James Series – The Book of James
James grew up as Jesus’ kid brother and went from incredulous skeptic to die-hard believer. He became one of the most influential pastors of his day, proclaiming Jesus right up until the day of his violent death. The book of James has much to say to Christians about stepping up, stepping out, and living for Jesus.
Starting: 23 October
Time: 9am
Address: 1023 Bank Ave, Centurion. Centurion Academy Building
Author
The author of the book of James is James, the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). James did not believe that Jesus was God (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). James became the leader and the head of the Jerusalem church and was known as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9). The Book of James is one of the oldest books of the New Testament. written around A.D. 45. According to the historian Josephus, James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62.
Purpose
The Book of James is written to Jewish Christians (James 1:1). Many people think that James is contradicting Paul when it comes to faith and works. But, James’ teaching on works is actually complementing and not contradicting Paul’s teaching on faith. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. For James, good actions is a natural result of being filled with the Spirit. He questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen. The Book of James is the ultimate description of the relationship between faith and works.
Application
The Book of James challenges Christians to live by example. Yes, we grow through knowledge but also by doing. Knowing is not the same as doing. The book of James motivates us to act upon what Jesus taught.The book of James also teaches us that we can’t claim to be Christians but live a life that shows the opposite. Such a “faith,” James declares that good works are not the cause of salvation, but they are the result of it.
Name
James | Rich vs Poor – Godly vs Ungodly
Listen
Details
Should Christians be rich or poor? The right answer is, Christians should be godly. This sermon examines where we tend to get our identity.
James 3 | Bicycle
The Christian life is like two pedals on a bicycle, the one pedal – know the word and the other is do the word. It’s impossible to ride a bicycle with only one pedal and in the same way, it’s impossible to live the Christian life without knowing and doing the word.
James 4 | Faith vs Works
What saves us? Do we need to do good work to justify ourselves before God or does Jesus justify us to good works? Salvation by faith or by works?
