Monday, June 16, 2014

James - an Introduction

We begin a new series of systematically engaging the Letter from James.  In this message, I introduce you to James, give some background to the Letter, and note some of the themes to be discussed in our expositional study of "James".

Listen to this message and respond to what the Lord says to you. May God bless his Word in your life.




James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:  Greetings.  

Who is THIS James?

·      In the New Testament, multiple “Jameses” from which we can choose.  For example:

1.     James the son of Zebedee.

2.     James the son of Alphaeus.

3.     James the father of Judas (not Iscariot).

4.     James, the half-brother of Jesus

** Most agree…James is brother of Jesus.

c.f.:  This is affirmed throughout Scripture…

·      Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55 – Jesus had brothers.
·      Acts 1:14 – After resurrection, Mary and Jesus’ brothers were with disciples