As we begin the letter of James, we’ll spend time in just the first four verses. James 1:1–4 may look simple, but they set the tone for everything that follows. James introduces himself not as the brother of Jesus, but as a servant. That tells you something powerful happened in his life. James, a former skeptic, is now fully surrendered. An encounter with the risen Christ changed everything. He begins his letter by telling us he is writing to believers scattered by persecution — Christians whose faith is being tested under real pressure. And knowing that they are facing trials and persecution he says: “Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds.” Not “if.” When. As we start reading James' letter together, you might have a few questions: Why would James connect joy and hardship? What does God actually accomplish through testing? And how can pressure produce something good in us? This teaching will answer each of these questions. Remember, real faith doesn’t collapse under fire — it grows stronger. If you’re in a trial… or if you want a faith that can stand when one comes… you’ll want to join us as we begin James' letter.
