A Quick Read Full Of Christian Truths

James, the author of the Book of James, is the half brother of Jesus Christ. Although the Bible does not give us much information about James being intricately involved with Jesus before the crucifixion, we easily find that after the resurrection James clearly becomes a leading figure in the early church.

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. Galatians 2:9 (emphasis added)

The Book of James is small – only five short chapters. And each chapter gives us a clear message on how Jesus instructed us to correctly live our Christian lives. Christians were scattered throughout the Roman world. So James wrote his letter to encourage them to not falter.

James writes in Chapter 1:

• Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
• Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. James 1:9
• Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

In Chapter 2, Jesus’ brother  writes his message with a strong emphasis on faith.

But his letter is clear that believing in Christ’s teaching alone is not enough. If we truly believe then our hearts should be inclined to create action. Just as James previously wrote in James 1:22,  here he goes deeper into an explanation of carrying out our faith.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

Chapter 3 gives a wonderful reference to lift up our LORD’s name.

God created our mouths, our tongues, and our vocal cords. Here James instructs us not to speak words that offend God. (which include OMG and Oh My G**!)

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12

Chapter 4 reminds us to submit to God, not to the world.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? James 4:1-5

James finishes his letter with many specific Christian instructions in Chapter 5.

• Do not worship money.
• Be patient.
• Stand firm.
• Don’t grumble.
• Do not swear.
• Pray.
• Confess your sins.

His last verses encourage us to always help one another:

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20

Share The Truth Of James On Facebook 

…Does it bother you to hear Oh My G**! flippantly exclaimed? Or to read OMG in advertising and print messaging? If so, I invite you to join the movement and click the Break The Chain tab above! Once there, write your commitment to the title name G-O-D. Help us break the chain of Oh My G**! and OMGs.  Share you believe in the depth of who God is and Lift Him Up in the glory that He alone deserves.