James the Just. Brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55) and the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15). He was married with children. He was martyred. He was the leader of the "Scattered Church" in Jerusalem. He appeared as the principal authority at the Council of Jerusalem. James is described, by Paul as one of the persons whom the risen Christ showed Himself (1 Cor. 15:3-8) and in Galatians 2:9, Paul lists James with Peter, and John the Apostle as the "Three" pillars of the Church. Just imagine Jesus as your older brother... you would become a pretty "righteous" person, with His example to live up too. Put yourself in those shoes.

We are learning from a man who has been in ministry for over 30 years, who was one of the pillars of our Christian faith, who Paul looked up to, and submitted his theology too. He lived by example, Faith with Works.

And at 55 years of age, he was stoned to death, he was persecuted for his faith, which we can now have the benefit to be led and changed by.