This message was preached by Pastor Jesse Boyd on November 17, 2024 to New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, North Carolina. It exegetically addresses 1:1 in the larger exposition of the Epistle of James by the shared teaching of the NTCF Elders and its missionaries.

Following a brief survey of the New Testament epistles, Pastor Boyd compares and contrasts the General Epistles with the Pauline letters while formally introducing the Epistles of James. Paul makes it abundantly clear that salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing, not of works lest any man should boast. James, not contradicting Paul a single ounce, shows genuine faith unto salvation to be evident. It discloses itself.

The first chapter of James speaks to genuine faith, like that of Noah highlighted in Hebrews 11:7. Genuine faith is saving faith; and saving faith WORKS. How does it work? It’s CONFRONTAL. Much like James’ greeting in 1:1, genuine faith shows chutzpah and does not beat around the bush.

Like Hebrews 13, the chapter immediately preceding, the first chapter of James is CHRISTIANITY 101. The American churches are failing Christianity 101, and if we can’t get this stuff right, it ultimately won’t matter who won an election in 2024.