Count it All Joy (James 1:1-8)

The Church at Jerusalem had been forced to scatter. Persecution had arisen. James, a key leader of the Church, was used by God to write this early letter to the Jewish Christians. But what exactly did James mean when telling believers to count it all joy when they experience the trials of life? Do…

Sin Comes from Within (James 1:9-16)

The Church at Jerusalem had been forced to scatter. Persecution had arisen. James, a key leader of the Church, was used by God to write this early letter to the Jewish Christians. How were these believers to respond to the trials they faced? Christians were instructed to look to the riches we have…

Forgetting Identity (James 1:17-25)

James again reminds us that the trials of life are opportunities under God’s grace for growth in our faith and our walk with Christ. In these trials the temptation often comes to sin. God is not the one tempting us to sin because sin comes from within. Instead, God actively works in the world to br…

Pure or Impure Faith? (James 1:26-2:7)

James had reminded the brethren that even in the Christian life there are trials and temptations. But something else had arisen in the ranks of the faithful. Self-deception and hypocrisy had taken root. Why? The words of James provide the answer. Bible Teacher Mark Fontecchio challenges us to cons…

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment (James 2:8-13)

The blot of racial bias stains the pages of church history. Prejudice is common. Partiality comes when we least expect it. Partiality even shows up when we show deference towards the wealthy or people of influence. This road leads people to fail to live up to the righteous standards of God. There …

Gospel Clarity Series - Can Faith Save Him? (James 2:14-26)

Martin Luther referred to James as a straw epistle. Many others have struggled to find the relationship between faith and works within this letter from James. The confusion that surrounds the book of James continues to be an ever-present reality within the Church of Christ. Meanwhile, people around…

Set on Fire by Hell (James 3:1-6)

Our words have the ability to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ and to glorify the Lord. They also have the terrifying ability to bring horrible destruction to the Body of Christ and to dishonor our Savior. The tongue can be an instrument for evil, against which believers must stand in co…

An Unruly Evil (James 3:7-18)

The greatest servants of God struggled at times with their words. The tongue is full of poison and constantly wants to break out with words that destroy. Does this mean that the tongue cannot be tamed? The best use of the tongue is to praise our God. One of the worst is to curse our fellow man. The…