If someone hears a message but does not act upon it, sometimes we say that “it went in one ear and out the other.” In James 1:19-27, God calls us not only to hear his word but to incorporate it into our lives. Only by doing the word can Christians demonstrate that we truly heard it and really believe it. (We thank Dr. Tim Sansbury of Knox Theological Seminary for this excellent sermon.)
Paul praised God the Father for choosing us and predestining us to be his children.
It’s one thing to say we believe, another to demonstrate it with what we do with our possessions and our abilities.
God is free to define Israel, to show mercy or wrath, and to add to Israel from the nations.
