July 18, 2019: SOAP #3514:  Isaiah 32-35; James 2

Scripture:  James (NIV) 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Observation:   James is making a point that just believing the truth is not enough.  It is good to believe that God exists because that is truth.  Even demons believe that truth.  They know that God exists.  They are convinced that God exists.  But that belief does not save them.

They believe that God exists, and their actions prove that they believe in God—they shudder (tremble, are terrified, are horrified).  That reaction proves that they believe in God.

Application:  Believing that God exists is not enough to make it to heaven.  I must believe that He is my Savior—that Jesus died to pay for my sins.   Along with that belief I must have supporting action to validify my faith.  I must confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord!  (Romans 10:9-10)

Confessing my sins, receiving by faith His forgiveness, inviting Him to live in my heart, making Him my Lord, growing in understanding what He likes and how I can serve and please Him—all supporting actions that back up my faith.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, continue teaching me what it means to live this life of faith.  My heart has been filled joy; use me to bring joy to my Heavenly Father and Jesus my Lord.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!