Good morning everyone,
As you start your day, ask yourself this question? Do you consider yourself to have genuine faith? Talk is cheap, and too often we soon realize that the boasts were hollow, quite far from the truth. Faith has several definitions: reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God; a system of religious beliefs. I like the verse that refers to faith as being the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. James 2 speaks of genuine faith! 'My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?' If we really search high and low, we probably would all have to agree that we are prejudice in some way or another. James warns against favoritism and for the necessity of good deeds. Even though we serve a God that saved us not because of good works, but because of Grace, He expects us to not be lazy! There are 3 principles that James says are necessary for faith to be genuine! (1) Commitment is an essential part of faith. You cannot be a Christian simply by affirming the right doctrines or agreeing with biblical facts (2:19). (2) Right actions are the natural by-products of true faith. A genuine Christian will have a changed life (2:18). (3) Faith without good deeds doesn't do anybody any good-it is useless (2:14-17). James's teachings are consistent with Paul's teaching that we receive salvation by faith alone. Paul emphasizes the purpose of faith: to bring salvation. James emphasizes the results of faith: a changed life. Ask God to radically change you for you to carry out the full mission of faith and not leave a stone uncovered!!!!
Your brother in Christ,
p
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