Daily Devotional Feb 21st 2021: Two Valuable Bible Books for New (and true) Christians Part 2 (2)

In last Sunday's Devotional, we looked at the Book of Deuteronomy as the outstanding guide to Christian living in the Old Testament. It is an awesome book that is not boring at all - I promise! Especially Chapter 28 is an eye opener with its 14 blessings and 54 cursings. Today, we focus on what the New Testament offers for practical help in our Christian walk. Many new Christians are not sure where to begin once they become a Christian. What am I supposed to do? What am I expected to read? How and when should I read it? What must I say, and what not? These are some common questions people new to the faith and those returning from a backslide ask. Thankfully, true to God's promise to grant us knowledge and wisdom, it's all there, in the Bible. I even go as far as declaring: The Bible has an answer to everything in life. God offers tangible advice for everything life (even the devil) throws at us). I will go into more detail to back up my claim later this week. 

When I became a Christian on Feb 19th 2011, I had the advantage of not carrying any church baggage. Denominational teachings hadn't corrupted my mind. By God's grace, I found a non-denominational teacher who focused on God's Word, not man-made doctrines. It was Dr. Chuck Missler, a scientist, a corporate leader, a defense contractor, a patriot, and a Bible teacher, all first-class. He helped me to appreciate the Bible as it is written, as Constitutionalists value the Constitution as it is written. Dr. Missler, among others, has been a tremendous help in my walk with God, a faith-builder like no other, and I foundation builder of my knowledge of the Bible. Let us remember that spiritual nourishment is just as important as physical sustenance. One of the most important things any Christian must do is to stay in the Word daily. Why? We are getting fed enemy lies through the media and certain people around us nearly every minute of our lives. Keeping in God's Word is therefore paramount to our preparation and survival.

Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” 

Book 2 of this little series on Christian Living Guidance is much shorter than Deuteronomy. 

The Book of James

It was written about 45 A.D. at Jerusalem, before the first Christian council (51 A.D.) It comprises five razor-sharp chapters. It is the 59th book of the Bible. It has 108 verses, 2309 words, 24 questions, 100 verses of history, and 8 verses of fulfilled prophecy.

The author is James, the half-brother of Jesus. The movement of Christ's followers after the death and resurrection of Jesus was the church (Book of Acts). James highlights the virtues of Christian living in a concise presentation, guiding the reader toward Christ-like purity in word and deed. Most interestingly, James only mentions Jesus two times, (1:1 and 2:1). The Book of James is the Christian doctrine in a short format that's understandable to any newbie to the Christian faith. Even more noteworthy: the five chapters make no mention of the Gospel, the incarnation, life, death, or the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What's best, there is no trace of early Christian controversies (denominations/sects). It's pure, Christian living, period. Instead, James adheres to the teachings of Christ in 14 points: Jas. 1:4, with Mt. 5:48; 1:5 with Mt. 7:7; 1:6 with Mk. 11:23; 1:22 with Mt. 7:24-26; ; 1:25 with Jn. 13:17; 2:5 with Lk. 6:20; 2:13 with Mt. 6:14-15; 3:12 with Mt. 7:16; 4:8-9 with Lk. 6:24; 4:10 with Mt. 23:12; 4:11-12 with Mt. 7:1; 5:12 with Mt. 5:34-37; 5:1 with Lk. 6:24; and 5:9 with Mt. 24:33. If you are up for a peaceful Sunday Bible study, use the above scripture correlation for faith-building insights into Christian living. 

Here are some things James addresses, and I am merely citing a few examples:

• 6 Perfect Things 
• 15 Ways Wisdom Is Used 
• 6 Secrets to Answered Prayer 
• 7 Steps in Temptation 
• 7 Commandements to Christians 
• 14 Kinds of Tongues
• 10 Commandments for Backsliders
• 4 Promises for Backsliders
• 3 Laws, 
• 35 Facts About Sickness and Healing

...and so on. There are common denominators in Deuteronomy the the Book of James. One that stands out is its focus on backsliders. The 4 Promises for Backsliders; these alone warrant reading James, right?

Chapter 4

1. God giveth more grace to the humble.
2. He (the devil) will flee from you.
3. He (God) will draw near you.
4. He (God) shall lift you up.

Ecclesiastes 1:9
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” 

The Book of Deuteronomy is the Old Testament masterpiece of guidance for any Christian. The Book of James is a concise and laser-focused instruction manual for Christians. Whenever I read them, the Spirit of God convicts me of things I have done wrong, and I humble myself. New insights reveal themselves to me. They are books not to be missed in your Christian walk.

The Perfect Bible App

If you're not much of a reader and prefer to listen to the Word of God, I am using YouVersion via Bible.com for mobile and tablet. There you can download your favorite bible version, many with excellent audio presentations to listen or read along. My three favorites are the KJV (for poetic reading), the NASB (for detailed reading/study), and the NLT, for casual reading. Find me on there!

Both Deuteronomy and the Book of James are the perfect guide for the new Christian and the Backslider, wishing to come back to God. Will you make them your guide, too?

How to Pray

Psalms 100
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Lord, we thank you for your Word. We thank you for preserving it for us to learn from You and about ourselves.
Lord, grant us the knowledge of Your Will, and understanding to see things through Your eyes.
Lord, let us have discernment in dealing with friend and foe.
Lord, let us not fall into sin, but guide us every moment to live righteous, and
Lord, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

All praise belongs to You, O Lord.

In Jesus' name
Amen

#Devotional #Scripture4TheDay #RighteousLiving #GodlyAdvice #GodlyProtection #BookofJames #NewChristian #Backslider

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