Don’t Be a Respecter of Persons (Episode 64)

In his epistle, James writes, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (James 2:1, KJV). Based upon those words, you can be a Christian and a respecter of persons at the same time. But based upon the verse, although we can, we should not do this. That means doing this is not good in the sight of the Lord.
Is it not absolutely amazing how Christians can grow in many areas of their life and not move the needle in the area of their mistreatment of others? Sad but true, the local church seldom addresses this sin during corporate gatherings.
A respecter of persons is someone who treats others according to their rank, status or importance. It results in the preferential treatment of some people at the expense of others. It causes one to look up to some while looking down on others. This conduct is unacceptable--sinful--in the eyes of the Lord.
We all have some personal biases. But these must never be the basis upon how we treat others or relate to them. The Word of God must be our guide for that. Accordingly, James writes, "If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well" (James 2:8, KJV).
Music Credits:
Intro Music: By Leva via Pixabay
Ending Music: By Oleksandr Savochka via Pixabay

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (Episode 62)

Love is like anything else God commands us about. We are free to live in love to the degree that we want to. God does not make us love others. Rather, He equips us to do so. If we want to, we can choose to not love some people while loving others. This podcast episode addresses some practical reasons why we should perfect the area of living in love.
In John's first epistle, he addresses what he calls perfect love. He writes, "God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him" (1 John 4:16, NASB). This perfect love gives us confidence toward God in the day of judgment because He is love. And as He is, so are we in this world (verse 17).
We should regard God's call upon our life to perfect love as our highest calling. Accordingly, we should pursue this goal more passionately than we do spiritual gifts. Jesus told His disciples to love one another so others might know they were His disciples (John 13:35). The world can't see God. But when we dwell in love, the world can see God through us because God is love.
Music Credits:
Intro Music: By Leva via Pixabay
Ending Music: By Oleksandr Savochka via Pixabay