Ok, so now we know what faith is, but faith has to be more than just believing in God. James addresses this when he says, "You believe that God is one, you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder" (James 2:19). James tells us just above us why that is not enough. Let us look at that.
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, If you say that you have faith, but do not have works? Can faith save you" (James 2:14 NRSV)? than answer to this is no. Faith a lone can not save you. You have to ask for forgiveness & accepted Jesus to be saved. That required you to do something.
James goes on to say, "But some will say, 'You have faith & I have works'. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith" (James 2:18 NRSV). James give an example of what he is talking about. "if a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you say to them, 'Go in peace; keep warmed and eat your fill,' and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that" (James 2:14-16). It goes on to say, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (James 2:17).
You see, if you have a faith that is a live it will change your thought pattern, & your actions. Those around you will see the change & wonder at it. Paul speaks of this when he says, " they will see your works & glorify your Father in heaven" ( Mat. 5:15-16). We are not saved just for ourselves, but for those around us who also needs God in their lives.
Now, let us go into the great hall of faith and look at each hero of faith's picture and see how this type of living faith moved them into acting out their faith & in doing so, helped others for the kingdom of God, shall we?
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