LIVING OR DEAD FAITH?

MEMORISE: 'But will thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?' (Jas 2:20)
READ: Romans 4:17-22

'But will thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?' (Jas 2:20). There are two types of faith: living faith and dead faith. It is not enough to have faith. You must make sure that your faith is alive. If you have faith but are still unsaved, that faith is dead faith. It is like having a gun without bullets. Unbelievers have faith. When you sit on a chair without fear of falling down that is faith. If you fly in an aeroplane without being afraid it will collide with something and all on board will die, that is faith.

If you have faith and you hear the word of God, yet you refuse to take the necessary step to be saved that is dead faith. James 2:19 says that even the devil believes in God, but he will not be saved.

The faith that produces results is a living faith. Living faith is backed up by works. Living faith is built on a strong foundation. If you want your faith to remain alive and effective, built upon these:

• Firstly be fully persuaded of God's holiness. That is the most important thing (Isa 6:1-12).
• Secondly, realize that a holy God cannot lie. God is not a man that will lie
(Num 23:19).
• Thirdly, be persuaded that God is unchangeable (Mal 3:6).

Another Pillar to build your faith on is the face that God and his words are one. John 1:1 says: 'In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.' Also know that his words are unchangeable: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away' (Matt 24:35). In addition, know that God's word is the Truth, not merely a true record. For instance, Job 1: 21 is a true account of what happened to Job. But God did not kill his children and destroy his property; the devil did. Lastly, be persuaded that the word of God is absolute. Don't add or take away from it (Rev 22:18-19). Building on these Pillars will keep your faith alive and achieving results.

ACTION POINT
Ask God increase your faith and to help you trust him completely.
Thank him for his mercies on you and your family.