of being able to peruse the Bible on our own, at our leisure. As a fellowship group, therefore, we intend to spend time investigating God's Word together. In the coming weeks, we will cover the book of James, the first book (chronologically written) in the New Testament. We will be trying out a new method of Bible study which was used and proven quite effective at Urbana06, plus we can apply all those guidelines taught to us by Uncle Joseph and Pastor Francis over the past 2 months.
Bring your thoughts, bring your questions. This is not a lecture! If you read Chapter 1 beforehand for this week, that'll be beneficial.
Why James? Well, we want to commemorate (our) James' birthday. heehee...perhaps! [but really, Happy Birthday :) ]
Here's a great answer that I've snatched from another book on James:
"An observant saint has called the letter to James the "Proverbs of the New Testament." It is a general yet purposeful letter, full of penetrating and convicting statements. The five chapters are very demanding, and, if studied and applied, will enable you to grow spiritually. Throughout his letter, James encourages believers to practice what he himself knows to be true.
James is generally accepted to be the half-brother of Jesus. This meant they were born and reared in the same family. James' letter was written to Christian Jews who were scattered across the then-known world as a result of the first wave of persecution. His letter is also written for the Church and the Christian today, with admonition on how to become spiritually mature in Christ.
As Christians we may find ourselves swallowed up in problems caused by our choice to live our own way rather than God's way. James responds to this struggle with practical teaching on how to grow and mature spiritually. Many Christians in the early church were failing to live what they professed to believe. James addresses issues such as the tongue and worldliness. The thurst of his letter is that believers are not to undermine what they believe in their head and heart by what they practice in their daily living."
- James: growth and maturity published by Prairie Bible Institute, 1984
So -- if you want to grow and mature (sure hope you do!), come out on Saturday, May 26, 2007 @ CCCO.
Committee meet at 3:00pm
Prayer starts at 3:30pm, all are welcome!
Bible study at 4:00pm
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