Bible Verse of The Day – 6-17-19

James 2:20 (NKJV) 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Faith without works. What exactly is James referring to here?

Most times we hear this expounded on with regard to helping others. And while this is accurate, there is also another side to this that James mentions, but we rarely hear about.

Most times we think of and refer to works as something we do for others. We help them, we support them in prayer. We encourage them. We may even give them things.

But what else was James referring to when he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this?

He was referring to the things we do for God, in obedience to His spirit.

James 2:21 (NKJV) 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

You see, we can display our faith by helping others. And we should do this.

But if we fail to follow God’s leading in the areas where He requires something of us, then our faith isn’t really as strong as we might think, is it?

Obviously, God doesn’t ask us to sacrifice our children on an altar. But He may ask us to make other kinds of sacrifices, such as financial sacrifices, sacrifices of our time, or even sacrifices of our will.

And even though we may be happy to surrender ourselves by way of helping others, are we willing to sacrifice ourselves when God asks us to step out and follow Him in other ways that might not be as easy or straight-forward?

Abraham was. And his faith to do so was credited to him as righteousness. And he was called a friend of God.

James 2:22-23 (NKJV) 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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