01 A Faith That Works

This first sermon in our James series introduces the letter’s author, audience, first command, and purpose. James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, writes with pastoral authority to the "twelve tribes in the Dispersion"—Jewish Christians scattered and suffering throughout the Roman Empire. James opens his letter quickly and pointedly, moving almost immediately to the first command: "Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds." This surprising beginning sets the tone for the entire book—a faith that must be lived out, especially in hardship.

Pastor Kasey explors how James calls believers to see suffering not as a detour, but as the very road to maturity and joy in the Lord. Suffering is not meaningless; it is a refining tool in God's hands. To deepen this perspective, he tied James 1:1 to Psalm 23, remembering that even in the presence of our enemies, God sets a table for us.