James 1.   The purpose of James’ letter was to encourage a group of Jewish churches to stay true to their faith in Christ, and allow that faith to control their actions.

1. Faith should produce steadfast living in times of testing.  Believers are God’s creatures – and the 1st century Jewish believers were “a kind of firstfruits” of that harvest (1-18).
2. Faith should produce righteous living that demonstrates its genuineness.  The believer’s righteousness is positive – in that it helps the needy (like orphans and widows).  It is also negative – bridling the tongue, and keeping the life unstained from the world (19-27).

LORD, make us creatures who demonstrate our Creator’s faithfulness and righteousness.