“Good Trouble” and the Epistle of James
September 13-October 4 | Every Sunday at 9:45AM ET
We’ve got trouble, right here in New York City. With a capital T and that rhymes with E which stands for the Epistle of James.
This fall our congregation is stewing in good trouble. Where is there good trouble around us? How has the good trouble that came before us shaped who we are today?
Is there “good trouble” in the Bible? Yes, indeed. Let’s look to James to see what he says about how we can stay engaged in our faith in good ways that might lead us into some trouble.
This letter from James is often overlooked, one that Martin Luther himself called “an epistle of straw” because of its shift of focus from faith by grace to faith in works. James’ letter is not one of evangelism but one of advice, counsel and instruction on how to use our faith and the grace we’ve been given as a guide to work through any trial and time.
“..the letter of James is the most consistently ethical document in the New Testament. It is one of the New Testament’s most persistent reminders that genuine Christian faith has implications for how we live our lives.” – Dr. Frances Taylor Gench, Luther Seminary
What are the implications of our faith for how we live our lives? For four weeks, starting September 13, we will explore together the letter of James, alongside the faith of our own trials and time, and see what kind of good trouble we find.
Please fill out this form for access to our Zoom link to join us from all over the world!
Class Schedule
Week One: The Sun Rises with Scorching Heat
Week Two: Faith Without Works is Dead
Week Three: Friendship with the World
Week Four: Let Your Yes be Yes and Your No be No