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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. James 1:1

Read: James 1:1-18
Listen: James 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

This week we begin a new series on the book (or letter) of James. James is the brother of Jesus who wrote profoundly on faith. Yet at one point, James—along with the rest of Jesus’s family—thinks that Jesus is crazy: “When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).

What changed? How does James go from doubtful skeptic and antagonist to whole-hearted believer? Though James’s transformation likely took time, one key event is the clincher for James’s faith in Jesus: the resurrection. James sees the resurrected Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7). James likely sees his brother tortured, crucified and laid in a tomb outside Jerusalem. Yet he also sees his brother risen from the grave. It must have been transformational to see Jesus alive and well.

James’s faith was real because it was rooted in truth—the truth of who Jesus is and what he accomplished through his life, death, burial, and resurrection. As James’s faith was real, so ours can be as well. Through James’s letter, we will explore what it means to have a real (and growing) faith.

TODAY: One of the catalysts to a growing faith is sharing life with a small group. A small group can challenge and encourage you to grow. Lean into your group and encourage each other to grow during this series. If you are not in a group, now is a great time to join one. New groups start soon, including short-term groups that will discuss this sermon series. Learn more and register HERE for a group that fits your season of life.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Luke 10. Highlight anything that refers to the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfills it.