Faith That Works

Many people believe in God. Many call out to God, especially when the pressure is on. In our day, the concept of God is common… so common that people will use his name in a very common way (profanity). Is acknowledging the existence of God in a reverent or irreverent way something that will save you? Will the belief in God draw you into relationship with him? Keep Reading...

James 2:22 - You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

No, simply believing in God does not change anything about your life. The intellectual agreement with the concept of a higher power does not bring you into a saving relationship with God. Actually, demons really believe in God. They know him to a degree. And they shudder at the thought of him. James 2:19 Obviously, their knowledge of God does not help them, nor save them.

Faith is only faith when it is acted upon. Belief that stays locked up within one's mind is nothing more than deception. A person can be so close to God, yet so far away. The model of Abraham in the Bible is put forward as a man who believed God and did something about it. In other words, he submitted himself to this God he knew. Abraham obediently surrendered his precious son, Isaac, as the working out of his faith.

Real faith puts action to the belief that God is real. But, it is not just random acts of kindness that are needed. Obedience to Jesus is the key. This active obedience will definitely include caring for those less fortunate… in providing practical aid to those who are without food, shelter, clothes, etc. This is repeated over and over in Scripture. Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:14-17

Good works are not the basis of your salvation, but the necessary manifestation of your salvation. They work together. Step out in obedience today at the prompting of Jesus. He will lead you to see the needs around you and step into service. This is faith that works!