The book of James is often called the Great Paradox because on one hand the Bible states that we are saved by grace and grace alone. And yet, according to the book of James, faith without works is dead. So what is it? Are we saved by grace or are we called to work out our faith? The answer is both. Those who call themselves believers should be
marked by a life of obedience and James exhorts all those who believe
in Christ to live lives in a manner worthy of the gospel.

In the church, we often hear people say that they desire to "grow spiritually" and "deepen their faith" and yet wonder what that might mean on a day to day level. The book of James is a gift from God because it offers us very practical ways to live out our faith. James takes the teachings of Jesus and applies them to a believer's personal life. The book of James allows us to explore the relationship between our faith and our deed. When our lives become a reflection of our faith, we begin to see the ways in which our faith impacts our relationships, our neighbors, and our city. As James explores a wide range of themes, it is our hope that this study would offer us an opportunity to reflect and examine how our faith should not only shape our own lives but also the lives of those around us.