[James 2, Proverbs 25]

H – James 2:14, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

E – Real Faith – Real Works

I’m currently preaching through 1 Thessalonians. The current sermon series is “Real.”  Last week I preached on ‘Real Christianity’ from 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3. In James 2 you also see a picture of real Christianity. Matter of fact, all we have to do is open up the Bible and we will see example after example of what real faith, real belief, looks like. 

James probably wrote the most simple example of what real faith actually is. Real Faith, Real Christianity is active in works. I can almost hear and see it. You may have already squinted your face or shuck your head, saying “but, in Ephesians 2:8-9 it says……!” Hear me out. I think we get hung up on the word “WORKS.” I do too. I have made the statement time and time again that God did not create you and I to be human doings, but human beings. Doing speaks of working for something, being speaks of being in something else. But, my doing does not save me. Well then, why “works”?

What if works is not what you and I think it is? What if I’m equating works to an 8-5 job? What if I’m thinking works is what I earn to accomplish a means (like money, a house, vehicles, etc.)? What if I’m thinking like a job that I work at until I can’t or I’m good to retire and live off what I’ve already done? But, what if works was simply “active obedience”? What if works is not working for something, but from somethings? Ah, that changes things. 

You see, a verbal testimony alone is not adequate evidence that true saving faith is present. Only works of obedience can prove the presence of genuine faith. If someone says they have faith but lacks the resulting evidential works, one must doubt that he has been saved. I can claim all I want to, but if there is not active obedience to the saving faith of Jesus in my life, my life and faith is actually dead. Unchanged lives do not have faith in Jesus. Being faith in Jesus is active (1:22), you can’t help but to live a changed life (notice I did not say perfect). A faith that doesn’t use you for Jesus is not faith in Jesus. My obedience to Jesus compliments my intellectual verbal faith in Jesus. 

(I don’t know any other ways to put it!)

Don’t be foolish, my verbal confession of faith in Christ apart from active obedient in Christ is useless and dead (1:20).

A – Seek The Lord. Allow Jesus to change me anew. Be active in my obedience. 

[I can start with the Great Commandment and Great Commission].

R – Lord God, thank you for saving faith. I know my faith in you is real because only you could change, are changing, and will change a person like me. Lord, I need you like flowers need rain. I need you to pour your spirit out in my life. God I desire to remain in you and you in me. Help me. Convict me of the moments that I’m working for my salvation and not through my salvation. I pray my faith would be genuine to others and all they would see is Jesus. God, I pray for others that think they are saved by something they did but have never allowed you to change their life. Lord, would you reveal yourself to them and would we see a great surrender. 

In Jesus Name!

[James 1, Proverbs 24]

H – James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

E – A Great Reward!

The book of James is an amazing book. James is the half brother of Jesus. When Jesus began his earthy ministry undoubtedly James thought that his brother was crazy (Mark 3:21), yet through Jesus death, burial, resurrection, and ascension he became a servant; knowing He was truly the Messiah (1:1). 

The intro to James begins with trials. Trails the twelve tribes in the Dispersion were facing. Trials of various kinds. These trials mainly had to do with persecution, but lead into so many other aspects of life. 

The call to trails is to remain steadfast (1:4, 12) or persevere. It is a call with a promise; you will receive a great reward, the crown of life. The question that comes is, How do I persevere? How do I remain steadfast?

A – Well, there are 4 truths that God lead on my heart from this passage:

1. Seek the Wisdom of God (1:5). I need wisdom. I need discernment. I need clarity. 
2. Humble Myself Before God (1:9-10). I need to humble myself before God instead of being humbled by God. In other words I do not need to allow my pride, arrogance, and selfish confidence to bring me low. When I begin ‘low’ or humble I can think look ‘high’ or to the Lord. 
3. Be Self-Controlled (1:14). The temptation that comes from trials is to do what ever your own desires is to do. But, I don’t need my desires. I need the will of God. 1 Peter 5:8 describes why I need to be self controlled and alert. It is because the enemies desire is to devour me in my sin. Yet, when I’m self-controlled and resist the enemy firm in my faith, I experience the power and victory of God. 
4. Be Changed By The Word of Truth (1:18). It is the Word of God that changes lives, reveals our great need, gives us application to live by. The only cure for my flesh is His Word. The only cure for my unholy actions is His Word. Action in The Word of Truth leads me to produce fruit and walk in the realization of my gift. That is why I don’t just want to hear the Word, but be a doer of the Word (1:22). 

R – Lord God, thank you for your Word. Thank you for help when we call out for it. Lord, grant me wisdom for today. Help me discern the voice of truth from the voice of error. Lord, I need you today. I don’t want to be lacking. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 14, Proverbs 23]

H – Acts 14:21–22, “[21] When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, [22] strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

E – Perseverance!

