All right, good morning and welcome to our second service on Sunday mornings. We have two,

the first of which is the Bible prophecy update that we do weekly, and then second service,

which is now is the verse by verse study through God's Word. And, well, you see it there

on the screen? You know, this is the book now that comes after the book of Hebrews. You know why,

right? Because we finished the book of Hebrews last week. Oh, you weren't here? Well, we finished

the book of Hebrews last week. So we're going to start in the book of James. I have been so

looking forward to this book. I know I say that about every book in the Bible,

but particularly this book, as I think you're going to see here shortly. So, James

chapter one, beginning in verse one, and the first four verses is going to be our text today. And I'll ask

those of you that are here if you're able. You can stand, follow along with me as I read. If

not where you're seated is fine. James by the Holy Spirit writes verse one, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ to the 12 tribes scattered among

the nation's greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Because verse 3, you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let verse 4, let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

All right, let's pray.

If you would, please join with me.

Oh, Lord, thank you so much for your word.

And Lord, thank you for James, for inspiring James by the Holy Spirit to write this letter that we

have before us today in our Bibles.

Lord, we know that there is so much here just within these first four verses that you want to minister to

us and show to us and reveal to us. That's why we're here, Lord. We want you to speak

into our lives in and through your word. As you always do, you're always so faithful to, and as only you can, especially

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