The church at Corinth was a big mess! It was full of cliques, each following a different man. Many Christians were snobbish. There was little church discipline. They were unwilling to submit to authority of any kind. The integrity of Paul’s apostleship was frequently questioned.

The church at Corinth was a big mess! It was full of cliques, each following a different man. Many Christians were snobbish. There was little church discipline. They were unwilling to submit to authority of any kind. The integrity of Paul’s apostleship was frequently questioned.

One of the main themes of the book of James is that Christians should not just profess faith in God, but we should live lives that reflect our faith. In other words, we should live in such a way that demonstrates our faith in God. In our passage (5:13-20), James continues to make this point. One of the ways that we live in light of our faith is to pray to God in all situations.

One of the main themes of the book of James is that Christians should not just profess faith in God, but we should live lives that reflect our faith. In other words, we should live in such a way that demonstrates our faith in God. In our passage (5:13-20), James continues to make this point. One of the ways that we live in light of our faith is to pray to God in all situations.

Our great Savior will return. It's only a matter of when. For now, we wait patiently with confident hope in his imminent return in spite of our current suffering.

Our great Savior will return. It's only a matter of when. For now, we wait patiently with confident hope in his imminent return in spite of our current suffering.

As we reflect on the commands of James we tend towards arrogance and point fingers at out here in judgment. We also stray towards self-sufficiency in our self-made independent culture. In both these cases we must not forget God's clear commands regarding our fellow believers and his constant hand in our lives. To know and forget, as James 4:17 says, would be sin!

As we reflect on the commands of James we tend towards arrogance and point fingers at out here in judgment. We also stray towards self-sufficiency in our self-made independent culture. In both these cases we must not forget God's clear commands regarding our fellow believers and his constant hand in our lives. To know and forget, as James 4:17 says, would be sin!

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:8-10

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:8-10