Today in JAVA we began our study of James, using John MacArthur's study guide. Jen facilitated the conversation, guiding our discussion through the book's basic background information. Using the introduction found in MacArthur's book (pages 1-2), we considered the authorship, dating, setting, and theme of James' writing. We all agreed that by studying who James was, when and where he was writing, his audience, James' writing style, and his themes that we already feel more prepared to understand the book as a whole. Specifically, by noting the severe persecution and trials that his audience faced, we can now understand the weight of James' encouragement to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (James 1:2). While the section we read in our study guide was brief, the discussion was still filled with questions and interesting observations concerning the background of James. Jen also took the opportunity to lead us through a timeline of the events surrounding the book of James, with each of the ladies taking turns reading relevant verses out loud to the group. This was a wonderful time for discussion and fellowship! Join us on September 15 at 9:30 in the parsonage as we study James 1:1-12 using chapter 1 of the study guide.
Many thanks to Toni Kerr for posting a summary of our last meeting!
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