CHRISTIAN LIFE

"Incredible" ... "Revolutionary" ... "Amazing" ... "Miraculous"... "Greatest ever" ... " !!!

That's the word today. We are inundated, 'brain-washed' by a flood of extravagant claims in all sorts of media. The messages leap, bounce out at us. The advertised products assure that they are new, improved, fantastic, and more important they are capable of changing our lives. For only a few Rand we can have 'whiter teeth', 'glamorous clothes and hair', and 'tastier food'. Cars, perfume, diet drinks, and mouthwash are all part of good life and the guarantee to bring happiness and friends.

And just before an election, no one can match the politician's promises. But talk is cheap, and too often we soon realize that the boasts were hollow, quite far from the truth.

"Jesus is the answer!" ... "Believe in God!" ... "Follow me to the church!" Christians also make great claims but are too often guilty of belying them with their actions. Professing to trust God and to be His people, they cling tightly to the world and its values. Let's face it, possessing all the right answers, they contradict the Gospel with their lives.

With a crisp, energetic style and well chosen-words, James confronts this conflict head-on. He says, "It is not enough to talk the Christian faith; we must live it. That is simply the proof of the reality of our faith which naturally will lead to a changed life. Genuine faith will inevitably produce good deeds. This the central theme of Jame's letter, and around it he supplies practical advice on living the Christian life.

The vital statistic and purpose of this letter is to expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behaviour. The blueprint is directed to genuine religion, genuine faith and genuine wisdom in that order. James, Jesus' brother, a leader in the Jerusalem church, begins his letter by outlining some general characteristics of the Christian life. Next, he exhorts Christians to act justly in society. He then follows this practical advice with a theological formal expression of thought on the relationship between faith and action. Then, James shows the importance of controlling one's speech which leads to his next point where James distinguishes two kinds of wisdom - earthly and heavenly. This leads to the encouragement to his readers to turn from evil desires and obey God. James reproves those who trust in their own plans and possessions, and finally he exhorts his readers to be patient with each other. to be straightforward in their promises, to pray for each other, and to help each other to remain faithful to God.

This letter could be considered a 'how-to-book' on Christian living. Confrontation, challenges, and a call to commitment await you in its pages.