April 24, 2015 – June 5, 2015
A Reformed Perspective on the Book of James
James is one of the most confusing and possibly one of the most controversial books of the Bible; how can this legalistic instruction about our behavior and actions fit in a New Testament professing grace and mercy? In fact, there are some Christians that love this book and others that would prefer it be thrown out of the biblical canon. This Groundwork series studies the book of James in the context of the New Testament and discusses how James' instruction, though blunt and seemingly moralistic, can benefit the faith life of all believers who by God's grace have already come to believe in Jesus Christ.
Episodes in this Series
April 24 , 2015
Understanding Temptation
Join us as we study James 1 to learn what James has to say about temptation and its origin. Then we'll look at his choice to end the chapter discussing the relationship between faith and actions.
May 1 , 2015
A Biblical Warning against Favoritism in the Church
In James 2:1-13 James lets his readers know that showing preference has no place in the body of Christ. Together let's discuss James' message and discover why he says favoritism is not just unfair, it’s a spiritual problem.
May 8 , 2015
Faith and Works
The Christians James was addressing in his letter seem to have forgotten what real faith was. On Groundwork we study James 2:14-26 to discover James' description of real faith and discuss how it applies to us.
May 15 , 2015
The Power of Words and Speech
In James 3:1-12 the Apostle has a lot of dire warnings on the power of the human tongue. Today on Groundwork we dig into that chapter to discover the power of speech, the need to seek control over our mouths, and how it relates to the health of our spiritual life.
May 22 , 2015
Wisdom and Worldliness
Join us as we study James 3:13-4:12 to discover the source and definition of real wisdom. Then we’ll look at the advice James gives for how we can live in the world, but resist embracing the empty wisdom of the world.
May 29 , 2015
Planning for the Future
Join us as we study James 4:13-17 to learn why James cautions us to be careful lest our future planning causes us to stumble in our faith and discover what he thinks is the appropriate way to plan for the future.
June 5 , 2015
Wealth, Patience, and Suffering
Together we’ll study James 5 to discover the implications of James’ closing warning about wealth, patience and suffering for how we live out our faith today.