James and Galatians

Book excerpt: Become a daily Bible reader, attentive to the mind of God. In the New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series, widely respected biblical scholar Scot McKnight reveals the newness and activeness of God's Word as it works in our everyday lives. His unique approach to Bible study combines sound theology with relevant pastoral wisdom. Each volume of this series provides: Original Meaning: Brief, precise expositions of the biblical text and offers a clear focus for the central message of each passage. Fresh Interpretation: Brings the passage alive with fresh images and what it means to follow King Jesus. Practical Application: Biblical connections and questions for reflection and application for each passage. Ideal for personal reflection or group study, James and Galatians will help you see God in the biblical context so you can hear from God in your context. The letters of James and Galatians both speak words of life to believers in the first century and in the twenty-first century: James offers us practical and relevant wisdom about the speech we use (especially considering modern means of communication), the trials we face, and the specific dangers of wealth. Galatians reminds us of the total sufficiency of Jesus in securing our salvation, and of the leadership of the Holy Spirit for living out our faith. Exploring the links between the time these words were written and our own times, Scot McKnight uncovers the enduring relevance and importance of these two letters for our lives today. He'll walk you and your group through both letters with Scripture passages (sometimes translated from the original by McKnight himself), reflection questions, pastoral insights, and ideas for putting God's words into action.