JAMES 2 : WHAT FAITH DO YOU HAVE?

 

WHAT FAITH DO YOU HAVE?

What faith do I have? is it a living or a dead faith? 

In our Scripture for today from the book of James chapter 2, it was explained to us how to have a living faith.

v1 - showed that a living faith is a genuine faith with no partiality, for Jesus himself was never associated with partiality. His love and all His works were for ALL. His gospel is for ALL. Salvation is for ALL. 

v2-4 - gave us an example of partiality. James specifically talked about the partiality in the assembly/church when we show favor to the rich over the poor. 

This is the reason why JCRC never agreed to have uniform or require people to come in formal clothing in the church on Sunday service. As a church we must come to the Lord and worship as we are as long as it is modest we all can freely come together.

v8-9 - warned us that partiality, discrimination or favoritism will be judged for it is a sin. We may not be aware that favoritism can cause us to sin, we must treat everyone equally.

v14 - emphasized that true faith must be accompanied with action.  Jesus Himself said in John 10:37 - "do not believe me if I do not work the works of my father."

How can we claim we are Christians if we do not do the works of Christ? Sitting in the church and refusing to serve and to be equipped is a dead faith. 

Yes, when we accept Christ, we are saved, but salvation is shown when we do the works of Christ. The saving grace that we received must cause us to fall in love with the Word and the word must convict us to move and obey the word of God. because only those who keep the commandments truly love the Lord (John 14:15)

v15-17 - explained what dead faith is — it is when we do not do anything for others, we ignore those who are not saved yet - the lost, the needy, the hungry.  I is not enough to say " I will pray for you" we have to do something. 

v18-19 - said that  A LIVING FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM WORKS. 

Let us reflect:

- I have accepted Christ as my Lord and savior, I go to the church every Sunday/Friday. Have I submitted myself to equipping so I may learn more about my God?

- Have I volunteered to serve the church and my churchmates?

- Have I preached the gospel in my workplace or anywhere I go to? 

- Have I tried laying my hands for the sick and the oppressed?

- am I TRULY A CHRISTIAN WHO HAVE A LIVING FAITH?

Let us always pray daily that may the Lord give us always opportunity to show our love for Him through His works. AMEN.