📜"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? . . . You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:14, 24).

True faith produces good works.Many false teachers claim that you can earn your own salvation by doing good works. Most Christians understand the heresy of that teaching, but some become confused when they read that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). That seems to conflict with Paul's teaching on salvation by grace through faith.But when properly understood, James' teaching on salvation is perfectly consistent with Paul's. Paul clearly taught salvation by grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9 he says, "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." But Paul also taught that true salvation results in good works, for in the next verse he says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."In Titus 3:5 he says that God "saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy"; but Titus 2:11-12 clarifies that God's grace leads us "to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age." That's the proper balance between faith and works.James also taught salvation by grace. He said that God redeems sinners by the Word of truth and implants His Word within them to enable them to progress in holiness (James 1:18, 21). That's a divine work, not a human effort. James 2:14-24 follows that up by telling us how we can know that work has taken place: there will be more than just a proclamation of faith but a faith that does good works.Don't be confused by how faith relates to good works. Put the two together by being a living testimony to God's saving grace.

I find it an observational curiosity that a circle of teachers known for their rants against fruit inspectors have now turned on one of their own and vilified him from the soapbox of fruit inspecting.

The most critical test of exegetical and theological integrity in our day is the Israel question. Will men trample on most of the Bible and justify their unbelief with a few misunderstood prooftexts? Or will they tremble at the whole Bible? Will they stay half Catholic or move to a consistent sola scriptura position?

How do we stay balanced as Christians? Learn a lesson from farmers. Whether plowing or planting, they initiate straight rows by keeping their eyes fixed on a target on the other side of the field and their hands doing what needs to be done to keep their path on target. Likewise, if the believer keeps his eyes on the prize in the skies, his plowing and planting will be on target.

How many of you would like to see a response to the latest round of New Wine Pentecost teaching?

Personally, I think the hermeneutical approach for this theory is so sloppy that it seriously undermines the historical-grammatical hermeneutic. I put it in the same category as KJV-Only and flat earth.

Sadly, the river of dispensational ignorance runs nearly as deep as the river of dispensational opposition.

Prayer request.

We are currently in Oklahoma looking at homes. Some of the reasons for this potential move include being closer to family and being closer to Prophecy Watchers. We are looking at homes in the 150 to 250 range. Most require lots of money, time, and work after purchase. We are praying to find something turnkey that will be suitable for ministry needs (studio space, office space, library space). Our financial capacity right now with guaranteed loan and cash down payment is 185 K. So the Lord needs to work on our behalf if he is going to bring us down here.

Criminals thrive in an indulgent society. False doctrine thrives in an indulgent church.

1 Corinthians 16:13 — Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Man up! Get a grip on yourself!

Asking prayer. We are going to look at a house early this evening that appears to have really strong potential.

The more truth you stand for, the more opposition you will face. So don't regard the fiery trials as odd. They come with the territory.

Nita and I are officially under contract for a home in Drumright, OK. The closing is on or before August 12.