I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18
This is a study of the biblical book of James prepared by Richard Loper for the Generations Community at Chapelgate Presbyterian Church in October 2020.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
James wrote this letter to encourage and strengthen the persecuted first century Jerusalem Church after they had been driven from their homes and scattered across the Roman Empire. James knew that his congregation needed to understand how to face the various trials that had beset them.
Remember how Apollyon could not crush you? Remember also, in the Valley of the Shadow, when you could not see your hand in front of your face, though you heard and felt many frightful things, you still trusted? Remember how you played
the man in Vanity Fair? You were neither afraid of chains, cage, or bloody death! We are now together in this dungeon. Together, let us bear up with patience as well as we can until a change comes. -The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan