 1:7), 36. Abolishment of the Law at the Cross, Ephesians 2:15 Abolishment of Law, Colossians 2:14 Law’s cancellation, Significance of 3,000 deaths at Mount Sinai, Salvation of 3,000 at Pentecost, Law’s Purpose to Increase Sin and Highlight Grace, Inability to Cherry-Pick Commandments Law, Role of Law in Revealing Human Imperfection, Grace as Teacher of Holiness (Titus 2:11-12), Symbolism of Law and Prophets Disappearing, Lasting impact of Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law, Freedom of Christians From Law’s Obligations, Contrast between Righteousness through Law and Grace, Permanence of Holy Spirit in BelieversSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: James Teaching Law Observance, James' Role in Early Church, James' Actions in Acts 15, Grace vs. Law in Early Christianity, Peter’s rebuke of Law Following in Acts 15, Division between James' Group and Grace Group, Requirements for Gentiles to be Saved in Acts 15, James and Temple Practices, James and Elders Refused the Great Commission, The Letter of Hebrews Addressing Judaic Work, Salvation by Grace Alone in Acts 15 Rejected by James, Acts 21 and James Instructing Paul to Perform Temple work, Gender Roles and the Talmud, The Talmud’s view of Women, Paul’s Correction over Law and Talmud in 1 Corinthians 14, James' Epistle Advocating Adherence to the Law, Faith Without Works Is Dead, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself in James, Use of Term “Blasphemer" in James 2, The Law's role in Caring for Widows and Orphans, Paul’s view of the Law in Romans 6:14 Galatians 5:18 and 3:10, Meaning of James 2:10 About Breaking the Law, Christians Judged by the Law or Grace, Jesus' Promise of No Judgment for Believers (John 5:24), Cleansing and Purification Rituals in James 4:8, Believers as Saints vs. Sinners, Paul's Reference to "chief of sinners" in 1 Timothy, James’ View on Teaching and Stricter Judgment (James 3:1), Paul’s Teaching on Error in 1 Corinthians 3, Justification by Works in James vs. Grace in Romans 4:4-5, James' perspective on the Tongue and Defilement, Endurance of Job (James 5:11) vs. Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), James' Teaching on Oaths and Swearing, Anointing With Oil Jewish Practice, Anointing of the Holy Spirit in 1 John 2:20, Righteous Person's Prayer Availing Much (James 5:16), Holy Spirit Interceding in Prayer (Romans 8:26), Turning a Sinner From Error (James 5:20), Torah Observers and James' Teachings, The Law’s perfection requirement (Matthew 5:48), Antinomianism Accusations, Cherry-picking the Law, Narrow Gate of Grace vs. Wide Road of Destruction, Hebrew Roots movement, James' Connection to Jewish Tradition, Paul’s Emphasis on Grace Through Faith, Historical Context of Epistle of James, Early Church Debates Over SalvationSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Scariest Bible Verses, Bible Verses Taught Out of Context, Understanding Hebrews 10:26-27, Animal Sacrifices Vs. Jesus’ Sacrifice, Hebrews and Unbelieving Jews, The Book of Life in Revelation 3:5, Jesus Never Blotting Out Names, Christian Security of Salvation, Context of Hebrews 6:4-6, Falling Away from Belief in Christ, Law Observance Vs. Grace Alone, Symbolic Meanings in Revelation, Lukewarm Church In Laodicea, Jesus Spitting Out Lukewarm Deeds/Works, Purposefulness in Christian Life, Hot and Cold Works, Matthew 7:21-23 In Context, False Prophets and Their Fruit, Distinguishing Believers from Unbelievers, John 10:27-28 Eternal Security, Jesus Knows His Sheep, John 6 and the Will Of The Father, Pharisees and Lawlessness, 1 Timothy 1, the Purpose of the Law, Christ’s Finished Work on the Cross, Perfect Love Casting Out Fear, Understanding Symbolic Language In The Bible, Misconceptions About Revelation, Importance of Bible Context, Fear Rooted In Man-Made Traditions, Jesus’ Victory Over Sin, Romans 5:1 and Peace With God, Romans 5:9 Salvation From Wrath, Overcoming Fear in Faith, False Signs And Wonders, Devil’s Deceptions In Miracles, Hebrews 9-10 And The Finality Of Jesus’ Sacrifice, Proof-Texting Dangers, Historical Additions of Bible Chapters and Verses, Protestant Scholastics And Doctrinal Errors, Tree Symbolism Vs. Branch Symbolism, John 7 Living Water, The Cross as the Ultimate Sacrifice, Jesus’ Consistent Message Of “Don’t Be Afraid,” Revelation 3:16 and Christian Laziness, Examples Of Hot and Cold Deeds/Works, Lukewarm Deeds Insignificance, Jewish Practices and Jesus’ Fulfillment of Those Practices, Christian Life as Bearing Fruit not Fruit Production, Role of Holy Spirit, Misconceptions about Matthew 7, Trusting Jesus for Salvation, Avoiding Religious Fear, Eternal Security of BelieversSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Biblical Church Definition, Meaning of Ecclesia, Biblical vs. Traditional Church, Rise of Church Buildings, Warnings Against Traditions, Ignatius and One-Bishop Rule, Constantine, Reformation’s Use of Pastor, Christ as Church Head, Unbiblical Leadership, 1 Corinthians vs. Modern Church, Holy Spirit’s Role, No Church