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Emberblue â James - Faith That Works
Published: 2010-08-13 17:38:32 +0000 UTC; Views: 6419; Favourites: 122; Downloads: 0
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Description
The book of James is full of practical wisdom for every day living. Some say that James (the disciple of Jesus) and the apostle Paul had opposing arguments on the requirements for salvation. Supposedly James stated that what a person does (their "works") contributed to their salvation, while Paul argues that salvation is by grace alone and nothing else.This would appear to be a contradiction in the Bible. However, these seemingly opposing views actually work together. It's like James and Paul were fighting the same battle, back to back, just facing different foes. The "foes" being those who take grace to the extreme, and those who take works to the extreme.
The things that we do cannot get us into heaven according to scripture. Entrance into God's family is through the forgiveness of our sins which comes through a saving knowledge of Jesus, also known as "grace". However, the things that we do proove that we are saved because our actions are a natural result of a changed life. James stated "âĶI will show you my faith by my works." in James 2:18.
So, what is it? Faith OR works? Faith AND works? I think it is faith THAT works.
References to some of the symbolism used in this image:Wave: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6
Mirror: "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." James 1:23-24
Tongue, fire, and ship's rudder: "If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:1-8
Grapes: "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." James 1:18
Grass and flower: "For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits." James 1:11
Inspiration for this deviation:
This is an amazing piece of art. Check out this artist's page! *Demen1
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Comments: 94
Thanks, I really appreciate it. If you ever post that article on here I would be interested in reading it.
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Thanks! This one was a lot of fun.
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Great gallery! I love the book of James so much and I love the phrase "faith that works." Right on!
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Thanks! 
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Thanks! I wasn't able to view it for some reason. But I'm honored that you would feature my artwork.
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awesome
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words!
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That is very freaking stunning! Amazing job on all the details and effects here!
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Thanks for the encouragement!
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wow!
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You are very kind. Thanks!
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dont say thanks the pleasures mine, wow!
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this work is awesome. I can see God's artwork through yours and is truly is blessed.
..what I'm really awestruck with is on your ideas and opinions and faith. inspiring
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Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. 
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Thanks so much!
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i was inspired by this one too, [link] brilliant artist.
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I'm a Christian too and I respect your descriptions but, are u sure that Apostle James and Apostle Paul were contradicted each other, about the requirements of salvation?... You will know the side of Apostle Paul if you try to read the whole books that he have written. If you notice, all the books are messages and teachings of Apostle Paul to the Christian Churches who were believers, and already saved in every places like Rome and Jerusalem.
They are saved... why? because they did already the three steps or requirements of salvation. And what is that?
Answer is: B.R.B.
Believe
Repent (work of faith)
Baptize (work of faith) - Even Apostle Paul baptized for his salvation. (Acts 9:18)
- to wash away our sins (Acts 22:16)
And as long as they are saved, the Holy Spirit is working in them. The Church is like the body and Christ is the head, each of them must work according to their gifts which is given by God (Col 1:18). The Church already know the doctrines of salvation that Apostle Paul delivered to them (1 Thessalonians 2:15). He don't need to teach the requirements but to teach on how to preserve the gift of salvation which received by them from God (Ephesians 2:8).
So... about Apostle James, his teachings is not opposing Apostle Paul's. He tend to preach and teach not only in believers but also in unbelievers too, that were not yet saved. That's their main goal, to save all of us through Christ, and to know the truth.
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I agree. Paul and James were not contradicting each other. The reason I said it "appeared" to be a contradiction in the Bible is because alot of people see it as a contradiction, when in fact it is not. I think you and I are on the same page.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Your take on reading Bible is revelation driven,
apparently. And it's awesome.
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wow cool.
is this a flyer for your ministry?
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No, this is not my ministry. This was a "logo" created for a client.
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ah okay.
(with "your" I meant your church's ministry.)
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and it's also having faith that doesn't work ...
like Peter's
it's the whole shebang dude. faith is just one muscle in the animal
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Nice.
Can you clarify what you mean about Peter? I'm curious what your thoughts are.
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Having faith ... and watching God fail you 
Peter is a great example of that, cuz his faith failed and he denied Jesus. Then, the one whom he had been following around and believing in .... died. He went back to fishing, etc and so forth. Him and some of the others.
