Day 7: Authentic Faith That Really Works
Read: James 2:14 - 26
100% Authentic, 100 % Real. It seems if you put these words in front of
anything it sells more – 100% authentic American Cuisine, 100% “real
Colombian coffee” or “real leather.” There’s a book out Real Men Don’t
Eat Quiche. Coke used to be the "real thing". We’re interested in the
genuine article. Is this the "real deal?" There is great value placed on
anything that carries a label that says "100% Authentic". If we find
out that this is not the case, the value drops significantly. There is
Reality TV which sometimes struggles real hard to be real and authentic
to real true life situations.
I want to talk to you today about
what James has to say about how to have a real and authentic faith that
really works. He talks about how you can have a real faith. Jesus
verifies this saying that by a person’s fruits you can know them. This
is one of the most controversial and misunderstood passage in the book
of James. Many of us misunderstand it and try to use this passage to
prove you have to work your way to heaven. The New Testament teaches
that we are saved by faith alone. "By grace, through faith." James comes
along and says, “It’s not just faith but faith and works.”
What is he talking about? James or Paul…which one is right? They are
both right. They are both talking about different things. Paul was
fighting the problem of: "I’ve really got to keep all the Jewish laws
and regulations to be an authentic Christian." James is fighting those
that say "It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you believe."
When Paul uses the word "works" he’s talking about Jewish laws like
keeping food laws and things like that. When James uses it, he’s talking
about the Christian lifestyle -- acts of love. It’s totally different.
It is about living authentic lives.
Paul focuses on the root of
salvation -- what happens to me internally. James then is focusing on
the fruit of salvation -- what happens on the outside. Jesus said, "By
their fruits you will know them." Paul is talking about, “How to know
you’re a Christian.” James is talking about, “How to show you’re a
Christian.” Paul is talking about how to become a believer. James talks
about how to behave like a believer. Both writers are stressing
authenticity and realism - both from one side of the candle moving
inward. Both moving steadily centered toward the only true 100%
Authentic Real Deal - Jesus.
Lord, show me authenticity,
through thy Son Jesus, that I may see for myself then I may live my life
more and more authentically for You. Help me to be 'more real' today than I was yesterday. Place me on the path of life that's wholly centered on Your Son. Draw me ever closer from without to within, toward the very core of Your greatness.
http://www.youtube.com/
Read: James 2:14 - 26
100% Authentic, 100 % Real. It seems if you put these words in front of anything it sells more – 100% authentic American Cuisine, 100% “real Colombian coffee” or “real leather.” There’s a book out Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche. Coke used to be the "real thing". We’re interested in the genuine article. Is this the "real deal?" There is great value placed on anything that carries a label that says "100% Authentic". If we find out that this is not the case, the value drops significantly. There is Reality TV which sometimes struggles real hard to be real and authentic to real true life situations.
I want to talk to you today about what James has to say about how to have a real and authentic faith that really works. He talks about how you can have a real faith. Jesus verifies this saying that by a person’s fruits you can know them. This is one of the most controversial and misunderstood passage in the book of James. Many of us misunderstand it and try to use this passage to prove you have to work your way to heaven. The New Testament teaches that we are saved by faith alone. "By grace, through faith." James comes along and says, “It’s not just faith but faith and works.”
What is he talking about? James or Paul…which one is right? They are both right. They are both talking about different things. Paul was fighting the problem of: "I’ve really got to keep all the Jewish laws and regulations to be an authentic Christian." James is fighting those that say "It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you believe." When Paul uses the word "works" he’s talking about Jewish laws like keeping food laws and things like that. When James uses it, he’s talking about the Christian lifestyle -- acts of love. It’s totally different. It is about living authentic lives.
Paul focuses on the root of salvation -- what happens to me internally. James then is focusing on the fruit of salvation -- what happens on the outside. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them." Paul is talking about, “How to know you’re a Christian.” James is talking about, “How to show you’re a Christian.” Paul is talking about how to become a believer. James talks about how to behave like a believer. Both writers are stressing authenticity and realism - both from one side of the candle moving inward. Both moving steadily centered toward the only true 100% Authentic Real Deal - Jesus.
Lord, show me authenticity, through thy Son Jesus, that I may see for myself then I may live my life more and more authentically for You. Help me to be 'more real' today than I was yesterday. Place me on the path of life that's wholly centered on Your Son. Draw me ever closer from without to within, toward the very core of Your greatness.
http://www.youtube.com/
Rhythms of Grace - Hillsong United Miami Live New 2012 (Lyrics/Subtitles) (Worship Song for Jesus)
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Hillsong United Live in Miami 2012, Album:
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