Introduction To James Part 1

Theme

Real Faith Produces Genuine Works. Key verse James 2:17.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.

Outline

• James 1 - Real Faith produces Genuine Stability
• James 2-3:12 - Real Faith produces Genuine Love
• James 3-5:6 - Real Faith produces Genuine Humility
• James 5:7-20 - Real Faith produces Genuine Patience

Who?

The name 'James' was very common – the NT lists at least 5 men with the names 'James', two of whom were Jesus' disciples and one of whom was His half-brother.

Survey of the Choices – Author

1. James the son of Zebedee & brother of John: This man was the most prominent "James" in the gospels. He was one of the "sons of thunder," originally a fisherman with John (his brother), along with Peter and Andrew. He became a disciple of Jesus and was later martyred by Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in Acts 12:2 (AD 44). Unlikely that this James could have written this epistle before he was killed, and there is no tradition arguing that he did.


2. James the son of Alphaeus, another disciple: Very little is known about this James, the brother of Matthew (Levi). He was another disciple of our Lord, but again, there is no hint that he is the one who wrote this epistle.


3. James the father of Judas the disciple (Judas Thaddaeus): Even more obscure. Not a likely candidate.


4. James the brother of Jude & half-brother of our Lord: Most probably the author of this epistle. He is not so identified, but much about his character is revealed that is in keeping with what is known about him. The fact that he does not so identify himself (as our Lord's brother) may be an indication of his humility, but it also reveals the standing and personal authority he had in the opinion of his readers. James the brother of Jesus became the leader of the church at an early date (Acts 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18; Gal 1:19; 2:9,12). He was a man well known and highly esteemed in the new Christian community.
   
   "James, a servant of God and of Jesus Christ" was an entirely sufficient identification to them. The brevity of it only makes the author obscure to the modern reader.

Other Supporting Reasons

• The language of the epistle is similar to James' speech at the Apostolic Council (Acts 15:13-21), and to the epistle subsequently sent out to Gentiles (Acts 15:23-29). Circumstances reflected in the epistle fit the date and situation in which James of Jerusalem would be writing.


• The epistle also has a primitive Christian theology which fits well into the kind of early Jewish-Christian environment associated with James the brother of Jesus.

James apparently was an unbeliever during the ministry of Jesus (John 7:3-5). He even challenged Jesus and misunderstood his mission. A post-resurrection appearance of Christ to him (1 Cor 15:7) probably led to his conversion, as he was with the believers in the upper room (Acts 1:14).

He was called the "righteous" or the "just" because of his faithfulness to the law and his devotion to prayer. He was said to have "knees like those of camels" because of his much time spent in prayer. He was also known as James Adelphotheos, which means the brother of God, James, the Brother of the Lord, and James of Jerusalem.

According to Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62.

Young Adults' Special: Something's Cookyn

Always wanted to prepare something extra delicious for your special someone, or looking to become a whiz in the kitchen?

Reachlight has got something yummy in store for you to participate in - "Cookyn Parties" with Chef Mervyn! Chef Mervyn is no professional chef and he does not claim to be one. However, he enjoys taking time and effort to prepare meals for his family and friends. He's just a regular guy so if he can prepare a great meal that looks good, so can you!

Here's the menu you'll be whipping up:

• Home-made Scones with freshly whipped cream and jam
• Salmon in a parcel (featuring chorizo)
• Pasta with tiger prawns tossed in laksa cashew nut pesto
• Fresh strawberry trifle

Date: 9 April 2011
Time: 4-8pm
Venue: 273, Thomson Road, #04-01, Singapore 307644
Price: SGD 85 per pax

The price that you will be paying includes the following:

• Water, soft drinks, sparkling juices and wine
• All ingredients and recipe sheets to take home
• Aprons to wear during the session

Let me know ASAP if you are keen as there are only 20 slots available! :)

20110304 Young Adults Gathering

Hi all!

This week we will be having a combined young adults gathering! The theme of the night will be "Salt and Light." I will highly encourage everyone to attend and also to mingle with other fellow BASICs. :) Details below:

Venue: The Tropica, 51 Tampines Avenue 1, S(529771)
Room: Function Room
Date: 4 March 2011
Time: 6:30pm to 10pm

As there's a need for them to prepare the venue, please kindly RSVP to me (via email or handphone) by tomorrow.

Thanks & blessings!

20101013 Cell Outing To Play Nation

[UPDATE 2: Due to unforeseen circumstances, that quite a number of our cell members being unable to make it, this outing has been postponed to the following week instead. Date and timing updated in post.]

[UPDATE 1: I'll be bringing the Prayer Booster textbook and workbook, so do let me know if you are coming. If you have not yet paid for them, do try to bring exactly $9 for me as well. Thanks.]

