JAMES:THE BROTHER OF JESUS - SERMON SERIES
James the Brother of Jesus
We are starting a preaching series through the Book of James. James was the revered leader of the Messianic Movement in Jerusalem.
There was great tension between James and the Apostle Paul. On one hand, James acknowledged Jesus as the Crucified and Risen Christ. Moreover, James was an observant Jew. On the other hand, Paul sought to move beyond Jewish observances.
Originally, James did not believe in his brother, Jesus. However, First Corinthians clearly states that James had a post-resurrection encounter with Jesus.
The Letter of James was most likely not written by James. However, there is little doubt that the letter accurately reflects the views of James. … Some theologians believe that the views of James are more reflective of Jesus’ view than those of Paul.
Martin Luther wanted to eliminate the Book of James from the New Testament canon because of its emphasis on “works” and de-emphasis on “grace”.
In our series we will see James’ views on poverty, wealth inequality, the importance of doing good works and the importance of prayer.
Prepare for the preaching series by reading the Book of James. Read it several times. You will be blessed for doing so.
Rev. Brian Martin Ellison, Esq, Senior Pastor
Sunday, April 8, 2018
James 1:1-8
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
James 1:5-8/12-15
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.
Sunday, April 29, 2018