what are we studying now
Introduction to the book of James?
The book of James is written to Jewish believers who were scattered across the Gentile world. The text opens with a pastoral letter that outlines specific directives for Christians. It offers practical advice based on biblical proverbs and Jesus’s teachings. You may ask, who wrote the book of James in the Bible? It was written by James, “James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”. James was the leader of the new church. He addresses prejudice, faith versus work, the reality of suffering, and the Lord’s coming in this epistle. Being the first Christian community, members experienced many trials and tribulations. They were persecuted by the traditional Jewish leaders and lived through a great drought and famine. James wrote this book in response to what the members were experiencing at the time and to set the course for the future of the church. James led with Godly wisdom and courage until his untimely death around AD 62.
Who Wrote the Book of James ?
One of the four brothers of Jesus (Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3; James is listed first in both lists).
Tried, along with mother and brothers, to “rescue” Jesus (Mark 3:21, 31)
At first an unbeliever (John 7:5)
Saw Jesus after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7)
With the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 1:14)
Was visited by Paul (Galatians 1:18-19, Paul’s first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion) Became leader of the Christians in Jerusalem after AD 44 (Acts 12:17)
Presided over the Jerusalem Council in AD 49 (Acts 15:13, 19; Galatians 2:9)
Continued as leader in the church (Galatians 2:12; Jude 1)
Received Paul’s Jerusalem offering, and encouraged Paul to be loyal to Jewish customs (Acts 21:17-25)
The Book of James Chapters
Chapter 1: Enduring trials and living out the Word.
Chapter 2: The practice of mature faith.
Chapter 3: Taming the tongue and pursuing wisdom.
Chapter 4: Warning against worldliness.
Chapter 5: Exhortations on patience and prayer.
Application from the Book of James:
The book of James demands a response from every Christian by becoming a “doer of the word” rather than just a hearer. James asserts that a mature faith is expressed by demonstrating being slow to speak and quick to listen, showing compassion to the needy, controlling your tongue, embracing trials, resisting temptation, and submitting to God. It is a short but powerful book containing 108 verses divided into 5 chapters.
Source: e360bible.org
What Are We Studying Now
The book of James opens with a pastoral letter that outlines specific directives for Christians. It offers practical advice based on biblical proverbs and Jesus’s teachings.
Who is the Teacher
Mark is the primary leader of the class. We also rely on class participation to help teach each other through the sharing of personal experiences. It is not required that everyone participate but we encourage everyone to do so.
What we StudyOur lessons almost always are directly from the Bible. Our workbook is the Bible. We welcome anyone to our class who wants to study God’s word. Once we pick a book of the Bible to study we go through each chapter picking out information that we can use to make us better Christians and to learn more about God. We also help each other use the information we glean to help us in today’s world.
Who is the Class Designed for?We welcome anyone who wants to study the Bible along with us. We are a diverse co-ed group. We have found that the more diverse the class is the more interesting it will be so we encourage everyone to join us. God’s gift is for everyone. We can learn from each other.
Class Location
Class Location First Baptist Church - 1407 East Main Street - Bray Building Room #108 – Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 - Sundays 9:15 am to 10:15 am (See map)