C H O F Ministry

Tag: James

“Prejudice – Whose Side Are You Really On”

Beloved, Are You Prejudice?

Many of you will answer “NO” to this question. But if you play that nepotism card, then you’re prejudice. You see nepotism is another name for favoritism which is discrimination or bias and being bias is prejudice.

Beloved, nepotism has a way of stultifying or discoloring the vision of its victims to reality. In James 2:2-3, James wrote about Christians who were trying to make an impact on an affluent man so they could profit from his wealth and social status. The affluent man represents the enemies of Christ, yet they gave him preferential treatment anyway. The poor man represents those whom God chose to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom, In verse 6 it says they treated him badly and dishonored him. Beloved, that’s the characteristic of an unpredictable person!!! An unpredictable person is inconsistent, erratic, and they’re very foolish!!!

Let me tell you right here and right now, you can’t achieve God’s purposes by siding with or becoming friends with God’s enemies. In James 5:4-6, some ungodly rich people were intimidating Christians by withholding their wages and even putting some to death. They forcibly forced Christians to go to court to exploit them by some type of prejudice or discrimination. They blasphemed (cussed) the impartial name of Christ. The phrase in verse 7: “by which you have been called” speaks of a personal relationship. Normally, new converts made a public proclamation of their faith in Christ at their baptism. From then on, they were called “Christians,” meaning, “Christ’s own,” “Christ’s ones,” – “belonging to Christ.” So when people slandered-insulted Christians, they were slandering – insulting Christ Himself!!!

Beloved, anyone that can overlook a person’s evils and illustrate nepotism toward the enemies of Christ displays their sophisticated elusive trickery and mind-blowing influence of partiality “PREJUDICE.” Today the circumstances may be different, but the principles are still the same. So, as you prepare for this Sunday, for the sake of Christ and His people, I want you to remember the three reasons James gave for not showing nepotism: *(verse 1) – You and your brothers and sisters in Christ are one with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the glory of God revealed. **(verse 5) – God has chosen the poor to eternal riches, and *** (Verse 7) – God has called you by His name.

If you desire to be like Christ, you cannot exemplify or indicate partiality “Prejudice.” You must be reasonable open-minded and unbiased in all your interactions with others.

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being impartial and delivering Your Words through me this morning. Thank You for showing us a keener more profound vision of the platform that prejudice boldly stands on. Help us all to form a different relationship than nepotism. Help us to be strong and bold not just with others but with ourselves first when we see or sense nepotism stepping up to the podium or platform to gain an advantage. Father God, as we confess to You our prejudice, we ask that You correct us and direct us right away. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen and Aaamen.

Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! – Have a “Blessed” Sunday. 😀

October 6, 2019
Even the Demons Tremble”

Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

You know recently I’ve seen an alarming rise in the number of confessing Christians who believe that there’s no required relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you can’t judge a person’s spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone, you know, as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.

But you know Beloved, it was that kind of perception that provoked James to issue this challenge “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds (works)? I will show you my faith by my good deeds (works).” (*1). The word “show” translated in the Greek means “to exhibit,” “verify,” or “put on display.” Beloved, his point is simple: it’s impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed (work) are attached – they’re inseparable.

Now, allow me to ask you a question – Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his or her behavior? According to James, that’s the only way to know!!! In verse 19 he says, ” for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” In other words, confirming orthodox doctrine isn’t necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear terror, but they aren’t saved. 😀 The phrase “Good for you” is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons trembling, is better than no response at all.

Beloved, you can’t be a Christian in creed only!!! You must be one in conduct as well!!! James makes that very clear. Don’t be confused or deceived by those who teach something different. Repeatedly aim your life at bringing glory to God through obedient application of biblical truth.

Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Delightful Wednesday.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. James 2:18

August 14, 2019
“Look Carefully”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀

Let us all smile and say: THANK YOU GOD for the opportunity to be a part of another Friday. 😀

You know James 1:21-24 shows us the differences between the hearers “listeners” of the Word and doers “achievers” of the Word. Those that only listen don’t respond to Scripture or gain any advantage from its realities – even after they have studied it in depth. But the achievers receive it in humbleness and “CONFORM” to its commands. James 1:25 goes on to add by saying: they’re blessed in what they do. In other words, there’s blessings in the very act when we comply “obey”.

James calls Scripture “the perfect law, the law of liberty” (*1). It’s “law” because it’s God’s mandatory behavioral code.

