Thursday, February 24, 2011

No faith, no power.

As Christians, God allows us to go through certain tests and trials for a purpose. In the book of James, James gives us insight into why we go through trials and into what God is trying to teach us by them. So why do we go through them ? 1) To Promote Joy. To teach us to have joy in Christ, even in the trial. Joy is an inner rejoicing of peace and trust, knowing within that no matter what happens Christ is at work both comforting and helping us for good. 2) To Perfect Patience. Patience is strengthened by experience. Trust God, obey God, and watch God handle the situation, so that the next time a similar trial comes, you patiently know God can handle it. 3) To Provoke Wisdom. When we ask for wisdom, God promises to give it. Wisdom is acquired in one of 4 ways: through prayer, bible study, council, and experience, so be careful not to miss it when it comes. 4) To Prioritize Faith. Faith is the power behind asking. No faith, no power. Ask doubting, and God cannot answer. Faith is prioritized when we have nothing to hold on to but God’s Word. 5) To Produce Endurance. Endurance takes much exercise. The more we are tried the greater our endurance or faith. An enduring Christian does not quit, is not impatient, nor does he waver in faith. He has learned to trust in God.

Religious hypocrisy is wide spread,“so say and do.”

In Christianity, it’s very common for us to say that we are religious but in practice, not be. In James 1:27, James explains to the Jewish brethren that pure religion is demonstrated by the practice of loving others, and by the practice of obeying God. In other words it’s not enough to know the truth we have been called to practice the truth. 1) Visit the needy. The church has been called to watch out for one another. Visiting involves caring for people, love, and time. We have been commanded to go, and not just pray for others. 2) Love without partiality. Our calling is to love & minister to all people, regardless of race, religion, stature, or depth of sin. “For God so loved” all men, and died for them. 3) Keep yourselves unspotted. As Christians, our affect on people is greatly determined by our walk with God. Before we can effectively preach to others, we must obey God ourselves. Religious hypocrisy is wide spread,“so say and do.”

(Jas 2:17) “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

What James is implying here, is that if all we have is a knowledge of the Word of God, and not practice what it says, then our faith is useless and dead. Works of righteousness must accompany our faith or the promises of God’s Word cannot be given to us. For instance, 1) In Salvation. If we read how to be saved in the Bible, and yet not do what it says to be saved, how then can we get saved? The only work that God expects the believer to do for salvation, is to repent, and receive Jesus as Savior (Ro.10:9-13). 2) In Service. What good is just knowing that we should serve God and others, and then not practice it. Good intensions will never profit anyone on the day of judgment. 3) In Submission. What good is just knowing that we need to surrender our will to God, if we don’t do it. Abraham of old submitted,” and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”