Today we begin our study of the Book of James. The entire epistle of James is a practical call to live out genuine faith through action, obedience, and wisdom—rather than just intellectual agreement or empty profession. James repeatedly emphasizes that true faith produces visible fruit: enduring trials with joy (ch. 1), showing no favoritism (ch. 2), controlling the tongue (ch. 3), pursuing humble wisdom (ch. 3–4), and persevering in prayer and community (ch. 5). He famously states that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17, 26), underscoring that saving faith must be active and transformative.