New Sermon Series: Faith Works! The Book of James

"Faith Works" is a play on words. On one hand, genuine faith does produce good works (Eph. 2:10). And on the other hand, genuine faith really does work! Christian faith is not simply theoretical it is immensely practical. Join us on Sunday mornings at Carrollwood Baptist Church as we study the Book of James and discover how to put our Christian faith to work in everyday life.

Following is a brief introduction to the Book of James. Hope to see you this Sunday!


Pastor Joe

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Introduction to “The Book of James”

Putting Christian Faith to Work in Every Day Life

Dr. Joe Alain

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.” James 1:1

AUTHOR – 1:1a

1. James, the Brother of Jesus

            * A half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55; Mk. 6:3).

            * Early on, an unbeliever (Mk. 3:21; Jn. 7:5).

            * A believer after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 1:13-14).

            * A leader in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-ff.).

2. James the Servant of Jesus

             * “Doulos,” literally “slave.” No family privileges.

* Affirmation of the deity of Christ. James, a Jewish Christian makes a profound affirmation that Jesus of Nazareth is         the Messiah, “the Lord Jesus Christ.

ADDRESS – 1:1b

God’s “Scattered” People

            * The diaspora began in (north) 722 B.C. (south) 586 B.C.

* 4 million Jews were scattered in the Roman world. Jewish Christians were driven out of Jerusalem after Stephen’s death.

            * All believers in Jesus are pilgrims, “God’s scattered people.”

APPEAL – Faith Works!

Not advocating a salvation through works, but genuine faith results in works (Eph. 2:8-10). James confronts believers with the responsibilities of the Christian life. He defines the Christian life in terms of the moral and ethical behavior of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

* 23 quotations from the Sermon on the Mount.

* Filled with exhortations and imperatives, 60 in 108 verses.

* God’s concern for the poor.             * Faith in Action

             * Importance of prayer                        * Godly wisdom         

             * The moral law                                     * Overcoming in Trials