JesusWalk® Publications

James: Practical Discipleship (Revised Edition)

A 102-page book by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock


Book front cover | back cover

James' Letter is the manifesto for practical, authentic discipleship.

James was a practical man. He had seen hypocrisy -- in himself, in the Pharisees, in everyday Christians -- and he would have none of it! His letter to the early Christian churches is practical and convicting. He talks about heart Christianity worked out in actions. He discusses love and then insists that Christian love can't just speak compassionate words to the hungry -- love must feed them.

James was Jesus' brother, growing up in the same household. During Jesus' ministry, James had been a skeptic. After Christ's resurrection, however, he believed and became the lead pastor of the Church at Jerusalem, helping to set the tone for the emerging Christian movement.

Martin Luther called James' Letter "a right strawy epistle" since it didn't present salvation by grace as clearly as in Paul's letters. But many have found it to be "a right convicting epistle." James has a way of slicing through all our rationalizations and defenses, and speaking to our hearts with power. James' Letter speaks to building Christian character.

This volume explores the letter in 8 lessons. Thought-provoking discussion questions make it a useful tool for personal enrichment, small groups, and classes. Extensive footnotes and word studies make it ideal for teachers and preachers who are doing careful background research for sermon and lessons.

Table of Contents

"This study really shook me and goaded me into going into the right ways of doing things." -- Sunil, India

"My Sunday school class and I thank you for the great lessons on the Book of James." -- Thomas B. Goodwin, Jr., Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

"A letter that can seem so harsh, yet truly has a gentle and loving message." -- Deb, USA

 "Ignited a hunger and thirst after right living."  Margaret, Nigeria

 "I've made more mistakes in my walk with Christ since taking this lesson, or else I've been walking in sin for quite a long time and hadn't noticed." -- Bob, USA

 "To call myself a Christian I need to have active faith that gives rise of acts of kindness, love and generosity as Jesus Himself did when He walked on earth." -- France

"Taught me about faith in action, taming the tongue, the perfect and royal law... I thought that some questions were simple when I first read them, but then I realized they required deep thought, which was great!" -- Carl, Ontario, Canada

 "A great in depth study that got to the meat of the matter." -- Linda, Illinois

Participant lesson handouts can be downloaded and printed for your group or class at no charge.

This study is available in book formats (below), or at no cost delivered via e-mail, with lessons arriving each Saturday over 8 weeks. The book format, however, is more convenient for some.

  James: Practical Discipleship, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Paperback format, $12.95. Length 102 pages. must be ordered through Amazon.com. Paperback size is 7.5 in  x 9.25 in.  ISBN:     ISBN: 979-8-8077272-4-4. Available now

Kindle e-book formatKindle E-book format, US $8.49. You may purchase this version directly from Amazon USA  or from national sites below. This is read using a your Kindle or a Kindle Reader program installed on your computer, tablet, or phone. It cannot be printed out (Amazon ASIN: B09YS49NV9. Amazon USA - Canada - UK - Germany - France - Japan - Mexico - Spain -  Italy -  Netherlands - Brazil - India - Australia 
Available now!

 
PDF E-book format, $8.49. 102 pages. You purchase this PDF e-books and can download it within minutes. You can read it on your computer in PDF format if you like, or print out a single copy on your printer, either 8-1/2 x 11" or A4 paper. To make multiple copies, get reprint licenses below. No tax is charged on e-books. PDF e-books are ordered directly from the author at JesusWalk Publications. (Remember: If you plan to print this out, your total cost will be the $8.49 for the PDF plus the cost of printing -- paper, ink, toner, etc. In some cases the paperback might be a better value.)
Available now.
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Reprint license to make copiesReprint License, $2.50 per copy. This allows you to print additional copies for your own group. One license is required for each additional copy you make beyond the initial book you purchased. This reprint license prohibits sale of the book to individuals outside your local area or congregation. You'll probably want to order a single copy of the e-book also, so you'll have the text from which to reprint. So if you have a group of 6 people, you'll need to order one e-book (for the first reprint) and 5 reprint licenses.

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Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.