His faith failed. But it didn't matter. His faith AND his works produced zero. It was Jesus' heart for him .... and his heart for Jesus. That was the bread and butter. Neither faith nor works.
It's like ... his faith produced a certain type of work .... the kind that is failure. And it's easy to say, "well it just looked like failure for a time," ... but that's easy to say on the outside. Not when you're Peter. lol
Jonah is another example. Sufferred and preached to an entire city that it was going to be destroyed. But it never happened. For all intent and purposes, the guy would have appeared like a false prophet. God used him, and when he finally obeyed god ... his own words fell to the ground.
Job is another great example.
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Very interesting take on that. Thanks for explaining.
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LOL
The real world works a bit differently. Absolutely Jesus can fail you. the IDEA of Jesus is great .... the reality is a different thing alltogether.
Jesus earns your trust, the same as everyone else. THAT is what is great about God.
What isn't great about people who don't know any better ... is that they are out selling something that they themselves haven't bought yet. They are out selling a perfect Jesus, marketing a perfect Jesus .... when all that is bullshit. The reality, is that it's hard, heartbreaking, and crushing sometimes. And the reality is, that a relationship with God is like any other relationship in a lot of ways. Trust is proven over time and earned ... assuming it up front, isn't loving.
Those who push the "trust god now and always, he'll never fail you," junk are those who are trying to get others to accept candy from a stranger. That's not what I have ever taught my kid ... and not what God teaches either actually
If Jesus hasn't failed you yet, then good for you 
nice talkin to you .....
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Hmmm, interesting thoughts. I'm really enjoying this.
I think that you and I have a different understanding of what it means to fail, and a different understanding of who God is and His characteristics. And because of that we will probably never agree on this topic.
If God is able to fail then that implies that He is not perfect. In my opinion, if God is not perfect then He is not worthy to be worshiped as God. The Bible is my source for truth and it teaches that Jesus/God is perfect.
In the example of Peter, Jesus died but He came back to life 3 days later. Peter was restored and went on to do great works for Christ and lead more people to a saving faith in Jesus.
Things did not work out the way that Jonah wanted. He knew that God is a forgiving God and that the Ninivites would repent if given the chance. And that is how things worked out, Nineveh repented and was not destroyed.
If you have suffered, something bad happened, or things did not work out how you expected them to (like Job) then I am greatly sorry to hear that. But personally I do not count that as God failing. In a Christian's life, bad things will happen - not because God failed but because we live in a world with sin where bad things happen. Please do not take this as an argument against you, I just enjoy a chat once in a while with someone who challenges my thinking.
Thank you. I've enjoyed talking to you too.
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No worries .... but you are probably right, we will probably never agree on this topic, because as you point out .... we know different gods lol
But I will point out that god failing doesn't mean god can't be perfect. God is still god, regardless. People fail all the time, but I still love some of them and believe in some of them. ULTIMATELY ..... I am hoping God will succeed. ULTIMATELY. Not just in my life, but also the afterlife.
This is another point to discuss concerning faith .... faith is the what isn't seen, right? It's what you hope for, but don't have yet so to speak. So, faith is different from fact.
Faith and fact are almost mutually exclusive. They can be related .... like, you have faith in something, and then it comes to pass becoming fact. It's no longer hope, it's a reality.
This is the difference between the postcard and the real world. The picture the bible paints is one of HOPE .... you are trusting it to convey realities. But they themselves aren't the reality. They are stories .... stories you were not present to witness, nor see with your own eyes. Like anything that you take secondhand.
Now when it comes to God .... the attributes you find mentioned in the bible concerning God .... if you haven't experienced them yourself, you are HOPING in them. When they become a reality, they are then fact. Until then it's faith.
I'm pointing this out, because of the difference between the two. Saying something like, "God is perfect because the bible says so," .... doesn't mean shit really. It doesn't, because I don't know that. It could change tomorrow. The last 40 days, perhaps God treated me perfectly .... but what if God starts doing things that I don't understand, agree with, etc? There comes a point, where some people stop making excuses for god, and trying to pump up his reputation with some of his old deeds that are assumed, OR ..... even making excuses for God based on things he's done previously in your life which are fact.
