James 5: 13-20 Mark 9: 38-50
The epistle of James has always been a kind of enigma. Martin Luther famously called it an epistle of straw. Jesus is explicitly mentioned only twice in its 5 chapters. James can be read in such a way as to conflict with Paul's theology of faith as the sole means to salvation. He puts a lot of emphasis on works. But it seems fairly clear that he writes about practical works of faith, not works for salvation. I see it as a realistic book on living out faith in a community of faith.
I've used today's passage as my guide for how we ought to pray for one another. “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
The epistle of James has always been a kind of enigma. Martin Luther famously called it an epistle of straw. Jesus is explicitly mentioned only twice in its 5 chapters. James can be read in such a way as to conflict with Paul's theology of faith as the sole means to salvation. He puts a lot of emphasis on works. But it seems fairly clear that he writes about practical works of faith, not works for salvation. I see it as a realistic book on living out faith in a community of faith.
I've used today's passage as my guide for how we ought to pray for one another. “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”