James

This Sunday wraps up our series in the book of James. I’ve had an amazing amount of comments from people saying it’s the best series we’ve ever done, or that it’s their favorite series, or how much they’ve loved the messages.

Which I find astonishing because the book has basically kicked our teeth in every week.

That’s the nature of a book like James. It challenges our lifestyle so much that it’s impossible to honestly read it and not feel conviction. The theme we’ve chosen for the series is, “Now to Live the Life”. The title comes from a Matt Redman song that I’ve always liked, and it encapsulates the point James makes over and over. In essence, his point is…

If the Gospel has changed you on the inside, is that change evident on the outside?

It’s one thing to pray a prayer and agree to good theology. It’s another thing to care for the poor. Or persevere through trials. Or watch your mouth. Or relinquish control.

None of those things save us, but they are evidence that we have been saved. And ultimately, they all are characteristics lived out by Jesus, who told us to follow Him. A disciple, when he is fully trained, should look like his teacher. And when Jesus transforms us internally, it should impact how we are externally.