This is the crux of having a relationship, with ANYBODY. It is how trust is earned ... over time. It is proven, through action. Over time
If a stranger comes up to you, and says, "trust me ... here is why ... " there is no rule saying you have to believe him. His resume doesn't mean squat. You choose to trust him. And many have suffered that way .... many have become hurt.
Now lets say over time, he earns your trust. He goes from stranger, to friend .... to even a lover perhaps. Suppose you marry him. Then, one day .... he CHANGES. He starts making choices and doing things that effect you in ways you don't like or want. He apparently starts to lose your trust, etc and so forth.
Do you divorce him? Do you leave him? Do you question him? Do you talk to him about it?
Again ... it's part of a relationships. It is the reality of a thing, that's all. But just going off the bible .... is like pushing God's resume. I no longer need his resume, I need Him to go to work. And He has ... for me .... many times, in many ways. Don't be sorry God has failed me. God is god. I am DISAPPOINTED in God. But God failing me freed me up quite a bit actually ... it showed me the human side of Jesus ... the human side I needed to see. The side that isn't powerful, the side that is weak. The side that values a person above the truth .... values love above earning things. It showed me how god can love a bunch of hairless monkeys called people, when for all intent and purposes He should still be destroying them left and right
So God failing me ... I wouldn't consider it a normal family if I didn't experience God's words falling to the ground. BUT .... ultimately I hope they stand up. They just haven't. They have, in an underhanded and twisted sort of way with me. Not always, just ... right now. It's my path. That's all. I still have the HOPE .... but that hope isn't fact. Get it? I'm not walking around saying something is fact, when I don't know it for a fact. It's just a hope. Until then, as far as I'm concerned, God failed big time in this one way in particular .... the most important way to me personally. He's still God though. With or without me acknowledging it. And I still love god, in my way. I still have some trust for Him .... but he lost some trust from me. But ... I still have hope.
No amount of showing me God's resume will change that ... because I know the living breathing God. Not day old bread from 2000 years ago. I don't gain comfort from postcards that much anymore. I am in a promised land full of war and despair and blood. The postcard isn't as pretty as I was told. I'm an Israelite
ttyl
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Are you really an Israelite?!?!
This conversation can easily branch off into a much wider discussion that can go on for a while. Which I'm not opposed to.
I see what you are saying. This is my view on the topic: Jesus never promised me that life would be "good" or easy or the way I expected it to be, or that I would approve of what happened. But He did promise to give me the strength to overcome. And no matter what happens in this life, He has guaranteed my salvation, the next life. So in my opinion God does not fail. (As you probably already noticed from my signature, lol!). This life sucks, but the next life wont.
Are you saying that if you disagree with God's actions or don't understand what is happening that it means God failed? Just trying to understand you.
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No I'm not really an Israelite ... I meant it metaphorically
And no ... I'm not saying that if I disagree with God's actions or don't understand what is happening, that means God failed. I'm saying, if God tells me something is going to happen which doesn't .... and it's GODS RESPONSIBILITY .... then God fails. It's God's business. It's His role.
If I watch my kid get run over by a car, I fail as a parent. If I watch my neighbor rape my sister, I fail as a brother. I'm not being rude ... but this isn't rocket science. Saying that god doesn't fail over and over doesn't make it true. God's ACTIONS make it true. If we were discussing anyone other than God, you'd probably be agreeing with me. If we were discussing someone who raped your children or something, you would probably agree with me.
God became a man. Yes? He fell under the same judgement as men. Yes?
That is part of the blessing of knowing God and Jesus ... is ACCEPTING HIS SACRIFICE.
I've never understood why those who claim to believe in Jesus, don't accept his sacrifice. They don't make use of it. They are still turning to all these other ideas .... perfection of some ethereal being. Or some words spoken to prophets, etc. Jesus was the image we had, right? The first half of how we were to know God. Well ... Jesus hung on a cross bearing the punishment. He died. He rose from the dead .... yes? But for awhile, he was dead. He was in hell.
I think you are taking for granted part of the point of God being a human, and dying, etc and so forth .... If I loved someone, who wanted me to follow them, and trust them with my life, and my finances, and my family .... and they up and died on me .... in fact, they were charged like a criminal for being a false prophet and this and that. And then when they died, that was it .... no more miracles, no nothing. Just some heresay from others. And not only that .... but I had to go back to doing what I did before to earn money for my family which waited around on ME and trusted ME, etc and so forth .... I would logically, rationally, and HUMANLY think Jesus failed me. God failed me. It was all bullshit. I was no apostle. There was no rising from the dead. There was no point to the previous three years. Nothing.
