Good Morning

Since ALL of you looked up James 1, verse 1 yesterday to see how he identified himself, it will be easy to locate

it again! (see how I love you) After our thorough investigation of how we got the Bible--what it comprises--

and the 'basics' on why it is reliable, I felt led to dive into a study on the book of James. It is one of my

favorite books of the Bible--so full of wisdom, encouragement, and information about doing life well.

I remember when I was about 11, I memorized most of James chapter 1 in the Living Bible--from "The Way",

if you remember that paperback version, full of smiling hippie types. I can still call up the heart of those verses:

"From James, a servant of God to Jewish Christians scattered abroad, Greetings!

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is

rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don't try to squirm out of your problems,

for when your patience is finally in full bloom, you will be ready for anything--strong in character,

full and complete."

Reread those last six words. That's what I'd like to be. . .

strong in character, full and complete.

Character is defined as 'the combination of qualities or features that distinguish one person from another--

their moral or ethical strength'. The Greek word James uses here for character indicates that it is

developed over time, through testings. (bummer--that last part)

James, as we discussed yesterday, was the half-brother of our Lord. He wrote this powerful little book

in A.D. 47 - 49, just about 15 years after Jesus ascended into Heaven. Remember, that neither the New

or Old Testaments are ordered chronologically; the book of James was written before the book of Acts,

(which is all about the establishment of the early church. . . hmm, maybe we should look at that next?

'love that). In Acts, we learn that James was the leader of the church. Can you say 'changed man'?

The Jewish Christians to whom James is writing had been 'saved', (3,000 of them), while in Jerusalem

to observe the Feast of Weeks, (or Pentecost), when the Holy Spirit was poured out, and they heard the Gospel

preached in their own native languages. (See Acts 2 if you want to read the account) So James is writing

to instruct them in the ways of Christian living, as they are just like a flock, separated from each other

and their shepherd.

Would you please read James 1, verses 1 - 20? First, ask God to bring understanding to your mind as you read;

then, as you read, underline or highlight verses that resonate in your heart or mind. There are some life verses

in this passage; we'll talk more about them starting tomorrow.

On our way to being 'full and complete'. . .

Christine

p.s. What am I talking about when I refer to 'Jewish Christians who had been saved?' When someone comes to a decision

to make Jesus the Leader of her life, she is said to be a Christian. There is a recognition of personal sin, and the need

for God's direction--a realization that the work that Jesus did on the Cross was for her. No denominational ties or

religious ceremonies need be undertaken; it is a private pact,if you will, between the creation and her Creator. Cool.

Now, the term 'saved' is used several times in the New Testament to describe that--For example, the Philippian jailer

said to Paul in Acts 16.31, 'what must I do to be saved?' (the decisive act I described above) Paul answered, 'Believe in

the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.' If someone were to ask 'saved from what?' I would say, 'saved from

living life exclusively for myself, and saved from spending eternity separated from God,' capische?