Week 1, Hope for the House: Tests, Success and Faith
James, the half-brother of Jesus, writes to a scattered, suffering church facing persecution and poverty. He urges believers to gain wisdom and hold onto a genuine faith. His pastoral letter calls the community to live out their beliefs through humble service, steadfast patience, and compassionate action. Faith is proven not by words alone but by perseverance, especially through trials and successes. Both of these test our trust in God’s reality, goodness, and necessity. James reminds believers that God uses hardship to form Christlike maturity. So, a fruitful, hope-filled church grows by hearing and doing God’s Word, embodying Jesus’ way in everyday life with faith, wisdom, and love.