When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he reminded them, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). This statement establishes the centrality of the cross in preaching, over against the showiness and vanity that’s so often displayed in “lofty speech or wisdom” (v. 1).

Written to scattered believers facing a variety of troubles, the Epistle of James addresses a universally relevant question: How are God’s people to live in God’s world? This side of heaven, trials and tribulations crowd into our lives, confronting us with failure and tears, doubts and disappointments, sorrow and groanings. In response, James offers us practical help, with an eye toward not becoming Christians so much as behaving as those who have been redeemed “by the word of truth.”

This inspiring true story about the life of British missionary Helen Roseveare teaches young children what it looks like to serve God faithfully, even during the most challenging of circumstances.