James 2:14-26 Faith
"What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
Two friends, Faith and Roger, are having a conversation while overlooking the Grand Canyon.
Faith “I can fly.”
Roger “No you can’t”
Faith “It’s true, because I believe it is true.”
Roger “Prove it.”
Faith “You don’t agree? Well, I believe it. I mean, I’ve never actually done it before, but I have the faith I can.”
Roger “Prove it, jump off this cliff.”
Faith “Ok, ready 1... 2... 2 and 1/2... look, isn’t it enough for me to say that I believe I can fly. Why do I have to prove it?”
Roger “Why wouldn’t you want to prove it. What is the point of being able to fly if you don’t actually do it?”
Faith “You’re right, here I go 1... 2... 3.... aaaaaahhhhhhhh.”
SPLAT
Friend #2 “I guess it is true, Faith without works is dead.”
Are you a Christian by word alone, or do your actions match up to your faith?
posted by Shaun Sells @ 10:58 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
The SADDEST part of all is that I didn't see it coming...
"Faith without works is dead."
ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
Pastor Shaun,
Thank you once again for this devotional blog. The Gospel of Christ is one that touches the heart and transforms the hearer into a doer. A doer directed not by the letter of the law but the urging of the heart. For the love of Christ contrains us, moves us, and guides our hearts to the hearts of others. Of a certain, our hearts fail us and once done we return to the elements of faith in Christ and the Word of God. We pour over it and pray that ever more of His Word is written on our hearts and thereby demonstrated by serving others.
Post a Comment
<< Home