Chorus:
So persevere

So persevere my brothers
For He has overcome
So persevere my sisters
For He has overcome
So persevere my children
For He has overcom ------ me

Info on The Epistle of James

It is commonly thought that this epistle was written around 45-50 A.D., making it one of the first epistle to be written. It contains no mention of Gentile believers or the controversy that eventually arose in the church concerning Gentile Christians and the Law. It was evidently written before this had become an issue in the church.

The first of Paul’s missionary journeys had not yet taken place and the church was made up almost entirely of either Jews or Jewish proselytes -- Gentiles who had undergone circumcision and who had become Jewish.

The Author:
James: There are several men named James mentioned in the New Testament, but reliable tradition assigns this book to the one called James the Just-the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55), and brother of Jude (Jude 1), who led the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).

Studying James 1.1-8 alone, with your Family, and with your Community.

To help the entire church mature as a worshipping community, we are providing prepared opportunities for people to study the book in addition to the sermon: by themselves, as a family, or as a group. Following are study and discussion questions intended to help you and your children (if you are a parent) grow as worshippers of Jesus. My suggestions are pretty simple. Parents, try to spend some time during the week reading the passage and talking with your child about its meaning. Don’t spend more than 10-15 minutes, because if the discussions are too long and arduous your children may grow to resent them. Everyone, spend some time discussing the passage when you get together for lunch or dinner. Spend some time alone meditating on the epistle James and ask God how he wants you to respond (e.g. Silence, doing something, prayer, art, confession, repentance, etc.)

For the Week of Nov 3 - 8
Scripture to Read: James 1.1-8

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: James 1.2-3 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Questions to Answer:
Vs. 2 What is your first reaction to James' opening statement?
Does this initial statement probably indicate that James' readers were facing trials?
What does James mean by this?
How do we go beyond denial to a true encounter with joy in the midst of hard ship?
How have you seen or experienced this

What are "various trials"?
In what ways might this relate to the diversity and variety of situations confronted in life? (financial, interpersonal, physical health, etc.)

"Trials" are obviously an important theme of this epistle - Note 1:12-14; 5:7-11
How would you define "trials"?

Question’s toThink about and discuss Cont.
What does it mean to "consider it all joy"?

vs. 3
What are trials...

Do trials serve to...
- make us stronger? How

How does this verse relate to...
- stoicism? - "bite the bullet; you can bear it"
- fatalism? - "what will be, will be; accept what is dealt to you"
- passivism? - "just go with the flow"

Is it true that the trials of life have a positive purpose?

What trials are you going through?
How do you feel God is calling you to joy in this circumstance?

Tips for Parents: Use the song Perseverance to help your children memorize James 1.2-3. Read the the passage and ask them about tests and trials in their life. Practice memorizing the verse together. Explain to your children what you think the passage means, and then have them draw or paint their own visual interpretation to be displayed next Sunday during service.