In this talk we examine the abuse of wealth. This was taking place in the churches James addressed. There was a notable economic diversity among the churches, but that led at times to oppression of the poor by the rich.

The poor were denied basic pay by the rich. And this was taking place in the church. Church is the very place where grace, generosity and humility is to be enjoyed!

Something was deeply wrong: and James goes right to the heart of the problem.

However in the Christian gospel Jesus gave up his riches and became poor, so that we though poor could be given riches beyond belief.

We think about practical steps we can take (and are already taking) as a church to live out the grace of Jesus.

Main text: James 5:1-6

Preacher: David Varney