James Faith that is Real

What happened to Acts? A look into New Testament chronology Inserting the Bible into its historical context Examining significant issues of theology Theology is the basis for living

Intro to James Author – Likely the brother of Jesus Date Mid to late 40’s AD Around the time of Acts 14 and 15 Audience – Dispersed Jews (1:1) Key Theology -- Faith

Intro to James James asks the question, “Is your faith real?” It is the most important question we can ask. “Is my faith real?”

James 2:14-20 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

You believe that God is one You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

Genuine Faith A poignantly pointed picture A biblically based belief A physically painful problem

Foundations of Faith Faith that is real…the pinnacle Responding to God – Trust Responding to God’s Word In relationship to Trials In relationship to People

Reaping the Harvest Salvation gives birth to life Life gives evidence of life Faith that saves is a faith that lives Reaping the Harvest

Reaping the Harvest Ask yourself the question. Not, “Am I perfect?” “Am I alive?” Reaping the Harvest