If you've ever sat in the waiting area at a walk-in clinic, you know how crazy things can get.  There's something about waiting we don't do that well.  Which is why James writes this section - to encourage better behavior while we wait for the Lord's return.  How goes the wait?

While 'speech' is one of God's wonderful gifts to humans, it can be a two-edged sword.  There are certain types of speech that are downright nasty and thus forbidden.  And there are ways of using words that mask and mislead.  What do we need to know to be truly well-spoken?

Sometimes in our zeal to isolate the culprit behind evil, we put the finger on the Devil.  Yet, according to scripture, we actually wage war on several fronts; the world, the flesh (or desires) and the Devil.  Were the Devil to cease to exist tomorrow, evil would persist in our world.  Why?  Because it arises from multiple sources.  James shows how our own desires get us into trouble. 

Usually, when one considers 'wisdom' they think in terms of intelligence (I.Q.).  Not so the Bible.  Wisdom, like faith, is best seen by how it works itself out in our lives.  What are the qualities that best reveal wisdom?

'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...' true or false?  James has great respect for the power of human speech.  If your speech was the test of your maturity, how would you fare?

The great German reformer, Martin Luther, is reported to have said, "Although one is saved by faith alone, a faith that remains alone isn't a saving faith".  What would Jesus say about this?  In this passage, James, the brother of our Lord, gives us a pretty good idea. 

Does God have favourites?  If he does, they're not the people you might think.  Do we play favourites?  In the church or at home?  James has some good reasons why favouritism has no place in the church or our lives. 

Most people are familiar with the word 'church'.  But do they really understand it?  What do we mean by 'church'?  What is it like?  What is it for?  How does it grow?  Does the world still need the Church?

Being a fully devoted follower of Jesus is describable.  What are some of the key features we might expect in someone who is well-developed as a Christian?