Westside Bible Studies

Showing partiality means a lot more to God than we would care to admit. We need to remember how Jesus will be judging us - and He is paying attention to how we judge others.

The Letter of James | James 2:8-13

But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
But if you show prejudice, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as violators. For the one who obeys the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.”
Now if you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a violator of the law.

Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:8-13).

Join us as we discuss what James has to say for Jewish Christians, and for all of us, in terms of showing prejudice and resisting God's preferential concern for the poor in James 2:1-9!

My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes, do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and to the poor person, “You stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor”?
If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor! Are not the rich oppressing you and dragging you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?

But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
But if you show prejudice, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as violators (James 2:1-9).

Join us as we explore what James has to say in James 1:19-27!

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was. But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out – he will be blessed in what he does.

If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:19-27).

Join us as we explore James 1:12-18!

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created (James 1:12-18).

Join Ethan as he explores James 1:1-11!

From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away (James 1:1-11).

From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! (James 1:1).

Who is James? Why did he write a letter, and to whom? Join us as we consider the context and purpose of the Letter of James.

What did the Hebrews author want God to do for those to whom he was writing?

What do we think of this word of exhortation?

The New and Living Way | Episode 47 | Hebrews 13:18-25

Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. And I exhort you the more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

But I exhort you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation: for I have written unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Why should Christians remember and honor those who have responsibility over them?

What does it look like for Christians to share in Jesus' reproach "outside the camp"?

The New and Living Way | Episode 46 | Hebrews 13:7-17

Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, (yea) and for ever.

Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat that serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.

Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

Why does the Hebrew author now make exhortations regarding conduct in the community?

Why is such conduct crucial for the health of the community of God's people?

The New and Living Way | Episode 45 | Hebrews 13:1-6

Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are ill-treated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, "I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee."
So that with good courage we say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?"

Why should Christians hold firm to that which cannot be shaken?

Why must we all get burned in order to grow in holiness?

The New and Living Way | Episode 44 | Hebrews 12:25-29

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth:
but now he hath promised, saying, "Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven."
And this word, "Yet once more," signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.

Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire.

Why does it matter that we have come to the heavenly Mount Zion?

What is so powerful and compelling about the Hebrews author's comparison and contrast between Sinai and Zion?

The New and Living Way | Episode 43 | Hebrews 12:18-24

For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; for they could not endure that which was enjoined, "If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned";
and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and quake":
but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel.

Why is it so important to heal properly, even though it may hurt?

How can we make sure we do not fall short of God's grace?

The New and Living Way | Episode 42 | Hebrews 12:12-17

Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed.

Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord: looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any fornication, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

How can Jesus' example encourage us to persevere?

How does God use our situations and conditions to train us toward holiness?

The New and Living Way | Episode 41 | Hebrews 12:3-11

For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin: and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, "My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.

What is the race we run, and how?

How will we endure the race?

The New and Living Way | Episode 40 | Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

Why is it important for Christians to identify with their heritage as the people of God, and to consider their spiritual ancestors as heroic?

What do Christians have that those who came before did not, and why?

How important is our role in the story of God's purposes?

The New and Living Way | Episode 39 | Hebrews 11:36-40

And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth.

And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Who is the Hebrews author talking about with all of these activities?

Does the story of the people of God end with Malachi?

The New and Living Way | Episode 38 | Hebrews 11:32-35

And what shall I more say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.

Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Why does the Hebrews author speak of two events and a Canaanite prostitute who lied as exemplars of faith?

Why does he now shift from specific people and circumstances to more generalized exhortation?

The New and Living Way | Episode 37 | Hebrews 11:29-32

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days.

By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets.

Why does the Hebrews author focus on Moses before Exodus 3?

What significance does Passover have for the Christian?

The New and Living Way | Episode 36 | Hebrews 11:24-28

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

How did Amram and Jochebed manifest their faith in God?

What part of Moses' story does the Hebrews author emphasize, and why?

The New and Living Way | Episode 35 | Hebrews 11:23-26

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.

How did Abraham display great faith in his reasoning about God's commands to him regarding Isaac?

What faith stories would we tell about Jacob or Joseph? What stories does the Hebrews author tell? Why?

The New and Living Way | Episode 34 | Hebrews 11:17-22

By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; even he to whom it was said, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called:" accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

What are we to make of Abraham's faith in God's promises?

How do the examples of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob relate to the Christian life?

The New and Living Way | Episode 33 | Hebrews 11:11-16

By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised: wherefore also there sprang of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.

Upon what details does the Hebrew author focus when speaking of Abraham?

What was his audience to gain from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's experience? What can we learn from it as well?

The New and Living Way | Episode 32 | Hebrews 11:8-10

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Why Enoch? Why is Hebrews 11:6 connected to his example?

How did Noah condemn the world? How should we do likewise?

The New and Living Way | Episode 31 | Hebrews 11:5-7

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God: and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

The Hebrews author began the "hall of faith." Yet to what end? Why does the Hebrews author speak of faith, the creation, and Abel?

The New and Living Way | Episode 30 | Hebrews 11:1-4

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

For therein the elders had witness borne to them.

By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.

The Hebrews author exhorted his audience to persevere and endure in living by faith. We should take heed.

Why are Christians tempted to fall away after having endured for a time?

The New and Living Way | Episode 29 | Hebrews 10:32-39

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used. For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.
"For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry. But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him."
But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

With the ultimate exhortation comes the ultimate warning.

Why is it so important to deeply investigate the Hebrews author's Old Testament references so as to understand what he means to say?

The New and Living Way | Episode 28 | Hebrews 10:26-31

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. A man that hath set at nought Moses' law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that said, "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense". And again, "The Lord shall judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Draw near to God; hold fast the confession of our hope; consider one another to provoke to love and good works. Everything the Hebrews author spoke has led to this; everything he will continue to say refers back to it.

The New and Living Way | Episode 27 | Hebrews 10:22-25

Let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

Hebrews 10:19-25 represents the core exhortation of the whole sermon-letter, the climax of all that has come before, and the basis of all that follows. We consider the ground upon which the exhortation is based.

The New and Living Way | Episode 26 | Hebrews 10:19-21

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over the house of God.

Jesus' sacrifice perfects those who are sanctified in Him. Why is it so important for believers to require no further offering for sin?

The New and Living Way | Episode 25 | Hebrews 10:5-18

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me; In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hadst no pleasure: Then said I, Lo, I am come (In the roll of the book it is written of me) To do thy will, O God."

Saying above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein" (the which are offered according to the law), then hath he said, "Lo, I am come to do thy will." He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, the which can never take away sins: but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said, "This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, And upon their mind also will I write them;" then saith he, "And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

The Law and the priesthood were a shadow of the reality. They were not the fullness of God's purposes, but they weren't useless, either. They pointed the way; the Hebrews author did not want any to be so enraptured with the shadow so as to turn away from its reality and fulfillment.

How do we find relief and strength in Jesus' sacrifice for sin? Why would we eagerly await Jesus' return?

The New and Living Way | Episode 24 | Hebrews 9:23-10:4

It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us: nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own; else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment; so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation.

For the law having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh. Else would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance made of sins year by year. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

Covenant or testament? Both are inaugurated in death, and sanctified in blood.

How does the sketch reflect the real, even if in a glimpse? What does this tell us about how God has created the world?

The New and Living Way | Episode 23 | Hebrews 9:15-23

And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.

Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood. For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses unto all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded to you-ward." Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry he sprinkled in like manner with the blood. And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission. It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.