James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
With “Do-ing!” Faith
Behold! Here we stand ineffectually speaking to those in our camp and to every observer.
Inattentively listening, yet such fill the pews, every car and each home where they’re acting— with fervor!
In work places too, thus surrounding — dissenting…are these choosing selfishly!
Yea, unrelenting!
For all whose Intentions dismiss CHRISTian zeal, hear these words! No! Read HIS…for such Wisdom — revealed!
May then our desires, intentions and purpose…entwine with CHRIST’s sacrifice, bound as HIServants!
Proactively then, heed GOD’s call, dearest listener…bd found serving well, holding onto HIS fingers!
Yes lift up those ‘round you, both brothers and sisters till those hearing ALSO obey!
As HIServant praying, hearing believing and DOING good unto others in Faith — believing,
Whitney
Devotional: James 2:14 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”
James 2:18 “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
There’s a popular Bible phrase I feel is often misrepresented. Often someone says, “It’s Faith plus nothing equals Salvation.”
While this is true solely because of CHRIST’s Finished work on the cross of Calvary which paid our every sin’s debt…many listening take this to believe that Faith is all they are being asked of by GOD to do.
Now! Here’s that laser focused moment which I’ve sadly seen too often.
Here the law based, “earning your own salvation-ists” and the greasy grace, “Just say the sinners prayer-ists” both miss the mark though for different reasons.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Those who translate this verse to somehow mean our works save us, will never find rest. They’ll never be able to do enough.
Lives will be weighted down and foolishly spent trying to add to CHRIST’s solo sacrifice on Calvary. That’s one side of the coin.
Hebrews 4:2 “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the WORD which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”
The “greasy grace” camp points the finger at the law lovers and lets the pendulum swing incorrectly in the other direction.
Far too many hearing “Faith plus nothing” HEAR that all the work is done so just live a decent life. You said the prayer. You have the get out of Hell free card.
That’s not true either. There’s no urgency to serve others in that. It’s not a exercise of faith as we’re called to DO…but a stagnant, contract mindset where Zeal is seen as unnecessary.
Think of it this way! GOD gave us these vessels for filling and refilling. We humbly and contritely pour out ourselves and die to our selfish ways to be open and ready to carry all that GOD pours in.
Through giftings and talents, with the Good News being heard from our hearts, others then see the LORD! They also feel HIS compelling to DO the same for others.
JESUS paid it all, hallelujah! And the best way to move hearers of the WORD into doers of HIS will is LIVE your faith as a daily expression of love and not some lifeless, dusty contractual agreement!
Hebrews 6:11-12 “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises!”
Run, oh CHRISTian soldier! Do not be stagnant nor sluggish!
Run to win the law loving and the apathetic to a vibrant life in CHRIST!
Amen and amen!
2CJC 