Do People See Jesus in You?

There is an amazing disconnect There is an amazing disconnect between what people say and what they between what people say and what they between what people say and what they do. do. do. They talk a good game that they don't They talk a good game that they don't They talk a good game that they don't live. live. live. You know them. You know them. You know them. See them at work. See them at work. See them at work. See them at school. See them at school. See them at school. So-called Christians So-called Christians So-called Christians who don't act anything like Christians. who don't act anything like Christians. who don't act anything like Christians. If you ask people in America about If you ask people in America about If you ask people in America about faith, you hear a lot of confident faith, you hear a lot of confident faith, you hear a lot of confident answers. answers. answers. People say things like, "I believe in People say things like, "I believe in People say things like, "I believe in God." God." God." Or "I'm a Christian." "I grew up in Or "I'm a Christian." "I grew up in Or "I'm a Christian." "I grew up in church." church." church." Faith is a word that most people are Faith is a word that most people are Faith is a word that most people are comfortable using. comfortable using. comfortable using. Athletes talk about it after a game. Athletes talk about it after a game. Athletes talk about it after a game. Politicians thank God after winning an Politicians thank God after winning an Politicians thank God after winning an election. election. election. Surveys tell us that the majority of Surveys tell us that the majority of Surveys tell us that the majority of Americans believe in God and consider Americans believe in God and consider Americans believe in God and consider themselves people of faith. themselves people of faith. themselves people of faith. But belief is not the same as But belief is not the same as But belief is not the same as transformation. transformation. transformation. A person can say they believe in God and A person can say they believe in God and A person can say they believe in God and still live exactly like everyone else.

still live exactly like everyone else. still live exactly like everyone else. A person can attend church, know Bible A person can attend church, know Bible A person can attend church, know Bible stories, use the right language, but the stories, use the right language, but the stories, use the right language, but the way they treat people, the choices that way they treat people, the choices that way they treat people, the choices that they make, the priorities that they live they make, the priorities that they live they make, the priorities that they live by, and the way they respond under by, and the way they respond under by, and the way they respond under pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone around them. around them. around them. That raises an important question for That raises an important question for That raises an important question for us. us. us. What does real faith look like? What does real faith look like? What does real faith look like? How do you know the difference between How do you know the difference between How do you know the difference between faith that is genuine faith that is genuine faith that is genuine and faith that is just talk? and faith that is just talk? and faith that is just talk? How can you tell when someone truly has How can you tell when someone truly has How can you tell when someone truly has a relationship with Jesus versus someone a relationship with Jesus versus someone a relationship with Jesus versus someone who simply believes that God exists? who simply believes that God exists? who simply believes that God exists? That question's not new. That question's not new. That question's not new. 2,000 years ago, the early church 2,000 years ago, the early church 2,000 years ago, the early church wrestled with the same issue. wrestled with the same issue. wrestled with the same issue. James, writing to a group of churches James, writing to a group of churches James, writing to a group of churches that had been scattered by persecution, that had been scattered by persecution, that had been scattered by persecution, addressed some of those questions. addressed some of those questions. addressed some of those questions. How much of your faith How much of your faith How much of your faith is what you say? is what you say? is what you say? How much of your faith is what you do?

How much of your faith is what you do? How much of your faith is what you do? Is it enough to believe in God and say Is it enough to believe in God and say Is it enough to believe in God and say the right things? the right things? the right things? Or does God require more? Or does God require more? Or does God require more? Just how important is action to your Just how important is action to your Just how important is action to your faith? faith? faith? What do you do? How much do you have to What do you do? How much do you have to What do you do? How much do you have to do? do? do? Do you really have to reach out to your Do you really have to reach out to your Do you really have to reach out to your community? community? community? Do you really need to be in ministry? Do you really need to be in ministry? Do you really need to be in ministry? Do you have to go to church to be a Do you have to go to church to be a Do you have to go to church to be a Christian, or is it enough to just Christian, or is it enough to just Christian, or is it enough to just believe in God? Really, what difference believe in God? Really, what difference believe in God? Really, what difference do your actions make? do your actions make? do your actions make? Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew chapter 7 while talking about false chapter 7 while talking about false chapter 7 while talking about false teachers. teachers. teachers. He said, "By their fruit you will He said, "By their fruit you will He said, "By their fruit you will recognize them. recognize them. recognize them. Every good tree bears good fruit, Every good tree bears good fruit, Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. but a bad tree bears bad fruit. but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. bad tree cannot bear good fruit. bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit Every tree that does not bear good fruit Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. is cut down and thrown into the fire. is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize Thus, by their fruit you will recognize Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

