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The Book of James is one of the most basic books or letters in the New Testament.

It teaches solid, valuable lessons on many subjects that Christians must know.

One of those basic principals (that we will not get to today is) James 2:26,

“Faith without works is dead.” My bible preface states that dead faith is worse than no faith.

The book of James powerfully encourages us to be doers & have living, vibrant FAITH.

The following questions (though not numerous) encourage a variety of personal responses.

James calls himself a “bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

What is a bondservant? Why would James relegate himself to such a low state?

How does James seem to see himself in relation to his half brother?

James calls Jesus,”Lord Jesus Christ.”

Please explain what each of these words mean.

Why do we think James was Jesus' half brother?

To whom did James , especially, write this letter? Did they ever get it? Could we be included in the intended recipients?

Where were (are) many of these 12 tribes today?

Why does James say "scattered” verse one?

Why does James say “count it all joy when you fall into various trials”?

What are some of the trials that you or I may very well be tested by? Suggested verse refs are Matt 5:10-12; Hab 3:17-18; Acts 16:23-25; Heb 10:34. Talk about these trials or tell us some of your own so we can see that we are all in this together.

James says that 'patience' does work (James 1: 4). How does this happen? What is patience? Is it just waiting around?

James equates “trials” with “testing” Elaborate a little more about what this means.

(last question , for me , this time) Verse 4 uses the word 'perfect' twice in this one verse. What does this word mean to James, to you? When Jesus said.”Be you therefore perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” What was He talking about? What is 'perfect'?