This week launched the new James series, and Pastor Mark focused on preaching just the first verse as a way to get to know who James was and what his relationship with Jesus was like. If you want to get to know Jesus, you should listen to those who knew him best—his family. If he had any faults or flaws, surely they would have known. But Jesus’ brother James describes himself as “the servant of Jesus,” revealing a view of Jesus beyond mere brother.
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If you want to get to know Jesus, listen to & learn from him. And get to know his friends & his family. #boldJames
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Would it be hard for you to see your brother as God? Jesus’ family worshiped him as sinless Savior. #boldJames
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James worshiping his brother Jesus as God is one of the most credible evidences for Jesus’ resurrection. #boldJames
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The only thing that accounts for James’ radical transformation in commitment is Jesus rising from death. #boldJames
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We don’t know a lot about Mary & Joseph, but everything we need to know is in the ministry of their family #boldJames
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If Jesus was a fraud, his family would be the first to know. But Jesus’ own family worshiped him as Deity #boldJames
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There’s no major religion on earth founded by someone claiming to be God…except for Jesus and Christianity #boldJames
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Don’t just admire Jesus’ family. Join Jesus’ family. (Mark 3:35) #boldJames
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James knew that Jesus was worth living for—not just believing in. #boldJames
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Recommended resources
James Study Guide
The crack team of writers at Mars Hill have created this study guide for your use during this series. It includes daily devotions, inductive studies, and small group studies to follow along with for all 15 weeks of the James sermon series. The context and questions provided are helpful for studying James on your own, with your family, or in your Community group. You can buy this book in the bookstore at your local Mars Hill church or online.
Scripture Empowered by the Spirit
Sermon from the 2013 Acts series
How did the disciples begin executing the biggest mission in the history of the world? The Bible says that while waiting for the Holy Spirit, they devoted themselves to prayer—they talked to God. The apostles led by following Scripture—through it, God responded. Consequently, the early church experienced success—but not without undergoing failure first. What can we learn from what they did?
Jesus’ Unbelieving Brothers
Article by Jon Bloom via DesiringGod.org
Do you, like me, have family members who do not believe in Jesus? If so, we are in good company. So did Jesus. And I think this is meant to give us hope. According to the Apostle John, “not even his brothers believed in him” (John 7:5). That’s incredible. Those who had lived with Jesus for 30 years really did not know him. Not one of Jesus’ brothers is mentioned as a disciple during his pre-crucifixion ministry. But after his resurrection and ascension, there they are in the upper room worshiping him as God (Acts 1:14).
