Chronicles of a Watchman by Dr. James P. Norman Jr.

Hebrews 5:11-14 says, “Of Christ, we have many things to say and difficult to make clear to you, not because they are mysteries, but because you are slow to grasp the doctrines delivered you.   You are dull and slothful not willing to self-judge.   It is not true that it is so complicated.   The trouble is with men who take the wrong attitude due to their religious background.   One factor is that preachers and teachers today do not emphasize the gifts of the Spirit nor do they stir up the gifts.   People are not hungry for Holiness and Righteousness.   Many today are not keeping the principles and standards to continue to build on.   You have been professed Christians long enough to be examples, but because of your laziness and dullness in grasping truth, your desire to be liked has made it a must to be taught a second time the first simple doctrines of Christ.   You have not grown at all.   You have become of those who drawback, and have...

I have heard some believers say, “I am conscious of no fault,” but that does not in itself make certain, or sure that God's acquittal respects this particular charge.  This poses an interesting corollary relative to the positions of faith and justification.   The usage of the Epistle of James does not contradict this which states that we are justified only by such faith that makes us faithful and produces good works. 1 Corinthians 4:4 states "For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." James 2:21,23, and 24 asserts "was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Further and careful examination reveals that James is denouncing a dead faith,...