them." them." Jesus indicated that you will be able to Jesus indicated that you will be able to Jesus indicated that you will be able to identify people according to their identify people according to their identify people according to their fruit, what they produce, fruit, what they produce, fruit, what they produce, what they do. what they do. what they do. James took it a step further. James James took it a step further. James James took it a step further. James chapter 2 verse 17. In the same way, chapter 2 verse 17. In the same way, chapter 2 verse 17. In the same way, faith by itself, faith by itself, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, if it is not accompanied by action, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. is dead. is dead. It's pretty strong. It's pretty strong. It's pretty strong. James said, "If you have words of faith, James said, "If you have words of faith, James said, "If you have words of faith, but don't act on them, your faith is but don't act on them, your faith is but don't act on them, your faith is dead." dead." dead." And remember, James is writing this to a And remember, James is writing this to a And remember, James is writing this to a group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous persecution. Think little things like persecution. Think little things like persecution. Think little things like being burned at the stake. being burned at the stake. being burned at the stake. You expect James to be talking about You expect James to be talking about You expect James to be talking about laying low, taking it easy, finding laying low, taking it easy, finding laying low, taking it easy, finding shelter, hiding out. shelter, hiding out. shelter, hiding out. Instead, he said, Instead, he said, Instead, he said, "In spite of it all, make sure your "In spite of it all, make sure your "In spite of it all, make sure your faith is visible through your actions."

faith is visible through your actions." faith is visible through your actions." When people face hard times, they often When people face hard times, they often When people face hard times, they often take a break from their ministry role or take a break from their ministry role or take a break from their ministry role or cut back on their commitments. cut back on their commitments. cut back on their commitments. James says, "You can't do that." James says, "You can't do that." James says, "You can't do that." Because faith without action is dead. Because faith without action is dead. Because faith without action is dead. It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm a Christian. I have faith." a Christian. I have faith." a Christian. I have faith." Actions make your faith alive. This idea is easy to understand it if This idea is easy to understand it if you look at it in the context of a you look at it in the context of a you look at it in the context of a hospital. hospital. hospital. If you go to the hospital and you are If you go to the hospital and you are If you go to the hospital and you are dying, dying, dying, it's not enough for a doctor to say, it's not enough for a doctor to say, it's not enough for a doctor to say, "I'm a doctor. "I'm a doctor. "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. I know how to save your I have a degree. I know how to save your I have a degree. I know how to save your life." life." life." They have to act on their knowledge and They have to act on their knowledge and They have to act on their knowledge and actually save your life. actually save your life. actually save your life. If they claim all of those things and do If they claim all of those things and do If they claim all of those things and do nothing with them, they're not a good nothing with them, they're not a good nothing with them, they're not a good doctor and you're going to die. doctor and you're going to die. doctor and you're going to die. According to James, faith has to be According to James, faith has to be According to James, faith has to be backed up with action. backed up with action. backed up with action. What you do.

What you do. What you do. If your faith can't be seen through your If your faith can't be seen through your If your faith can't be seen through your actions, if you aren't doing anything actions, if you aren't doing anything actions, if you aren't doing anything with your faith, with your faith, with your faith, your faith is worthless and dead. your faith is worthless and dead. your faith is worthless and dead. But someone will say, "You have faith. I But someone will say, "You have faith. I But someone will say, "You have faith. I have deeds." have deeds." have deeds." "Show me your faith without deeds and I "Show me your faith without deeds and I "Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do." will show you my faith by what I do." will show you my faith by what I do." If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, people are watching to see if your faith people are watching to see if your faith people are watching to see if your faith talk is backed up by your actions. talk is backed up by your actions. talk is backed up by your actions. When your actions match your words, your When your actions match your words, your When your actions match your words, your faith becomes visible. It's one of the many reasons we are so It's one of the many reasons we are so involved in our community as a church. involved in our community as a church. involved in our community as a church. Things like homebound ministry, Things like homebound ministry, Things like homebound ministry, going into hospitals, going into hospitals, going into hospitals, big events and community outreach, big events and community outreach, big events and community outreach, disaster relief, disaster relief, disaster relief, supporting things like FCA and Youth supporting things like FCA and Youth supporting things like FCA and Youth Alive. Alive. Alive. Every year we minister to our sanitation Every year we minister to our sanitation Every year we minister to our sanitation crews at a sanitation lunch.

