It looks like the biggest contingent of people interested in reading I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church can meet on Sundays after worship, so let's read the introduction and kick off our discussion on Sunday after worship. I know scheduling is crazy, so don't worry if one week or a couple of weeks he timing won't work for you. It won't be a problem to miss a session; the idea is to get together and talk about an exciting book with others.
James reminds his readers that everyone is equal in God's sight, so we should treat everyone with equal respect as well. He notices that the church sometimes gets caught up in the kind of favoritism society shows for the rich. That kind of partiality has no place in the church; instead the church is about welcome and love for everyone.
God bless,
Sam
James 2:1-9
My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
5Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?
8You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
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