Soren Kierkegaard once wrote, “Whenever faith does not issue
in love…and dogma, however orthodox, is unrelated to life…whenever Christians
are tempted to settle down to a self-centered religion…and become oblivious to
the needs of others; or whenever they deny by their manner of living the creeds
they profess, and seem more anxious to be friends of the world than friends of
God, then the Epistle of James has something to say to them…which they
disregard at their peril.” That’s how Kierkegaard introduces the Book of James
to his readers.
Beginning Sunday, January 7, we will embark on a study of the
letter of James to Christians scattered across the world. It’s a letter that
has a lot to say to those who are intentional about moving themselves and
others along in the Christian life from engagement to being fully established in
Christ. And it’s a natural sequel to our examination of the commands of Christ.
This Sunday is a bit of a “bridge” between our last series, “A
Charge to Keep” and our new series, “The Wisdom of James”. Our message is
entitled “Second Stage Christians”. Our text is James 1:17-27. While this text
will be examined much more carefully in the weeks to come, this week we want to
check out three clear pieces of advice James wishes to give to those who are
serious about moving toward maturity in the Christian life. Of all the topics
to entertain at the end of one year and the beginning of the next, I can’t
think of a better one.
See you Sunday!
