Over the next eight weeks, we are going to be diving deeply into the book of James. The powerful message of James' letter to the church is as relevant today as when he originally wrote it. James is Mr. Straight Forward - he tells it like it is. Many of our problems in life stem from our own spiritual immaturity. However, our spiritual life doesn't end there. God wants us to grown up in Christ, not just grow old.

What is the difference between genuine faith and counterfeit faith? How do we know for sure our faith is real? How can we know joy even in trials and patience even in suffering?

What I love about the book of James is its practicality: this is down to earth teaching and gold nuggets of wisdom, along with a call for believers to grow up in our relationship with God.

Our readings for this week: Matthew 14: 22-33; James 1: 1-12

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am or go to our FB page to link to YouTube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. "Jesus Christ is Lord" is one of the oldest professions of faith in the Christian world. What does this profession mean to you?

2. James mentions facing trials of "many kinds" (1:2). A trial can be anything that puts a strain on your faith. What trials have you had in your life? In what ways do you think Christians in the United States tend to avoid trials?

3. There is a logical progression in James' argument for being joyful about trials: Be joyful because trials produce perseverance and perseverance is how we get to maturity. How can trials make you mature in your relationship with Christ?

4.Describe a time you prayed for wisdom and you got it. What does wisdom from God look like?

5. How is learning not to doubt God evidence of maturity? In Matthew 14: 22-33, what does Peter's experience of walking on water tell you about doubt? What does it tell you about the challenges facing Christians who want to grown in maturity?

6. Read James 1:9-11. Why do you think James inserts comments about pride and riches in the middle of his discourse on trials? What role does humility play in learning to deal with trials?

7. James 1:12 promises a reward to those who persevere under trial. What is this "crown of life" that James is talking about? How might the promise of this reward be an encouragement for those to whom James writes?

8. What effect does your desire for maturity have on how you deal with the trials you face?

9. What obstacles (physical, emotional, psychological, relational) make it difficult for you to persevere under trials? How does doubt factor into this?

10. What are some ways you currently seek to become mature in your faith?