We have just started a new sermon series on the book of James which is entitled “Living Faith.” James wrote during a time when believers had scattered fearing persecution. In attempts to encourage Jewish Christians, James wrote suggestions on how they could deal with the challenges, the stresses and the pressures of life. In five chapters, James has a lot to say.
The theme verse in this book is,
“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
Our challenges and difficulties can wreak havoc on our relationship with God. Our life circumstances can really cause us to wrestle between an “owned faith” versus an “inherited faith.” Nobel Peace Prize winner (2018) Dr Denis Mukwege stated, “As long as our faith is defined by theory and not connected with practical realities, we shall not be able to fulfil the mission entrusted to us by Christ…If we are Christ’s…we have no choice but to be alongside the weak, the wounded, the refugees and women suffering discrimination.” Our owned faith is meant to be a living faith.
Although Martin Luther questioned whether the book of James was worthy of being in the New Testament, I believe it has words for us living today. We hope to see you this week and feel free to read ahead - we embark on chapter 2 of James.
Blessings, Pastor Michele