The underlying intent of James's letter to the church is that faith works. That genuine, saving faith reveals itself in the way we live, act, think, and speak. Today we hear James's closing remarks regarding the seriousness of faith.

You’ve been called to a relationship with God through Christ. That and that alone is Christianity.

We spend our lives living out a story. Which version of the story we choose has massive implications and consequences for our lives. So which story of reality are you telling?

James turns his attention to those who are suffering and points to our true source of hope: Jesus!

James warned the rich who oppressed and exploited the underprivileged that riches would amount to nothing in the end. Instead, the humble and righteous would prevail.

Our view of the future greatly influences where we place our assurance. James urges us to humbly view all of our days as being under the sovereign will of the Lord.

In living our lives, we can follow worldly wisdom that’s false or godly wisdom that’s true. We must examine every thought and deed by the Lord’s truth, the Word, and by no other standard.

Our words can be either a blessing or a curse to the people around us. Believers must learn to control their tongues and to use their words for good, not evil.

Our passions and desires are at war within us, and we must fight against them. Pride, boasting, and divisiveness mark worldly people, while humility, obedience, and repentance mark godly people.

Works don't need to be ADDED to faith but rather genuine, biblical faith will inevitably be characterized by works. Faith trusts God, and faith obeys God. Works is a life of loving God and loving others.