I can’t read the book of Acts without asking, “How?” How was Paul and the Apostles able to keep going? “Why?” Why did they keep going when they could have quit and run to safety?

There was an attempt to mistreat and stone them in Iconium (14:5). Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city considered dead in Lystra (14:19). They persevered in travel back to the believers in Antioch. 

Yet, they continued to boldly and intentionally preach the Gospel (14:7). They did not waver. They persevered in the purpose God had called them to (14:26). 

The answer to the “why” is simply because they believed in what they were speaking about. They had full confidence and full belief in the Gospel. They could not not speak about Jesus, for they knew the power of Christ to save and rescue. The Gospel was worth everything to them because this world had nothing it could offer to give them peace. 

The answer to the “how” is because they were filled with His Spirit and power. They took time to strengthen their souls, encouraged one another to continue in the faith, and expected the persecution coming (14:22). They knew the “how” to continue could only be Christ in them and through them. 

A – The Gospel is worth everything. Perseverance of the Saints should be a by-product of the Gospel in and through my life. Make sure that I’m growing in faith, being strengthened in and through His Spirit – through His Word. Make preparations for when persecution may come my way that I will boldly proclaim truth and not give in or give up. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for life. Thank you for hope. Thank you for protection. Thank you for assurance. Lord, would you continue to pour your Spirit out on me? Give me the patience to endure, the power to proclaim, and the passion to persevere. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 13, Proverbs 22]

H – Acts 13:38–39, “[38] Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, [39] and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.”

E – Through This Man!

Paul was bold in his testimony of The Messiah. Paul knew who he was, where he came from, what he did, and how God drew him to Himself. He knew the rescuer and the rescue. Being Paul knew darkness and had experienced light, he had to tell somebody. This Jesus had rescued him from darkness, death, the grave, and hell. 

Paul’s testimony began from the beginning: Abraham, God’s choosing of Israel, Egypt, the Judges, their Kings, and The Savior of Israel – Jesus Christ; His death – burial – resurrection. This testimony was important because it gave proof that Jesus was the true Messiah (13:26). 

Because Jesus was the true Messiah it is only through Him that forgiveness of sin can occur. Jesus alone can atone for our sins. And, the only way our sins can be forgiven is to turn from our sin (repent) and call upon the name of The Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

When I call upon the name of the Lord in belief, He frees from everything. The word frees in the greek means to justify, which means that I am innocent before God. There is no part of the law that I could have kept to earn my salvation. But, because of my belief and confession of Jesus I am now innocent, cleared, and pardoned to have a right relationship with God the Father. That could only come through His Son, Jesus. 

Through this man I have forgiveness, I’ve been cleared innocent, and I have abundant life (now and forevermore). 

That should be worth telling someone that “Through This Man” I’ve been set free and you can too. 

A – God has given me a testimony. Boldly proclaim it. When people listen, help them understand. When others don’t listen, shake it off (13:51). Don’t let anyone discourage me from telling the story of Jesus. It’s my story and no one can contradict it (13:45). 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for the peace of being cleared innocent before you. Thank you for the opportunity to be in relationship with you. Lord, I don’t want to get over my salvation. Would you give me the boldness today to tell someone the Gospel and its truth. Lord, I want to see others believe. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 11, Proverbs 18]

H – Acts 11:23, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,…….”

E – Building Bridges!

After Peter’s witness to the Gentiles he returned to Jerusalem. When he entered the Jews had a bone to pick with him, “You’ve been with the uncircumcised – unclean – unholy and even ate with them, you unholy backslider.” (I’m dramatizing in my own words 10:3). They were not happy until Peter explained what took place in Acts 10 and concluded with these words, “who was I to stand in God’s way?” (11:17).

Now a report had been sent of another group being added to the mix of outreached; The Hellenist, which were non-Jew Greeks. So, the “mother church” in Jerusalem wanted to validate these claims and they sent Barnabas to validate and examine the new outreach. Was this real? They probably sent Barnabas because he was different. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and active in his faith. He was known as the “Son of Encouragement”. If anyone could help build a bridge between two cultures and ethnicities, it was Barnabas. And that he does. 

Once Barnabas arrives to Antioch it doesn’t take long for him to figure out that it was indeed real. Antioch had been evangelized and he saw the evidence of God’s great grace. Notice what takes place. 

He encouraged and exhorted them to 1) remain faithful to the Lord, 2) persevere with purpose given through the Gospel. 

But, it goes even deeper. Barnabas doesn’t leave them. He doesn’t say congratulations, good luck, we’re rooting for you, just do what everyone else is doing and you will figure it out. No! He sent for Saul (Paul) to come to Antioch and for a whole year they discipled (taught) these believers. 

