James: 30 Day Devotional: 4 (Food for the Journey Keswick Devotionals 4)

As leader of the Jerusalem church what words of encouragement would James write to these persecuted Christians? Perhaps a little surprisingly his key message was: faith works. Genuine belief inevitably transforms our speech suffering compassion for the poor humility prayers priorities and frankly every other aspect of life. In 5 chapters James introduces and briefly touches upon a whole variety of issues that concern the new believers. In a simple forthright style he urges them to live out their faith knowing that Gods grace is sufficient for every trial and that there is a value and purpose to their suffering. James own life illustrated this message. He had grown up with Jesus and was naturally sceptical about his brothers Messianic claims. But a post-resurrection encounter with Jesus revolutionised his life. He was transformed from a vocal critic into a key leader of the early church and prime mover in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).