The James Gang

Tonight at our meeting, we are beginning a study in the book of James.
Why? Because the book of James was instrumental in the birth of A.A.
A.A. was founded on the book of James......I Corinthians 13 and Matthew 5-7.
In fact the early founders considered calling their group the "JAMES" group.
The following is taken from a web site I recently visited.

"Why study this book? One of A.A.'s favorite books, in part on the ease with which it can be read and understood. Yet the meat of this wonderful book lies in its explicit formula for cure...especially the cure of the alcoholic ( All cure begins with Salvation)."

James speaks of patience.
He speaks of enduring temptation.
He speaks of seeking God's wisdom without doubting.
He speaks of temptation as the enticement which turns into sin and finally death.
He strongly suggests that the readers be "doers" of the word (The Bible) not hearers only, deceiving themselves.

He spells out what "doing" the Word is. It's about action. It's about following the "royal law" of loving thy neighbor. It's about benevolent giving without respect of persons and with specific aim at the downtrodden.
It's about backing up one's faith with deeds---"works" as James called them.

It's about guarding the tongue and guarding the thoughts and guarding the actions so that devilish thoughts and impulses do not take over.  And finally it is about the importance of prayer, confession of faults and the Lord's forgiveness, and about prayer for healing.

James is a book for every believer...addict or not...
Because we all share a common trait......we are sinners in need of a Savior.
Praise God we can stand at the cross and receive the healing needed.
For that, I am grateful...

God on you....
mb