Beloved, grace doesn’t eradicate God’s moral law, but it gives us the mental “spiritual” resources to conform, and forgiveness when we fail. That’s how Jesus fulfills the law in us (*2). The scripture is “the perfect law” because it’s extensive, necessary, all-inclusive, and without error. Through it God meets every need and fulfills every desire of the human heart. In addition to that, it’s “the law of liberty – freedom.” Now that may sound contradictory because we tend to think of law and freedom as opposites. But if you look carefully into the Word, the Holy Spirit enables you to apply its principles to your life, which means freeing you from the guilt and oppression of sin and empowering you to live to God’s glory. NOW THAT’S TRUE FREEDOM!!! 😀

Now when I say “look carefully” I’m speaking of deeply studying something with eagle eyes – paying close attention to something with precision. You see, to really get an understanding about anything indicates self-effacement and a desire to see clearly what Scripture reveals about your own spiritual condition. It’s an attitude as well as an action. 😀

Beloved, as you go into this weekend don’t just read scripture “STUDY” Scripture carefully and LET IT become your primary attitude in life.

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, as I look carefully into your Word, expose the things in my life that need to be changed. Then allow me the grace to make those changes so I can live more fully to your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures:
*1. James 1:25
*2. Matt. 5:17

August 9, 2019
“Our God Is Unbiased”

Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

You know Beloved, people are predisposed to treat others in a different way created by external criteria such as looks, assets, or social status, but God is utterly unbiased. He never shows nepotism and always judges righteously.

Nepotism can be defined as a favored or privileged attitude and treatment of a person or group over another having equal claims and rights. It’s plain and simple, unpardonable discrimination – prejudice. In James Chapter 2, James confronts it as sin and admonishes us to avoid it at all costs (*1).

God’s detachment from nepotism is seen throughout Scripture. Let me give you a few examples: Moses said to the people of Israel, “The Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So, show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt” (*2). Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, warned his judges to rule with an unbiased attitude because God Himself has “no part in unrighteousness, or partiality” (*3).

Beloved, God’s unbiased characteristic is also seen in His generous unconditional offer of salvation to people of “every” race. In Acts chapter 10 Peter says, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him” (*4).

God is also impartial in judgment. In Romans 2 it says that God will bring “tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil – but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good. For there is no partiality with God” (*5).

Beloved, our text this morning is a judicious admonition because prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry are pervasive evils in our society – both inside and outside the church. I pray that God will use what I’ve spoken to you to help you, protect you, and bring light to nepotism and understand influences and strengthen your commitment to godly living. May God Add Blessings to the readers and doers of His Holy Word.

Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Wonderful Wednesday.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
*1. James 2:1-13
*2. Deut. 10:17-19
*3. 2 Chron. 19:7
*4. Acts 10:34-35
*5. Romans 2:9-11

July 31, 2019
The Spiritual Technique For Going Up Is Down”

Our Walk With Me Focal Scripture for today is Matthew 20:21-28

Beloved, travel back with me for a moment to one of the many scenes that demonstrated just how ordinary Jesus’s disciples were. Now, what makes this account interesting is the presence of a mother of two of the disciples. She’s Mrs. Zebedee, wife of a Galilean fisherman and mother of James and John. Let’s reflect on her request to Jesus:

Matthew 20:21 She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”

Now, I don’t want you all to be too tough on this dear Jewish mother. She’s proud of her sons!!! Her motive was probably pure, and her idea was in proper perspective. She didn’t ask that her sons occupy the center throne, of course not, because that belongs to Jesus. But she pushed for James and John as candidates for thrones number two and number three. She wanted people to think highly of her boys who had left their nets and entered this up-and-coming ministry. Let’s remember, they were among “the Twelve.”

And that needed recognition!!!

Now, just in case you’re wondering how the other ten felt about this, check out verse 24. It says, “The ten became indignant.” Guess why. Hey, no way were they going to give up those top spots without a fight!!! They got downright ticked off that maybe James and John might get the glory they wanted. Doesn’t that Sound familiar?

Beloved, Jesus pulled His disciples aside and spelled out the sharp contrast between His philosophy and the world system in which they lived. I want you all to read His words slowly and carefully.

Matthew 20:26–28 says: “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

In the nonspiritual (worldly) system there are distinct levels of authority. In the military there are officers and enlisted men and ranks within each. In sports there are coaches and players. In the business world there are corporation heads and lines of authority between managers, personnel, foremen, and laborers. The person in the labor force is expected to punch a clock, show up on time, work hard, and not take advantage of his or her employer. There’s a name for those who choose not to follow those directions. Unemployed!!! Why? Because the boss is in charge.

Beloved, that’s the way the system works. As Jesus put it in Matthew 20:25–26, “Their great men exercise authority over them.” But then He added, “It is not this way among you”. What isn’t this way? Simply this, in God’s family there’s to be one great body of people: servants.

Beloved, humility is the best away to advance in the King of God.
In fact Beloved, that’s the only way to the top in His kingdom.

To God Be the Glory

June 24, 2018