Renewed to Honor

This section of the story in 2 Kings chapter 5 focuses on Naaman. We know that Naaman was the commander in chief of the armies of Syria and possibly the right hand man as he was incharge of strategic, political and warfare and security. This was a very prestigious role that Naaman had earned. Some Jewish Rabbis say that his ruthlessness and his power resulted in God punishing Naaman with Tzaraat which is translated as Leprosy. For the sake of these notes, I would consider the word Leprosy.  Naaman was powerful and wise. In fact, it was God who had blessed him from the start. The verse says that Naaman was a powerful and influential man valued by the king greatly. His victory was a gift from God to Aram. Why would God bless a foreign nation to attack the Israelites? In Deuteronomy chapter 28, Moses tells the people that God would make the enemies of Israel punish the people of God if they are disobedient. Jehoram, the then king of Israel was the son of Ahab. Ahab and his wife Jezebe...

dear brothers, this week we are looking into the book of James chapter 2 from verses 14. Lets look at the last time we looked at the dangers of partiality . Why does James say that it is wrong to be partial? There is a reason for it. It is because the Church is a family. We are not partial in our family, so should we not be in the Church.  James explores this topic even further in this section.  What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?  Look the the verse from Ephesians 2:8-10. We are saved by faith and not by works so that no one could boast. What is Paul saying? Paul is saving that aa person becomes a believer by faith and that salvation is a gift and not a reward for good behaviour. Paul explains early on that salvation cannot be attained by human will or wisdom. This echos what John said too. Not by the will of man (John 1:13) or by the desired but by will of God. We see that statement and we belie...