A depressingly common theme that runs through human history is the oppression of the poor by the rich. In the first century, Christians were often on the side of the poor and oppressed. Certainly the readers of James’ letter were in that category. In James 5:1-12, we find warnings about the dangers of wealth and encouragement when we find ourselves unjustly treated. We can respond well, because something is about to happen in history to put all things right!
Jesus’ scathing denunciation of the religious leaders exposed their hypocrisy and challenges us to let his light shine on ours.
Jesus told his disciples how to handle not only adversity, but also prosperity, both of which require faith in God.
Since James is the likely the oldest writing of the New Testament, it appears from James 4:1-17 that church conflicts have been around almost...