Publisher's Synopsis
James' Letter is the manifesto for practical, authentic discipleship. James was a practical man. He had seen hypocrisy -- in himself, in the Pharisees, in everyday Christians -- and he would have none of it. His letter to the early Christian churches is practical and convicting. He talks about heart Christianity worked out in actions. He discusses love and then insists that Christian love can't just speak compassionate words to the hungry -- love must feed them. James was Jesus' younger brother, growing up in the same household. During Jesus' ministry, James had been a skeptic. After Christ's resurrection, however, he believed and became the lead pastor of the Church at Jerusalem, helping to set the tone for the emerging Christian movement. Martin Luther called James' Letter "a right strawy epistle" since it didn't present salvation by grace as clearly as in Paul's letters. But many have found it to be a right convicting epistle. James has a way of slicing through all our rationalizations and defenses, and speaking to our hearts with power. This volume explores the letter in 8 lessons. Thought-provoking discussion questions make it a useful tool for personal enrichment, small groups, and classes. Extensive footnotes and word studies make it ideal for teachers and preachers who are doing careful background research for sermon and lessons.
