The Book of James was written around 49 AD by James, a leader in the very first Christian church, the Church of Jerusalem.
Members of the Jerusalem church had been removed from the city and spread out to other Roman provinces because of persecution. The letter aims to encourage them during these difficult times. James explains to them that their faith will change not only their conduct but also their character. He gives his readers several tests against which they can measure their faith in Christ. If a Christian fails these tests then their faith is dead.
James 2:15-17
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone"