Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thursday’s Devotion: Real Faith


James 2:14-19 (CEB)  “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it?  Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat.  What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs?  In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.  Someone might claim, “You have faith and I have action.” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action.  It’s good that you believe that God is one. Ha! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble with fear.”

I had a discussion with someone the other day about the different creeds in our Hymnal.  He asked if we ever used the Nicene Creed.  This ancient creed is more specific in outlining beliefs than the shorter Apostles Creed.   I told him that we have been reciting The Modern Affirmation instead of either of these for a specific reason. The other creeds are statements of beliefs – The Modern Affirmation says, “Ok you believe this but what is your response going to be?”  Actually it puts it this way: “We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth.”  Here’s the question for you – are you a professing Christian or a practicing Christian?
Holy God, we know that we are saved by faith not works but we also know that true faith, saving faith naturally inspires us to do works.  Show us ways, Lord through which we may express our faith.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

In Christ's Service,
Paige

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