So
it is true today. If one sees a brother starving, do the
hunger pains go away on well wishing? Do nice remarks warm
the body and shield the homeless from the bitter cold? NO!
Real sympathy is felt and shown when it brings one to action.
So it is with faith, I John 3:18 tells us, "My little
children, let us not love in word, neither in tongues; but
in deed and in truth." The Bible is clear that if you
do not come to God through Christ, you have not come to
Him at all. Knowing about God will get you nowhere. James
makes that clear. He points out that even the Devil believes
in God; surely he is not going to heaven.
John
Calvin said, "knowledge about God can no more connect
man with God than sight of the son can carry you into the
heavens."
People
may believe in great doctrines, but their doctrines are
meaningless until they come to a living faith in Jesus.
This is a faith that surpasses words and deeds. It is a
faith that surpasses importance with obedience.
James
invites you and me to learn about a living faith. Anyone
who puts his trust in the words of faith and knowledge of
faith alone is not wise.
An
authentic faith is one that works. Faith and deeds are not
opposites; they are inseparable. What kind of faith is yours?
Look at the evidence. Evaluate yourself by James' princibles
by answering this question...If you were put on trial for
being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict
you?
There
will be enough only IF yours is a living faith.
Pastor
D.U. Cooper
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