Link To The Text Of The Epistle Of James!

Below are links to James, from three versions of The Bible: New International Version (what we use in group), The Message (a paraphrase, not at all a real translation, but helpful to check out) and the New American Standard Version (a fine translation of scripture).


In the NIV

In The Message

In the NASB

Verses To Memorize

For Week One

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (1:22 NIV)

For Week Two

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (2:14-17 NIV)

For Week Three

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (3:13-16 NIV)

For Week Four

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” (4:13-15 NIV)

For Week Five

13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (5:13-15 NIV)

Purpose

The blog will be for "through the week conversation" regarding what we discuss on Wednesdays during Lent in our "Faith Works" Bible study time. It is also a neat bb for links to articles, and other online resources.

Post as you will. Try and keep it at least somewhat connected to our Wednesday group time, if possible, but random silliness is allowed, too! You might notice I'm a rather fun-loving guy, and I hope this blog (and our group) carry the same vibe. We should at all times seek to take God seriously, not ourselves.

Enjoy!

Dave

About Our Group Leader

Many of us know each other, but for the sake of newbies- hi. I'm in my early 40s, and I've been a follower of Christ for most of my life. I was raised in church, but I found faith as a young teenager, suddenly aware that all my Bible knowledge and church attendance meant jack to a Holy God that I had offended by my inherent sinfulness. I've been married for a good long while, too. We have one daughter (so far). I have been in Christian ministry for many years, but for the last 4 years, I have been a full time Realtor. My last church was one I started in Newton\Brookline, Mass. I am currently the (volunteer) Christian Education Director at Christ Church.

I have 2 Master's degrees in theology\religion, but that does not an expert make. Christianity (as we will see in this group) is meant to be lived out in the marketplace-and worked out in our head, heart, AND hands. No education, pedigree or credentials needed. Jesus is all the "street cred" we need.