A Letter from James

I recently discovered free online courses through Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)! The course I recently started is the letter from James to the twelve tribes. The late Dr. Stanley Toussaint presents the study and does a fabulous job. James (written AD 44-49) was the earliest of all the letters, all the books that comprises the New Testament. Because it was first, it's the why/reason I selected this course first! 

Just to be sure I wasn’t heading down a “wrong” path listening to DTS professors, I did some research and this is what I found.

I double checked the website, its “About” section, and read their “Essential Doctrinal Commitments” for Seminary students and staff. It states: “While our faculty and board annually affirm their agreement with the full doctrinal statement, students need only agree with these seven Christian essentials” (emphasis added):

1. the Trinity
2. the full deity and humanity of Christ
3. the spiritual lostness of the human race
4. the substitutionary atonement and bodily resurrection of Christ
5. salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone
6. the physical return of Christ
7. the authority and inerrancy of Scripture.

Although I will never be a “seminary student” I happen to agree with, and believe in, these 7 Christian essentials. So bottom-line, any course I take through DTS will be beneficial in my journey to better understand the Word of God.

Oh, my. They offer so many free courses, and not just on the books of the Bible!

Back to James (I’m still on the first chapter - it's a detailed study) and specifically to James 1:26 (NIV):

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Dr. Toussaint shared, “Your tongue indicates everything about your walk with God.” 

He refers us to Matthew 12. I looked it up and it’s basically in vs 34-37. I will remember this, and try to tame my tongue to better reflect my true heart and walk with God.