A practical guide on faith

About the author The brother of Jesus One of the church leaders in Jerusalem One who worked with Peter One who was possibly among the 120 Was not a disciple One who issued regulations to all churches One who knew Paul well One who received funds from Paul

TRIALS TEMPTATIONS DIFFICULTIES Why do they come to good Christians Who is responsible for that How to overcome it? What is God’s part? What is the part of the believers?

Book of Hebrews and Epistle of James are at next door to each other. Both are books on faith The first one talks of how people got through in olden days in their faith struggle The second one dictates how one should conduct himself at home and church to build the faith of others

All put together Humility for the rich Exaltation for the poor because life is short and like a flower or a vapor that passes away

Summary Don’t blame God God created us out of free will that we may be the crown of all creation Leave all wrath against God and man Lay aside all filthiness and wickedness Doers of Word Not forgetful of what we hear that we may be blessed in all our works Bridle our tongue To visit orphans and widows and the destitute. Keep unspotted from the world

Church, rich and the poor Treating the poor with contempt? The rich blaspheme God Showing partiality is sin and guilt Judgment is what we do to others Preaching faith with action Abraham displayed faith by obedience Rahab confessed God’s greatness and obeyed

Faith – controlling tongue? Chapters 3 onwards are description of what said in first two chapters.Chapters 3 onwards are description of what said in first two chapters. 3:5-12,3-4 is about controlling tongue which is same as in 1:26.3:5-12,3-4 is about controlling tongue which is same as in 1:26. Uncontrolled tongue is vain religion.Uncontrolled tongue is vain religion. It brings hatred and fights.It brings hatred and fights. Why people slander others? They are jealous because others are above them or successfulWhy people slander others? They are jealous because others are above them or successful And they are afraid of themAnd they are afraid of them Why Did Saul hate David?Why Did Saul hate David?

Faith and loose tongue How is faith affected by loose tongue?How is faith affected by loose tongue? Moses spoke hastily some words at HorebMoses spoke hastily some words at Horeb Aaron and Miriam spoke unwantedAaron and Miriam spoke unwanted things against Moses things against Moses Hasty talks comes out of arroganceHasty talks comes out of arrogance Arrogance comes out of over confidence or despising othersArrogance comes out of over confidence or despising others This was the problem with the PhariseesThis was the problem with the Pharisees

Faith and wisdom Worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom 3:15-16,13 A man who thinks he is wise or superior to others despises them. Worldly wisdom is considered foolishness before God. Any one wanting wisdom must ask God without wavering 1:5

Faith and humility 3:14,18 Lack of humility brings strife envy arrogance, and loss of peace3:14,18 Lack of humility brings strife envy arrogance, and loss of peace When a man loses peace with others he cannot have peace within and with God.When a man loses peace with others he cannot have peace within and with God. Thus all these are inter connected characters that could affect faith living.Thus all these are inter connected characters that could affect faith living. This is same as 1:9 and 2:5This is same as 1:9 and 2:5

Greed- unanswered prayer-faith 4:1-3 When anger and envy get out of control it ends in war and murder. So did Cain to Abel and what benefit he got by killing his brother?4:1-3 When anger and envy get out of control it ends in war and murder. So did Cain to Abel and what benefit he got by killing his brother? Why people don’t get answers to their prayers? It is with selfish motives which is called lust or covetousness. Greed is equal to idolatry ( I SamuelWhy people don’t get answers to their prayers? It is with selfish motives which is called lust or covetousness. Greed is equal to idolatry ( I Samuel And witch craft. Why?And witch craft. Why? The people in the wilderness cried all night that they did not have meat to eat! The wrath of God was kindled against them 1:1-8 ; 16-18The people in the wilderness cried all night that they did not have meat to eat! The wrath of God was kindled against them 1:1-8 ; 16-18

Faith and sickness Why sickness comes?Why sickness comes? Confess one another’s faultsConfess one another’s faults Ask for elders to prayAsk for elders to pray Pray ferventlyPray fervently Pray believingPray believing Bring the backslidingBring the backsliding Soul winner gets the creditSoul winner gets the credit

Summary of Good Christian living Don’t amass wealthDon’t amass wealth Don’t be unkind to poorDon’t be unkind to poor Don’t afflict helplessDon’t afflict helpless Wait patiently for God like a farmerWait patiently for God like a farmer Don’t grumble against one anotherDon’t grumble against one another Persevere like Job- God is compassionate and mercifulPersevere like Job- God is compassionate and merciful Be honest in your conversationsBe honest in your conversations Sing praise when happySing praise when happy In suffering hold in prayerIn suffering hold in prayer