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! :)

21 Jul 10: Memory Verse

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

~ Contributor: Lionel

Preparation for Cell: 21 Jul 10

Dear all bros and sis,

We will be wrapping up Convictions Chapter 5 this coming cell. :) If you have yet to read up Convictions Chapter 6, please do so this week, as we'll be doing it from next cell onwards.

Also, for those who have ordered the "Prayer Booster" textbook ($8) and workbook ($1), please remember to bring the money to pay me as well.

See you all tomorrow! God bless you!

16 Jun 10: Memory Verse

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

~ Contributor: Adriel

Attention! Young Adults Seminar by RBC

PEOPLE!

This is really a last minute post for an RBC Seminar scheduled tomorrow at St Andrew's cathedral. Both me and Pris are really interested in attending (Plus go see see the beautiful church as well!!), yeah but of course, the teachings on a lasting relationship in a messed up world.

I really feel that it is quite apt for some of us in this point of our lives now. (Come on, let's now be shy about this! LoL) And yes, I pray that this would enrich and encourage all of us in one way or another regarding the complicated issues of love and relationship in this sin depraved society of ours today!

Attached are the details. Know that this is really last minute, but if can come, COME! We'll go together and learn together! We'll confirm via sms ba!

RBC Ministries Youth Bible Teaching

In conjunction with the Bible conference, RBC Ministries is also holding a Youth Bible Teaching session. Rev. Paul Baxendale is the speaker for this event as well. In today's world of fleeting encounters, youth often find it challenging to establish a meaningful and lasting boy-girl relationship. Currently in his late thirties, Paul's relatively young age helps him connect with youth effectively as he seeks to provide spiritual guidance based upon the unchanging Word of God.

Designed for young people between the ages of 13 and 25, the event details are as follows:

Title: A Lasting Relationship In A Messed Up World
Speaker: Rev. Paul Baxendale
Date: 13 July 2010 (Tuesday)
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue: St Andrew's Cathedral, New Sanctuary.

If you have any queries, please e-mail or contact us at 6858-0900.

Adriel

2010 June: Young Adult Combined Cell Meeting

Greetings BASICs,

As mentioned at the beginning of the month, we will be having the our combined young adult cell meeting this coming Friday, 25 Jun 2010.

The venue is at Mary’s Kafe at Kum Yan Methodist Church (on Queen’s Street).

How to get there? It's at the street next to the Singapore Art Museum (along Bras Basah Road). It's also about 7 mins walk from Bugis MRT or City Hall MRT, and a stone’s throw away from the Bras Basah Circle Line MRT station. If you are driving, places that you can park can be found at:

1. NTUC Income Centre (car park entrance is from Queen Street itself)
2. Hotel Royal @ Queens
3. Blk 642 Waterloo Centre (HDB basement carpark)

Should you want to meet and go together, drop me a SMS. I'm sure we can arrange something. ;)

Last but not least, you are strongly encouraged to attend. Adriel and Priscilla are putting up a special item on behalf of our cell. Naturally, I look forward to your earnest participation to show your support, for we are all a single body of Christ. :)

Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.

~ Andrew Murray

Preparation for Cell: 16 Jun 10

Dear all bros and sis,

We will be beginning on Convictions Chapter 5 this coming cell, and as below are the questions assigned to each team for pre-cell research. :) Do highlight to me if you are not able to make it (especially for rostered members except Adriel and Priscilla) so that I can make advance planning and adjustments. Thanks much!

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

• Priscilla's Team - 1. What is a cult?


• Stanley's Team - 2. What are the differences between a cult and traditional Christianity?


• Adriel's Team - 3. How do you deal with a cult member who has joined your house group?


• Gabriel's Team - 4. What is the best way to deal with a cult member who is knocking at your door?

Let's all be prepared for this coming cell. God bless one and all! :)

02 Jun 10: Memory Verse

Numbers 23:19 (NIV)
God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?

~ Contributor: Elaine

Preparation for Cell: 26 May 10

Hi BASICs,

Please take note of the questions to be discussed tomorrow. :) Do highlight to me if you are not able to make it (especially for rostered members) so that I can make advance planning and adjustments. Thanks much!

Worship Lead: Adriel

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

• Priscilla's Team - 12. Wrong belief system results in wrong action, but oftentimes practitioners see no wrong. Cite some modern day examples.


• Stanley's Team - 10. In place of a right relationship with God, man has devised many poor substitutes - false religion, idolatry, cults, theories of evolution, atheism, New Age Movement, astrology, witchcraft, occultism, Satanism, etc. Select any three and discuss.


• Adriel's Team - 13. Truth must have a point of reference. As Christians, where is our point of reference? Why?


• Gabriel's Team - 11. Who is God to you? Identify some of His qualities. How does it affect you?

See you all tomorrow! :)

19 May 10: Memory Verse

Isaiah 43:1-5a (NIV)
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

~ Contributor: Ruth

Preparation for Cell: 19 May 10

Hi BASICs,

Some updates:

• Please pray for Priscilla's uncle who was admitted to hospital for breathlessness yesterday. He has a condition of liver cancer. Stage of health is unknown now, but do pray in proxy for him.
• Troven's audition into Praislight was a success! Praise God!

Please take note of the questions to be discussed for next week. :) Do highlight to me if you are not able to make it (especially for rostered members) so that I can make advance planning and adjustments. Thanks much!

Worship Lead: Stanley

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

• Priscilla's Team - 8. Give reasons why the theories of reincarnation cannot stand (see Hebrews 9:27).


• Stanley's Team - 7. What are the devastating implications on young people if they truly believe in the theories of evolution?


• Adriel's Team - 6. Why are there so many different theories of evolution?


• Gabriel's Team - 9. Just because everyone is sincere but is taking a different route to the same place, we should all be tolerant. Do you agree with that? Please discuss.

May you all have a fruitful week dwelling in God's Word! God bless and catch up next week! :D

05 May 10: Memory Verse

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~ Contributor: John

Preparation for Cell: 05 May 10

Hi BASICs,

Please take note of the questions to be discussed for this week. :) We are now at Convictions Chapter 4 by the way.

Do highlight to me if you are not able to make it (especially for rostered members) so that I can make advance planning and adjustments. Thanks much!

Worship Lead: Stanley

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

• Priscilla's Team -4. It is so obvious that no created being could ever topple God's government. Why then did Lucifer attempt it? (See Isaiah 14:12-15.)


• Stanley's Team - 2. Imagine this world without Truth. What will be the consequences?


• Adriel's Team - 5. What are the dangers of a wrong belief system?


• Gabriel's Team - 1. The fact that there is such a thing called Truth requires certain responses from us. What are they?

God bless and see you all tomorrow! :)

Preparation for Cell: 28 Apr 10

Greetings all!

What follows is the roster for this week. Please kindly prepare. :) Do highlight to me if you are not able to make it (especially for rostered members) so that I can make advance planning and adjustments. Thanks much!

Worship Lead: Adriel

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

• Priscilla's Team -13. God is looking for a man to stand in the gap before Him (Ezekiel 22:30). How would you respond to this?


• Stanley's Team - 14. Being a Moabitess, Ruth was an outsider. How did God reward her for her godly conviction (see Ruth 4:9-22)?


• Adriel's Team - 15. Upholding godly convictions is no easy matter. Noah was willing to pay the price. Can you think of some incidents or situations Noah must have gone through?


• Gabriel's Team - 12. What was Joshua's recommendation and promise to the Israelites when he took over the leadership?

God bless and see you all tomorrow! :)