Dear BASICs,

We are going to have our cell fellowship outing this coming Wednesday, 06 13 October 2010, 7pm.

The venue is at Play Nation, 64 Prinsep Street.

Those interested to meet, we can meet at Douby Ghaut MRT Station at 645pm.

Else, I'll see y'all there! :D

God bless!

Understanding The Lordship Of Jesus Christ

Dear BASICs,

This is a short sharing as follow-up from our cg discussion last week, which we unfortunately did not have sufficient time to go through. I figured this would really help each of us in understanding the great importance of knowing the Lordship of our beloved Saviour, although as commonly understood but always taken for granted. This sharing is loaded with scriptural references, so do use biblegateway or whatever medium that allows you rapid pinpoint of various scriptures for the full understanding!!
(You can flip your bible also if you are very very zhai! LOL)

So here it is, adapted from http://www.lovesark.net/biblenyou/lordship.html.

Understanding the FOUNDATION

1. The price that Jesus Paid
- Christ is OUR Lord because of the price which he has bought using HIS blood.
- "You are not your own; you were bought at a price'' (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV)
- Not by silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Jesus. (1 Peter 1:19)

2. Jesus exalted as Lord
- "At his name, every knee would bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:5—11)
- Salvation comes only by acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives. (Romans 10:9)

3. Jesus Demanding Loyalty
- Hard truth that should we love anyone else on Earth more than Jesus, including our parents and spouse, we are not deemed to be counted as His Sheep!. (Luke 14:26,27)
- But putting His love foremost, we can expect an overflowing of compassion and stronger love for our loved ones within our community. We are called to FIRST love Him, and then our neighbours!
- Its all the way brothers and sisters! No looking back to "greener pastures". (Luke 9:62)

Understanding the APPLICATION

1. Jesus, Lord over our Mind
- The Mind is a battlefield, master it and win the war. (Matthew 16:23)
- Following the world's thinking patterns and your thought-life reflects the values of the world. Thoughts and ideas process to actions and constant action proceeds into habit and sin.
- Do NOT be conformed, not even a chance! (Romans 12:2)
- Jesus KNOWS your EVERY thought. Yes, even right now! (1 Chronicles 28:9)

2. Jesus, Lord over our Body
- Flee from sexual temptation and evil desires. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
- But offer our bodies as holy and acceptable sacrifices. Availing of our time and effort, letting Him use us, even in our weaknesses. (Romans 12:1)

3. Jesus, Lord over our Decisions
- Asking the Lord, what to do, where to go at every juncture and cross-road. Acknowledging that His decisions matter over our lives. We are not living just for ourselves! (Bought with a price - see above)
- Lean not on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4. Jesus, Lord over our Finances
- Money is root of all evil. True to a certain extent, but careful stewardship renders abundant blessings from the master! (Matthew 6:24)
- Give abundantly, not only when you have money, but when we are poor! (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
- Make our bank in heaven, not earth! (Matthew 6:19-21)

5. Jesus, Lord over our Work
- Finally, work is essential for everyone of us. Lazing and slacking is unacceptable in God's eyes!
- Work, with excellence, with all our hearts, but working for the Lord, not for men! (Colossians 3:24-25)
- In the same manner, find time to rest and seek the Lord in quiet moments. Rest is biblical!! Don't overwork! (Luke 10:38-42)

That's all for the short sharing. I hope you guys find it as helpful as I found it to be! God bless and have a great victorious week ahead!

In Christ Alone,

Adriel

04 Aug 10: Memory Verse

Psalm 66:20 (NIV)
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!

~ Contributor: Stanley

More sharing by Stanley:
As we walk in fellowship with Christ and sense His love so deep and true, may it bring to the soul it's highest joy as nothing in this world can do.

Preparation for Cell: 04 Aug 10

Dear bros and sis,

This week, we will be studying on Convictions Chapter 6, and as below are the questions assigned to each team for pre-cell research. :)

Preparation for Questions (don't know which team you belong to?):

• Priscilla's Team - 6. Give an example of an evil compromise and an example of a good compromise.


• Stanley's Team - 1. Explain how a conviction can become a driving force in one’s life.


• Adriel's Team - 11. How serious are we when we pray “our Savior and Lord”? Discuss some key areas Christians should be aware of in practicing the Lordship of Christ.


• Gabriel's Team - 10. With reference to the four temptations of compromise, what is Satan’s strategy?

In other news, for those who have yet to pay for the new Prayer Booster textbook ($8) and workbook ($1), please pass me the money tomorrow.

Also, there's a cell gathering on Thursday, 5 Aug. The cell is planning to watch "Despicable Me". Please kindly update our dear Gabriel who is helping in organising this if you are interested to go.

See you all tomorrow and God bless! :)