Faith in God will create a lifestyle of involvement with God’s people and in God’s causes. The question we must ask ourselves – “Is my faith useless?”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tom Hall Sermon Connection James 2:14-26
A COMPASSION REVOLUTION
All You Need is … Trust!
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. James 2:14-17 (NASB)
Prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. If we are living by a faith that is alive, it begins with communion with God. Imagine with me for a moment being married to someone with whom you never speak. It would be impossible to know their thoughts or their ways. The same is true with God.
Prayer is communication with God and gives us an opportunity to known Him. It helps as we read His Word and talk with Him daily to understand his ways. As we do, we can have a living faith.
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. There are a couple of opportunities to pray with fellow believers around the county. This is the announcement Wayne Proctor sent yesterday:
“1. 7:45 a.m. at Gates Co. High School, outside around the flagpole. If it is raining, I expect we’ll meet inside in the gym. This is being led by the FCA group, Susan Brown and Kay Barker as sponsors. Being present is a great witness to the students.
2. 12 noon at the Gates Co. Courthouse, meeting in the courtroom. We will be praying for 7 different areas of need and concern, such as government, education, and churches. Please invite your friends and fellow members of community and civic groups.”
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the opportunity to speak with You on a regular basis. It gives me great comfort to know that I can bring all my cares to You. Please help me to hear as You speak to me in Your Word. Having heard, give me the strength to obey. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tom Hall Sermon Connection James 2:14-26
A COMPASSION REVOLUTION
All You Need is … 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. James 2:14-17 (NASB)
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” I have heard these kinds of quotes all my life and my guess is you have too. These types of “faith statements” are filled with truth that are important to hear. However, not understood in a Biblical context can distort their meaning and actually do harm. Let me explain.
In this “faith statement”, we see several elements: dreams, achievement, faith, vision, hard work, and determination. All of which are important in life especially if one is trying live up to their God given potential. However, the two statements that give me great trouble if they are not understood in a Biblical context are “faith and belief in yourself” and “all things are possible for those who believe”. The premise of this statement is permeated with faith so it would be helpful to understand what faith is.
The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 (NASB) that faith is “… is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is absolutely essential in our relationship with God. Moreover, Paul continues by saying in 11:6 that “… without faith it is impossible to please Him …” Faith in its simplest form is trust. When we trust God, no matter what happens, we honor Him. The context of faith in the Bible is always faith in God, trusting God. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 (NASB) “… that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
As we look back at the “faith statement”, we begin to realize that understanding this saying without proper context will lead people into a false security thinking belief in … whatever is sufficient. It has never been nor will ever be. In our self-centered world, we make everything about us. As Christians, we understand that it is all about Him! Our faith must be in God! Anything else is a trap.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help me to place my faith in You and You alone. No matter what may happen today, I know that You will help me through it to achieve Your purpose. I want my life to be pleasing to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.