James the Lord's Brother
Classes
Class 1: Servant of Grace
The class explores the early life and conversion of James, the brother of Jesus, and his role in the Jerusalem Ecclesia. It highlights the family's devotion to the law of Moses and James's eventual acceptance of Jesus's teachings, emphasizing the unity and diversity within the early Ecclesia.
Class 2: Ruler of Rupute
The class explores James' growing influence in the Jerusalem Ecclesia from AD 36 to 41, focusing on his role as a leader and his interactions with the Circumcision Party. It highlights the division within the Ecclesia over the inclusion of Gentiles and James' efforts to maintain unity and truth.
Class 3: Pilar of Truth
The class covers the historical context of James' leadership in the Jerusalem Ecclesia, focusing on his role after the death of James the brother of John. It discusses James' influence, his meetings with Paul, and the debates over justification by faith versus works of the law. The class emphasizes the harmony between Paul and James on these theological issues.
Class 4: Mediator of Peace
The class discusses the controversy in Acts 15 regarding the circumcision of Gentile believers, focusing on James' role in resolving the dispute between the circumcision party and the Gentile converts. It highlights the tension between law and grace and James' decision to promote unity and forbearance within the ecclesia.
Class 5: Defender of Liberty
The class examines the influence of the circumcision party in the early ecclesias, focusing on James's role in maintaining unity and Paul's visit to Jerusalem to present the Jerusalem Poor Fund. It highlights the tension between the law and grace, emphasizing James's efforts to keep the ecclesia united.
Class 6: Martyr of Faith
The class discusses James' leadership in the Jerusalem Ecclesia from A.D. 60 to 65, focusing on his martyrdom and the subsequent impact on the Ecclesia. It also explores the historical context and the writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an appeal to the Hebrew believers.
Class 7: Champion of Law
The class discusses James the brother of Jesus and his role as a champion of law within the Jerusalem Ecclesia, focusing on the period from AD 66 to AD 70. It explores the departure of the Ecclesia to Pella and the ongoing influence of the circumcision party, emphasizing the importance of resisting legalism and adhering to Christian discipleship.
Class 8: Teacher of wisdom
The class concludes the study on James the Just and the Jerusalem Ecclesia, focusing on the dangers of legalism and liberalism within ecclesial life. It emphasizes the importance of humility, mercy, and the true spirit of the law over mere external conformity.