crews at a sanitation lunch. crews at a sanitation lunch. We partner and work with our first We partner and work with our first We partner and work with our first responders. responders. responders. We provide backpacks for kids on We provide backpacks for kids on We provide backpacks for kids on weekends who don't have enough food to weekends who don't have enough food to weekends who don't have enough food to make it through the weekend. make it through the weekend. make it through the weekend. We provide groceries for people in the We provide groceries for people in the We provide groceries for people in the community and in our church family. We community and in our church family. We community and in our church family. We currently give out just under 100 bags a currently give out just under 100 bags a currently give out just under 100 bags a week of groceries. week of groceries. week of groceries. It's the reason we have an immigration It's the reason we have an immigration It's the reason we have an immigration ministry. ministry. ministry. It's why we started Metro Worship It's why we started Metro Worship It's why we started Metro Worship Center. Center. Center. It's why we do prison ministry. It's why It's why we do prison ministry. It's why It's why we do prison ministry. It's why we do the week of giving. It's why our we do the week of giving. It's why our we do the week of giving. It's why our kids and student ministry teams are kids and student ministry teams are kids and student ministry teams are involved in our local schools. We do all involved in our local schools. We do all involved in our local schools. We do all of those things because we want people of those things because we want people of those things because we want people to see that our faith goes beyond our to see that our faith goes beyond our to see that our faith goes beyond our words and it affects our actions. words and it affects our actions. words and it affects our actions. In fact, In fact, In fact, actions often give the opportunity to actions often give the opportunity to actions often give the opportunity to share your faith. share your faith. share your faith. When you love and care for people, they When you love and care for people, they When you love and care for people, they become open to hearing about the love of become open to hearing about the love of become open to hearing about the love of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Verse 19, Verse 19, Verse 19, "You believe that there is one God. "You believe that there is one God. "You believe that there is one God. Good. Good. Good. Even the demons believe that and Even the demons believe that and Even the demons believe that and shudder."

shudder." shudder." You've heard people say, "I believe in You've heard people say, "I believe in You've heard people say, "I believe in God." God." God." James responds, James responds, James responds, "Good for you. "Good for you. "Good for you. But unless you do something about your But unless you do something about your But unless you do something about your faith, you're no better than the faith, you're no better than the faith, you're no better than the demons." Ouch. Ouch. Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at James. He's the one that said it. I'm James. He's the one that said it. I'm James. He's the one that said it. I'm just repeating it. just repeating it. just repeating it. James continues, "You foolish man. James continues, "You foolish man. James continues, "You foolish man. Do you want evidence that faith without Do you want evidence that faith without Do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? deeds is useless? deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered Was not our ancestor Abraham considered Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he righteous for what he did when he righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac at the altar? offered his son Isaac at the altar? offered his son Isaac at the altar? You see that his faith and his actions You see that his faith and his actions You see that his faith and his actions were working together, were working together, were working together, and his faith was made complete by what and his faith was made complete by what and his faith was made complete by what he did." he did." he did." Your actions in response to your faith Your actions in response to your faith Your actions in response to your faith make your faith full, real, complete. Verse 23, Verse 23, "And the scripture was fulfilled that "And the scripture was fulfilled that "And the scripture was fulfilled that says Abraham believed God, and it was says Abraham believed God, and it was says Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him credited to him as credited to him credited to him as credited to him credited to him as righteousness.

righteousness. righteousness. And he was called God's friend. And he was called God's friend. And he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by You see that a person is justified by You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." what he does and not by faith alone." what he does and not by faith alone." It's not by faith alone. Just believing It's not by faith alone. Just believing It's not by faith alone. Just believing in that God exists isn't enough. in that God exists isn't enough. in that God exists isn't enough. It's not by actions alone. Just doing It's not by actions alone. Just doing It's not by actions alone. Just doing good deeds isn't enough. According to good deeds isn't enough. According to good deeds isn't enough. According to James, the equation is faith plus James, the equation is faith plus James, the equation is faith plus actions equals real faith. actions equals real faith. actions equals real faith. It's not just about words. It's not just It's not just about words. It's not just It's not just about words. It's not just about actions. It's about both. about actions. It's about both. about actions. It's about both. Faith without action is dead. Faith without action is dead. Faith without action is dead. Action without faith is simply charity. Action without faith is simply charity. Action without faith is simply charity. Actions make your faith real. Now let's look at what according to Now let's look at what according to James are some characteristics of faith James are some characteristics of faith James are some characteristics of faith that works, real faith.

