The document provides an overview of the book of James, including: - James was Jesus' brother who wrote the book to persecuted Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. - It is unique as the first New Testament book written and its focus on personal application of faith. - The central message is that faith in God should result in behavior that harmonizes with God's will, and that the life of faith is one of both peril and power over worldly influences.

2. An Overview Speaker: Doug Humphrey Senior Pastor

3. Who was James? To whom did James write? What makes the book of James unique? What is the message of this book?

4. Who was James? James, the son of Zebedee James, the son of Alphaeus James, the father of Judas the Apostle James, Jesus’ brother

5. 54 He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? 55 “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers , James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And His sisters , are they not with us?... Matthew 13

6. Matthew 13:54-56 Mark 3:31-35 Luke 8:19-21 John 2:12 Jesus Had Siblings!

7. 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1

8. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2

9. The Biblical Record is Clear Jesus had at least four half-brothers, and at least two half-sisters!

10. An Overview Speaker: Doug Humphrey Senior Pastor

11. 2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. 3 Therefore His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. 4 “For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. John 7

12. 20 And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. 21 When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.” Mark 3

13. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15

14. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some brethren at one have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James , then to all the apostles; 1 Corinthians 15

15. An Overview Speaker: Doug Humphrey Senior Pastor

16. To Whom Did James Write? Persecuted Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman empire

17. What Makes This Book Unique? It is the first N.T. book written Its focus on personal application

18. What is the Message of the Book? Faith in God should result in behavior that is in harmony with God's will.

19. The life of faith is a life of peril. Two Affirmations We must challenge the spirit of the world. We must deny the lusts of the flesh. We must resist the devil.

20. God will not provide for you Serve yourself Grab all you can get Money (Ch. 5) God will not defend you Assert yourself Demand your rights Conflicts (Ch. 4) God has abandoned you. Glorify yourself. Promote yourself Speech (Ch. 3) God is withholding something from you. Love yourself. Favor those who can help you. Favoritism (Ch. 2) God hates you Indulge yourself Avoid them Trials (Ch. 1) The Devil says: The Flesh says: The World says: With Regard to

21. The life of faith is a life of power . Two Affirmations It is superior to the spirit of the world. It is stronger than the lusts of the flesh. It is stubborn against the attacks of the devil.

22. Home Work Read through the book of James in one sitting if possible. Jot down your observations and any questions you have about the book. Come back next week ready to be challenged!