Occupations, Pastoral Worship Issues, Pastors’ Influence, Misuse of Hebrews 13:17, Gifts vs Quasi-Leadership, Jewish Leadership In Hebrews, Sermons vs. Gatherings, AA Meetings Reflect Church Gathering Model, Box Church Culture, Love in Gatherings, Critiquing Hierarchy, Individual Roles In Christ’s Body, We Are Fused With God Through Faith, Hebrews 13:17, Obeying Leaders Means Believing in Jesus, The Obedience of Faith vs. The Obedience of the Law, No Punishment From Leaders, Judgment Belongs to God, The Blasphemous Message of Faith in Jesus, Hebrews 13:17 Not About Pastors or Church Leadership, Pastors and Elders are not the Same In Scripture, Poimenas is Plural Gift Without Authority or Gender Restriction, Biblical Elders are Mature Believers Not Leaders With Power, Elders Have Qualifications Not Church Leadership, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is Elders in Everyday Life Not a Church Board, Ephesus’ Greek Myths And Paul’s Rebuttals for Timothy, Artemis Worship vs. The Gospel In Ephesus, Paul’s Modesty Advice Refutes Artemis Myths Not Church Rules, Titus 1:5-9 is Elders Supporting Titus’ Faith Not Church Governance, 1 Peter 5:2-3 is Shepherds Watching Over Others Not Ruling Over Others, Persecuted Elders Encouraged to Continue Caring for Fellow Believers, Biblical Pastor is a Gift, Not A Role Of Power, No Biblical Basis For Pastor-Led Flocks Or Salaries, Christ Is the Chief Shepherd Not Human Leaders, All Members Of Christ’s Body Are Equal And Necessary, God Honors Every Member Of His Body Equally, Christ Alone Is the Head Of The Church, Trust The Spirit Of Christ To Lead Not Human Authority Send Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Unity or Division in Early Church, Debate on Circumcision, Faith by Grace Alone vs Law, James' Leadership, James' Letter to Gentiles, Paul's Missionary Journeys, Jerusalem Council Decisions, Role of Pharisees, Peter Defends Grace, Gentile Inclusion, Tensions Between Believers, Impact of Council of Jerusalem, Paul's Response to James’ Demands, Four Mosaic Commandments Debate, Mixing Covenants, Paul Preaches Christ Alone, Apostolic Unity and Disunity, Old Testament Influence on Early Church, Peter on Faith and Grace Alone, Paul’s Evangelism Focus was Jesus, Timothy's Circumcision, Nazarite Vow in Acts 18 and Acts 21, Jewish Zealots Attack Paul, Accusations in Jerusalem by Judaizers, Gentiles in the Temple, Grace vs Law Believers in Jesus, Acts Chapter 15-21, Acts 15:11, Acts 15:19, Acts 15:29, Acts 16:3, Acts 16:4, Acts 21:20, Acts 21:23-24, Acts 21:28, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:1Was James Being Legalistic in Acts 15 and Acts 21?Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19hR1tunhy/Did Paul Deliver the Acts 15 Letter to EVERY town He Visited?Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DjFXF8HVP/A Once-Sided Decision of Pushing Law into GraceFacebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1868xNvjj7/Send Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Acts 15, Acts 21, James, Council of Jerusalem, Letter Sent from James to Gentiles, Circumcision for New Believers, Grace Alone, Peter Rebukes James, Tradition of the Jews, Apostles Didn't Agree With James, Men from James not Having Authorization, Gentiles Had to Follow Parts of the Law, Not Grossing Out the Jews, Letter Paul Had from James, Paul Rejected at Synagogues, James and Elders Didn't Welcome Paul, James Forced Paul to Do Temple Work, Paul Wasn't Being Famed With Anti-Jew Narrative, Paul Wasn't Evangelizing in Acts 21, Zealots tried to Kill Paul, James Didn't Have any New Testament Letters for DoctrineSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Old Covenant, New Covenant, Jesus, Rightly Dividing, Jews, Gentiles, Law, Grace, Bible Verses, Context, Understanding Covenant-Mixture Interpretations, Scripture, Gospel, Salvation, Faith, Covenant, Teachings, Graceful Living, Application, Old Testament, New Testament, Jesus' Role, Dividing Wall of Hostility, God's Word, Apostles, Epistles, Context of Parables, Law-Based Prayer, Matthew 6, Grace-Based Prayer, John 17, Holiness, Be Holy, Study Fearlessly and with ConfidenceSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Topics: Faith Plus Works, James, Faith Without Works Is Dead, James 2:14-26, James Chapters 1-5, Hebrews 11, Hebrews 4:10-11, Hebrews 10, Without Faith It’s Impossible to Please God, Works of the Law, Works Plus Faith, Draw Near to God, Cleanse and Purify Yourself, James 4:8, Strive to Enter Rest, God Rested, Hebrews 4:10-11, After Working Jesus Sat Down, Disobedience of Faith, Old Testament Trade-Off System, Judaism Plus Jesus, Erroneous Grace-Based Narrative of James, Evidence of Faith Through Works, Faith Alone Is Evidence, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6, Substance of Things Hoped For, Made Perfect Through Blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:14, Saved By Grace Through Faith, Ephesians 2:8-10, Surrounded by Great Cloud of Witnesses Send Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter