THE BOOK OF JAMES...
Is a good book in the new testament to compare to this page.

James, was the brother of Jesus and my human reasoning tells me that he should have known more about Jesus than the average writer of the gospel... James conflicts (a little) with the Apostle Paul's writings... It appears to me that James is firmer and places more importance on the fact that you are required to "live" the teachings of Jesus as well as "believe it."

Is it enough to give "lip service" and proclaim "I accepted Jesus, therefore, I'm saved?"

I don't think it's that simple...

Along with accepting Jesus... I believe you must accept and follow his teachings. You've gotta live it... "walk the walk"... Many (so-called) Christians just "talk it" they don't "walk-the-walk."

If you... like so many people who profess "Christianity" think there is some "magic" in the act of going through the motions of accepting Jesus without practicing his teachings... Reconsider... Accepting Jesus is just the beginning. Even Satan believes in Jesus... But Satan doesn't practice Jesus' teachings! Pretty simple and quite elementary but obviously not understood by many people

I know some well-intentioned Christians have misunderstood this! Now remember... I did not say that you have to be perfect or succeed at living the perfect Christian life... However, you will want to and feel wrong if you don't. That's what the rebirth of the Spirit is all about. I know there are some folks out there wilder than a March-hare and screaming obscenities at me right now.

I've seen it! Praise God and foreclose on the widow. Tithe to the church while overcharging a customer. Teach Sunday school while lusting after your neighbor's wife. Cheat your Brother out of his livelihood while dining with the Pastor and the church-board-members. Phew! No wonder Jesus said, "No man is good." Quoting scripture and standing on the word while allowing a brother/sister Christian to suffer?? You might want to ask... "Is the Holy Spirit of God in my heart?"

If you really accepted Him in your heart, you will (at least try to) live your life according to His teachings. You will want to!

Don't be misled! Be careful that you don't buy into the "magic" theory that if you say it... that makes it so... not at all... I believe you've gotta live it. I have known many people who insist they are "saved" while they willfully continue in a sinful lifestyle. During my "growing" stage, I was guilty of this myself. Sometimes, some of us, willingly give into temptation that could have and should have been avoided. At the time we find a way to justify it... This is a sure sign that we have some growing (in the spirit) to achieve.

Don't try to justify... face the fact that you are being tempted and confess the weakness to your Father in Heaven and repent. "REPENT" ... now, there's a word that sounds highly "religious" ... if you don't like the word, replace it with... "STOP" doing that which is wrong.

Most of us have been guilty of this, some of us are slow to develop. Hang in there! It's a day-to-day test. it gets easier with each victory.

Just my thoughts,

Your Friend,

John

Scriptures...

James 2.14 - (Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead)
¹⁴Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. ¹⁵Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, ¹⁶and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
¹⁷So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.