Until I saw Jesus again that is.
I haven't seen Jesus again. Not since His death.
Get it?
Now ..... the words of the prophets and others, it's easy to look at them and learn from them. It's easy, because we can see their stories from their beginning to their end. We see David defeat goliath one day .... and then years later he's king. We read about his struggles, and the death of his child after raping Bathsheeba .... and we take for granted that we already know the outcome.
THAT is what I am saying are postcards. It's like reading about the marriages of others, and thinking that qualifies you to know what it's like to be married. It's not the same.
I have seen Jesus die in my life ..... I have not seen him rise from the dead yet. No ressurection. I have seen miracles, and this and that, etc. I enjoyed my versions of following Him .... my equivalents that others who have followed him in the past have experienced. And I have said the same things you have said. But it's so easy to say, until you truly watch Jesus die, like a criminal. And you wonder, "is he a criminal? Is he the one that was to come, or should we blow this shit off and wait on another? Does he actually rise from the dead? AFterall, this thing I've been hanging onto has been dead now for three years ... and it smells like rotted corpses".
I know the ending of all the other stories. So what. I have my own story. See?
You have your own story too. Yours involves whatever it involves. I am in a different place, that's all. I want to touch the wounds now with my own hands .... no more words. I need to eat a meal that Jesus cooks again .... not just hang onto my own memories or those of dead prophets. That is food at different points ... not this point
I need the ressurrection.
Can you make my life rise from the dead .... and all the situations I am in? You probably could to some degree .... but it would be at your expense. Financially, physically, emotionally. The common Xtian answer is, "only god can do that," .... so let Him
I could also use a new heart. The emotional kind. I've given just about all I know to give of my time and finances ... and I'm spent
So if you're going to sing the praises of god while me and others are suffering .... I understand where you're coming from. Really
Which is precisely why I'm still here, waiting on god to not fail any longer. The finances are important to others, and me somewhat .... but god broke my heart when he died. He broke it, because I trusted him to ressurrect. And it's been awhile now.
Make him appear, come back alive and work his power over my promised land, and my life, and those who are linked to me .... and then I'll sing with you
I rambled there towards the end, but I think you got what I was trying to say hopefully
Nice talking to you too, btw
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Aww, bummer. I thought that you might have been speaking metaphorically, but I was hopeful that maybe you weren't.
It seems like you believe that God does not always keep His promises. Either because He chooses not to or is unable to. And how can God allow evil to happen and not stop it? Why does God let bad things happen to me? Personally, the worst thing I could ever imagine happening to me would be rape. But if I was brutally raped, I would not blame God for not preventing it. I would blame sin and the person who did it to me. God did not promise to remove the evil in this world...yet. God does not always intervene and stop these kinds of things, but I do not believe that means He failed. He didn't promise to prevent every kind of evil, so how did He fail if He did not say He would do it? If you want the worst things in life to be prevented, it sounds like you are looking for heaven...but we aren't there yet. In the mean time we are here, living in an imperfect world where bad things happen to good people every day. The most of the 12 disciples were brutally killed for believing in Jesus. Why didn't God save them? And modern day martyrs?
For me this conversation has confirmed my beliefs even stronger in my heart. I believe it even more so. What God promised has come true, is coming true, and will come true. In this life we will have tribulations, but we need not fear because He has overcome the world. This life is short. Only 80 years or so compared to eternity. The horrible things that happen every day are a fulfillment of what He said would happen. I see His promises coming true all the time, all over the world.
I do sing His praises. I sing them with Job. "Though He slay me, yet will I praise Him."
It will be interesting to see how your own personal story works out, even though I will probably not see it.
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Well I personally have no problem with evil or tribulations ... that's not what I'm talking about
But anyway ... take it easy, and nice talking with you. Your own personal beliefs might have been reinforced, but it didn't help me any lol
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I understand that symbolically in your own personal story Jesus died but never rose again. Correct? He has been faithful in the past but it appears that this time, when it really mattered most, He was not. At least that is what I gathered.
I wasn't trying to convince you or anything. Besides, even if I tried to I don't think you would have it.
Is there anything I can do to help you any?
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