In the last chapter of his letter James writes about the futility of accumulating riches and encourages his readers to be patient in suffering and fervent in prayer.

In this chapter James concentrates on further aspects of Christian life. We fail in many ways to follow God’s commandments and are unfaithful to Him. But God calls us to repentance, to humble ourselves and to turn to Jesus in whom there is forgiveness of sins.

Here James outlines how the Christian faith manifests itself in practice and teaches us how to make best use of the gifts God grants us.

James dealt with themes related to daily life and wrote that Christian faith becomes visible in the way believers live.

The theme of James provides helpful instruction on how to endure trials in our lives. From the Christian perspective we may rejoice in such trials as a period of testing, to the effect of building more steadfast faith. James urges us to ask for the wisdom of God with confidence, being assured of His relief. Also in this respect, we are to enact our faith life by extending such compassion in practice to others.

The message of the lesser known letter of Jude is just as relevant to our society today: while it warns of the false teachers who pervert our understanding of the Grace of God (similar to Luther’s admonition). We must be alert to such blasphemy and distorted thought which are causes for division, also leading ultimately to destruction for those who deny the authority of God. Yet as believers we are preserved by faith in Christ, and also called to extend His mercy and message to those most needing to learn it.

In his third letter the Apostle John reproves the lack of hospitality shown by members of the church to faithful ministers of the Gospel. The only exception was Gaius, who extended the correct standard of Christian hospitality to itinerant messengers of the Gospel.

John wrote his Second Letter to help Christians distinguish teachers of the true Gospel from false teachers and to advise them that such teachers should not be supported because this would contribute to the propagation of heresy rather than truth.

Saving faith, love and obedience to God are characteristics of a Christian’s life style. Their source is in Jesus who overcame sin, death and the devil.

The Christian Church has always faced adversities originated in her midst or from outside. Heresies are among the most dangerous adversities that the Church can face. They undermine its foundation and can lead believers away from Christ.

As a father speaks dearly to his children, so John speaks to the believers encouraging them to abide in Jesus Christ. It is essential and necessary to remain in Jesus through faith, making use of His Word and Sacrament. According to Jesus, the one who endures to the end will be saved (Mat 24:13).

John speaks about a new commandment of love. Not new in the sense of time but in quality that replaces what has eroded. The Biblical commandment to love is old. But its newness is seen in Christ’s true exposition of the Old Testament law and then in the dramatic display of divine love on Jesus’ cross.

First John is known as general epistle. It is a message to congregations across Asia Minor, modern day Turkey. The readers were Christians and very well known by the author who addresses them repeatedly as "little children", "beloved" or "dear friends".

In chapter 3 of his Second Letter Peter concentrates on Christ’s coming on the Last Day and reminds his readers that scoffers will rise with with corrupted teachings and follow their own sinful desires.

In this chapter Peter describes false teachers in detail so that Christians may always recognise their characteristics and methods. False teachers are those who take the inspired Scriptures and twist or isolate selected passages out of the context of salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ, purely for their own personal gain and glory.

In his Second Letter the apostle Peter teaches his addressees how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church. He warns his readers against false teachers who promote sinful lifestyles and question whether Jesus would return in judgement.

Peter’s letter was addressed to Christians spread throughout Asia Minor. Some of the congregations were under the leadership of ministers whose responsibility it was to preach the gospel, administer the sacraments and give pastoral care. The work of these men was challenging because the churches they served were scattered and facing persecution.

Peter picks up again the subject of Christ’s suffering and the suffering of His followers. The apostle displays the suffering Servant Jesus Christ as an example to be followed. Believers must be prepared to also suffer unjustly and to face abuse but with Christ’s attitude and His willingness to suffer for doing good.

Just like citizens are to submit to authorities and servants to their masters, so also wives are instructed to submit to their husbands. This is part of God’s order of creation and it does not mean that men are more important than women but that God established different callings for them.

The Word of God found in Holy Scriptures is spiritual nourishment that makes us grow in faith, love, and hope. In the same way a person needs to take in a daily amount of food, so also Christians need to take in daily the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we will taste that the Lord is good.