2007-10-22T19:33:57-05:00 GCI info@gospel.com /feeds/topics/james+background/ http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33628&columnid=3803 2007-10-22T19:33:57-05:00 Holding on to the Goodness of God! We need to realize that we have a purpose; we have a reason to keep going even in times of dire stress and when all seems lost. Even in our darkest hours, God is there communing with us, enabling us to persevere. http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33621&columnid=3803 2007-10-22T19:29:12-05:00 Seeking Wisdom to Deal with Life! James is addressing Christians who are relying on themselves and not really wholeheartedly seeking after God. He implores us to literally beg for wisdom because we are empty in of ourselves. http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33619&columnid=3803 2007-10-22T19:24:39-05:00 Using Our Faith To Live the Life To Which We Have Been Called! Before we get into James directly, let us look at Psalm 15 for a general overview and a primer to the precepts we will learn and be challenged by. As a Christian, you should desire to grow beyond just being saved, right? http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33618&columnid=3803 2007-10-22T19:22:39-05:00 James draws principally from Psalm 15 and Matthew, chapters 5 through 7. How do we react to pressure? Faith will not break when it is real, even when times are dire. We are stable because who we are in Christ and not because of our circumstances. http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33616&columnid=3803 2007-10-22T19:19:20-05:00 James is a book about the application of our faith and the importance to learn and grow in Christ. That way, we can grow in faith and maturity so we can apply our Christian character and conduct in how we are to others! The primary theme running through James is the knowledge we are given...