2. James an Introduction Faith Under Pressure

7. Where do YOU feel pressure? What are some ways people handle pressure?

9. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

12. 1 James,

13. Matthew 13:55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? John 7:5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

14. 1 Corinthians 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Galatians 1:19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. Galatians 2:9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, … a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

15. Acts 15:13, 19 13 When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me. … 19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Galatians 2:12 Before certain men came from James, Acts 21:18-19 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

16. “… in about the year 66 A.D., James was pushed off this pinnacle by the Jews who had become angered with him for his Christian testimony.” “The fall did not kill him, & he managed to stumble to his knees to pray for his murderers. So they finished the job by stoning him to death, and he joined the band of martyrs.” Eusebius

17. To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: dispersa in Greek = scattering like seeds

18. Without faith it is impossible to please God... Hebrews 11:6 … everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Greetings. Greek = “rejoice” or “be satisfied”

19. Lasting Through the Pressure 1:2-12 Pressure From Within 1-13-18 Right Responses to Pressure 1:19-27 Loving Under Pressure 2:1-13 Practicing Faith Under Pressure 2:14-26 Restraining the Pressure Within 3:1-12 The Pressure Between Two Wisdoms 3:13-18 Fighting the Pressures of Sin 4:1-12 Pressure to Be in Control 4:13-17 The Pressures of Wealth 5:1-6 The Pressures of Suffering 5:7-12 The Answer to Our Pressures 5:13-20

20. James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.