Season 4, Episode 1: Can You Rejoice in Troubles and Struggles?

James, the author, the half brother of Jesus, the pastor of the first church in Jerusalem wrote to Jewish believers who were scattered abroad.  This was most likely due to persecution (Acts 6 - 9). 

What are the main objectives of the book of James? “Wisdom literature of the New Testament” and “Practical Christianity.” 

1) Saving faith in Jesus Christ is revealed through daily habits, behavior, conversation.
     A) Rejoice in the Lord always. Negative worship is complaining and grumbling.
     B) Be slow to speak and quick to listen. A non-Holy Spirit restricted tongue quickly leads to sinful activity.
     C) A wise person demonstrates it by a lifestyle/deeds that display the humility of Jesus Christ.

2) Believers are to fight the good fight of faith regardless of persecution, adversity, and ever changing circumstances. 
     A) Pray continually in all circumstances and ask for Godly wisdom.
     B) Trust and know the future belongs to God.
     C) Spiritual maturity is developed by seeking God everyday in the journey whether it is bad or good.

3) Faith apart from action is dead. Christians are called to be doers of the Word not just hearers of the Word.
     A) A Christian is called to be holy and to keep oneself pure from worldly desires.
     B) Seek Christ and He will come near to you.
     C) Sin is not doing the good we are Biblically called to do.

Discussion question: 
Name some obstacles in your life that are keeping you from drawing near to Jesus. What advice would you give someone in a similar situation as you?