A -Don’t Stand in God’s Way, Live With Purpose, Share The Gospel, Be an Encourager, Build Gospel Bridges, Disciple Believers (Especially new believers), Send The Discipled Out to Make More Disciples. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for saving me and giving me purpose. Help me Lord not to squander my purpose away. Lord, use me to be an encouragement to others, a bridge builder in the community, and have Gospel impact where you have placed me. I pray I would be able to see the evidence of your great Grace in this community. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 10, Proverbs 17]

H – Acts 10:34, “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,……”

E – No Partiality!

It was no secret; Jews hated Gentiles. Jews did not want to associate with folks they considered uncommon and unclean, which was everyone other than Jews. It is interesting however that this is not the heart of God. God had sent Jesus to die for the world, all humanity, every tongue, tribe, and nation. So, to have a hatred for people that Jesus had died for was not of God. 

The Lord gives Peter a dream, while he is hungry; of all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. The Lord then tells him to go rise, kill, and eat (10:13). This was not literal, but Peter didn’t know the meaning until some folks that were considered to Jews unclean showed up. It could have been one of those sanctifying moments for Peter – “I hear you Lord, you love them, and I will too.”

1 John 4:20, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

A – Love God, Love People, Share The Gospel with All People.

R – Lord, Thank you for loving me. I pray I will be able to love people the way you have called me too. I pray, Lord God, that you will allow me to be light in darkness and salt in the midst of blah-ness. Lord, I pray all people see Jesus in and through me.

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 9, Proverbs 16]

H – Acts 9:4, “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

E – One With Christ!

This passage is eye opening to the relationship a Christian has with Christ. Paul had been persecuting Christians. He approved Stephen’s execution (8:1), he lead the persecution of Jerusalem (8:2), and he was headed to Damascus to do the same (9:2). Paul breathed out threats against, beat, and murdered Christians (9:1). Yet, he physically never saw Jesus or laid his hands on Him. Or did he?

According to Christ we are part of His Body. We are one together, with Christ being the head. 

1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

This is why Jesus, in Spirit, could ask Saul (Paul), “why are you persecuting me?” To persecute Christ Body is to persecute Christ himself. 

This should let us know the value that Christ has for those that follow Him. We are considered one together in a relationship that binds us for eternity. He loves His body and I’m part of it. 

A – I’m part of Christ body and I should view myself as such. He is in me and I am in Him. Therefore, I should protect this body; spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I shouldn’t let anything else take root that is not holy and righteous before Him. 

R – Lord God, thank you for allowing me to be part of your body, part of your family. It is truly the greatest honor I have. Lord help me to protect myself and do nothing to hinder or harm the body. I want to grow in you and be used by you for your Glory. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 8, Proverbs 15]

H – Acts 8:21, “You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”

E – Saving Faith!

The story of Simon has captured my attention today. I can’t tell you how many times I have read it. But, today was different. 

Simon was a magician. He must have been pretty good at his trade because the people thought he was great and amazing (8:9-11). However, when Philip showed up in town he had something totally different. He had the power of Christ as he preached the “good news” about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (8:12). This was different than anything Simon had experienced or could do. People in his presence were being transformed and healed. Simon saw real signs and real miracles. Nothing was manipulated. Totally amazed he said “I BELIEVE” and was even Baptized (8:13). 

He must have now been a Christian, right? I mean, he went through the church rituals and was even baptized. 

However, we learn something different about what Simon believed in. It appears that Simon’s commitment was towards the signs and miracles and not to the name Jesus. Simon even tried to buy his way in and manipulate the Holy Spirit to do for him what he desired (8:18). He wanted others to take control and intercede on his behalf to even get it (8:24). Yet, Peter told him all of the things that he was doing in an attempt to buy, manipulate, and earn the favor of God would die with him (8:20). Simon was now confronted with the truth – He was not part of God’s Kingdom. 

The reality is, salvation is a gift (8:20) that is only received through genuine repentance (8:22). Anything else is superficial and disingenuous. Without genuine repentance, turning from our sin (wickedness) and selfishness and turning to the Lord Jesus Christ, we will continue in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity (8:23). We will die in our sin. 

Repentance and Faith in Jesus alone will atone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Not what I believe, what I did (baptism), what I have, what I think I deserve, our what others can do for me. Only Jesus!

The sad testimony of Acts 8 is there is no record of Simon repenting. The gospel message was more of what is in it for me (selfishness) instead of surrender. 

A – Genuine belief and faith in Jesus turns me away from wickedness and into His presence. Remain in a heart of repentance. Cling to His Word. Be filled with His Spirit. 

Keep this weeks memory verse at the forefront of my days. 

Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Lord, help me to walk in full surrender. God, help me to speak truth like Peter. Help me to know when to boldly speak or humbly be silent. Lord, I pray I see and experience the miracles of genuine salvation. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 6, Proverbs 11]

H – Acts 6:7, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

E – Missional Maturity!

The desire of His church should be for the Word to increase (not just in the 4 walls) in which others are lead to Jesus, believers are trained and discipled, and disciples sent out to impact the world. However, there is a clear reality in Acts 6 that continues today. It’s called “growing pains.” I have never not known a church that grows numerically not have some type of issues. The most common still today is that people feel left out, or someone was not getting ministered to the way they thought they should be. The majority of the time it’s because they were not plugged in, unified in direction, and simply the right persons didn’t know. Regardless, there is a feeling of neglect. 

That’s what was happening in Acts 6; neglect. I can tell you how most of neglect has been handled over the years. It usually begins with, “Preacher, you need to ……” or “Preacher, you haven’t ……” I believe the church would have been a lot better off if Preachers/Pastors/Priest would have had a backbone and responded, “Sir/Ma’am, you need to grow up in missional maturity and take on responsibility of being part of His church.”

The first thing that needed to be address was the main thing – THE WORD. The apostles knew that it was not right for them to neglect time in prayer, study of the Word, and preaching of the Word to minister to daily neglects (6:2). Now hear me, that does not mean that Preachers/Pastors/Priest/Elders/Bishops never minster to those neglected. It means that it’s not common practice to those inside the church. 

Here is why! Because it was never meant to be their responsibility. It was meant to be the responsibility of the church. Notice in 6:2 that the 12 called and summoned “THE FULL NUMBER OF DISCIPLES.” They were all in this thing together and it was everyones responsibility. (Read 1 Corinthians 12)

The second thing that needed to be address was – WHO. It was specifically in Acts 6 – MEN. (However, we also see in the NT where women are called to serve the needs of others). They were to be respected, full of The Spirit, full of wisdom, and ready to serve (6:3). Well, shouldn’t that be everyone who has been part of His church for a substantial time? One would hope! But, that’s not the case when we see that statistically 10% or less do 90% or more.

What would happen if “THE CHURCH” grew up in Missional Maturity?

Acts 6 gives us a little insight – The Word would continue to increase, the church would grow (more people would be saved), and The Church Body would obey (from the Priest – down). 

If the church wants to be obedient to the faith, Acts 6 is a great model. May it be the heart of each of us to grow in Missional Maturity – respectful, full of His Spirit and wisdom, ready to serve, meeting the needs of all people. 

A – Grow in the Word. Teach The Word. Lead From The Word. Lead Others In The Word. Look For Others to Share The Word. Raise Up Leaders To Administer The Word. Meet Needs By The Word. 

R – Lord God, thank you for a clear picture of your church. Lord, I pray your church would become obedient to the faith. Lord, I pray that we would hunger and thirst for your Word and for your Word to lead us in Spirit and Truth. Father, I pray you would raise up MEN in biblical maturity to biblical manhood. I pray MEN would set the precedent for Biblical priority. God would you continue to teach us what your church should look like? Help and Lead us to surrender to your desires above our own. God, Grow your people. Raise up leaders. Grow your church. 

In Jesus Name! 

[Acts 5, Proverbs 10]

H – Acts 5:29–32, “[29] But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. [30] The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [32] And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.””

E – Obedience!

Peter and the apostles were watching God do a great work through the boldness of their testimony. People were being saved, sick were being healed, and others were continually bringing friends to hear of this Jesus. However, there were a group of religious leaders called the Sadducees who had rejected all claims of the resurrection. This group could not stand the testimony of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, they had the apostles locked up. However, you can’t stop God’s plan and He miraculously freed the apostles and commanded them to continue speaking to all the people the words of Life (5:20). 

Upon witnessing this the Sadducees demanded the apostles to stop speaking. But, they reminded these deviants that their obedience was not to them but God (5:29). It’s interesting to look at the progression of obedience in the highlighted passage and what comes with it. 

Genuine Obedience to Jesus as Lord leads to Repentance; Repentance produces Forgiveness; Living in Light of His Forgiveness gives Testimony; Testimony produces Power from His Holy Spirit. It’s all wrapped up in and through obedience. 

If you want the Holy Spirit. It’s given to those who Obey Him (5:32). 

A – Obedience should be the desire of a believer. It should be my desire. Obedience begins with my confession that Jesus is Lord and leads to a life that pursues Him with everything. Make Jesus my priority. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for giving me an opportunity to obey you, despite the many times that   I have failed. You are the God of countless second chances and I praise you for that. Lord, I desire obedience. Lead me through conviction and may I respond by repentance. Lord, I love you and I praise you for Who you Are. 

In Jesus Name!