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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