Let me start by sharing that James is the half-brother of Jesus. But the Bible also records that James didn’t believe who Jesus said He was (John 7:5) NKJV. James was a good Jewish man yet skeptical of Jesus’ claims! In fact, James and the entire family said Jesus was crazy (Mark 3:21) NLT. Point being: proximity to Jesus doesn’t guarantee faith! James was raised in the same house & still dismissed Jesus! Perhaps that speaks to you here this morning. Maybe you're like James who believed in God but rejected his need for forgiveness of sins by Jesus! Once James saw Jesus for who He is (1 Cor. 15:7) NKJV everything changed from that point! James becomes a leader & pillar in the early church in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:9(a) NLT. James then writes exhorting Christians to live an authentic faith in a hostile world! So, the main theme in this book is Real Faith That Produces Genuine Works.
Help Me Understand This
James 1:1-3
January 19, 2020 • Pastor Jeff Cramer
Closing Statements
December 20, 2020 • Pastor Jeff Cramer
This week we consider a few final ideas for growing in the faith while being mindful of what can derail our progress. I think it's interesting that his closing statements circle back around to the spiritual care of our lives. James begins by talking about suffering that is NOT the result of sin in our lives.
Overcoming Our Corruption
November 8, 2020 • Pastor Jeff Cramer
We’ve learned that practical Christian living at the Crossroads of Culture is the core message of James. But remember, James was a half-brother to Jesus and he was antagonist & critical toward the methods / message / & miracles of Jesus (John 7:3-5) NLT. However after James saw the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7) NKJV, he became a radical defender & supporter of the faith! James writes a NO non-sense book about Christian living in a corrupt culture…