Jim Q

What good is it if we don't care enough to bring others back.

Oil is a symbol of anointing - not totally necessary but in the scriptures so we should probably do it. Prayer is the request for healing. Prayer is the way we petition, as opposed to sacrifices or spiritual exercises, or forms of denial. God is merciful in this regard. We have to have faith, we can't be testy or put God on the block. You have to all in for this one. Confession is most often overlooked, but confession is key. Our sins get in the way of spiritual life, so confession, and change, is central

The elders here need to have enough courage to accept in invitation, listen to the confession, do the anointing, and say the prayers. Sounds simple, but following through is a different matter. Acts like these separate the sheep from the goats. They should also be sanctified enough that their live have some measure of spiritual power.

A couple of key points - the sick person initiates the contact. This is consistent with the way it happened in the gospels. The sick ask for healing. Second, they confess their sins. That is the most difficult part.

Complaining shows that our faith is low - the belief that the perseverance is worth it wanes as the present desires destroy the future hope.

I think the Bible makes it pretty clear that we stop living for the Lord and start getting pretty self centered. The Bible also points out the multiple violations - these were probably common in the day of James.

Nothing wrong with planning. It's the bragging that gets us into trouble. Also excessive competition or running over others to achieve these plans. We also need make sure that we are seeking to do the right things, not just asking God to bless our latest pursuit. In all, do good, do well, stay humble

Running a person down is a bad thing. Our concentration should be doing the right thing and focusing on our own behavior. At times we may need to have a frank discussion with someone. This is best done together and face to face. If possible, work up to the subject so all the facts become known. Overall, you want a church where people are supporting and helping each other, and giving constructive tips which it is in the best interest of the other person

In order to be used by the Holy Spirit we need to be able to resist temptation. The more "mixed" our life is, the less useful we are. Resisting the devil (and the temptations of the world) is the most difficult for me.

Marriage is a life long commitment with someone. It is a symbol of the union with Christ in the coming age. Being in love with the world implies that we love other things than Christ. We are in a sense flirting around with other pursuits when we are to be attentive to tasks of the church. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we pursue the things of the world.

As Christians, our job is to build the kingdom, both in this life and the next. Some good times along the way are good, but not the end game. We will some day meet face to face with Jesus and give an account. Let's be ready.