July 18, 2021: SOAP #4245:  Isaiah 32-35; James 2

SCRIPTURE:  James (NIV) 2:22 You see that his [Abraham’s] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

OBSERVATION: It is one thing for God to be Abraham’s friend, but what an honor to be known as God’s friend.  Many people would like to claim God as their friend, but how special when God claims us as His friend. 

God called Abraham His friend; their friendship was God’s idea.  From the context above, we see that there were two things that made Abraham attractive to God.  They are two things that go together for both are dependent on the other:  Faith and Actions.  Faith without actions/works is dead and worthless.  Actions not based on Faith are worthless for attracting God.  But when they are joined together, they are powerful!  They are the key to our salvation.  They are the key to how we live our life with Jesus. 

APPLICATION:  Faith comes by hearing.  As I hear with my heart what I read or what someone tells me, I gain knowledge.  The Holy Spirit witnesses in my heart that the knowledge is truth.  Being convinced in my heart that it is true, I decide to act on the truth.  My actions line up with the truth.  The actions are proof of my faith.  God sees my actions proving my faith and responds.  God likes to be believed.  God likes it when our actions line up with our faith in Him!  

PRAYER:  Lord, you have proved yourself trustworthy.  You are a worthy foundation for my faith.  You have become the reason for my life. Pleasing you has become my purpose.  I want you to call me your friend.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!