that works, real faith. that works, real faith. Chapter 1, verse 22, "Do not merely Chapter 1, verse 22, "Do not merely Chapter 1, verse 22, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive listen to the word, and so deceive listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. yourselves. yourselves. Do what it says." Do what it says." Do what it says." If you know God's word, If you know God's word, If you know God's word, obey God's word. obey God's word. obey God's word. Unfortunately, that's not automatic. Unfortunately, that's not automatic. Unfortunately, that's not automatic. There is a tendency to pick and choose There is a tendency to pick and choose There is a tendency to pick and choose what you obey. what you obey. what you obey. You know what the Bible says, You know what the Bible says, You know what the Bible says, but if it's too difficult to obey or you but if it's too difficult to obey or you but if it's too difficult to obey or you just don't like a particular command, just don't like a particular command, just don't like a particular command, you skip it. you skip it. you skip it. The Bible teaches that gossip is sin, The Bible teaches that gossip is sin, The Bible teaches that gossip is sin, that it will send you to the same hell that it will send you to the same hell that it will send you to the same hell as murder. If you know that, why do you as murder. If you know that, why do you as murder. If you know that, why do you keep gossiping? Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it comes down to this. You're choosing not comes down to this. You're choosing not comes down to this. You're choosing not to obey the commands of God. to obey the commands of God. to obey the commands of God. You know what the Bible says about You know what the Bible says about You know what the Bible says about finances and tithing, but America, more finances and tithing, but America, more finances and tithing, but America, more than 3/4 of all who claim to be than 3/4 of all who claim to be than 3/4 of all who claim to be Christians don't tithe.

Christians don't tithe. Christians don't tithe. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure why. Perhaps God's command in this area of Perhaps God's command in this area of Perhaps God's command in this area of their life is considered unreasonable. their life is considered unreasonable. their life is considered unreasonable. It's fascinating, but they ignore God's It's fascinating, but they ignore God's It's fascinating, but they ignore God's command and then they get mad when they command and then they get mad when they command and then they get mad when they don't receive his blessing. We know what the Bible says about We know what the Bible says about conflict resolution, how to resolve conflict resolution, how to resolve conflict resolution, how to resolve issues with brothers and sisters in issues with brothers and sisters in issues with brothers and sisters in Christ. Christ. Christ. You're supposed to go to them with a You're supposed to go to them with a You're supposed to go to them with a spirit of love and resolve your spirit of love and resolve your spirit of love and resolve your disagreement face-to-face. You know disagreement face-to-face. You know disagreement face-to-face. You know that, but you continue in dysfunctional that, but you continue in dysfunctional that, but you continue in dysfunctional social media patterns. social media patterns. social media patterns. You know God's word, You know God's word, You know God's word, you just choose not to obey it. you just choose not to obey it. you just choose not to obey it. I could go on and on. You know what I could go on and on. You know what I could go on and on. You know what God's word says about sex outside of God's word says about sex outside of God's word says about sex outside of marriage. You know what God's word says marriage. You know what God's word says marriage. You know what God's word says about sharing your faith. You know what about sharing your faith. You know what about sharing your faith. You know what God's word says about loving your God's word says about loving your God's word says about loving your enemies. You get the point. Knowing enemies. You get the point. Knowing enemies. You get the point. Knowing doesn't always equal doing. doesn't always equal doing. doesn't always equal doing. And oh, let's not forget And oh, let's not forget And oh, let's not forget Satan knows the word of God. Satan knows the word of God. Satan knows the word of God. It takes more than just knowing.

It takes more than just knowing. It takes more than just knowing. It's not enough to listen to God's word, It's not enough to listen to God's word, It's not enough to listen to God's word, even to to it. It's not just knowledge. even to to it. It's not just knowledge. even to to it. It's not just knowledge. You have to obey it. You have to obey it. You have to obey it. According to James, your lack of action According to James, your lack of action According to James, your lack of action and disobedience renders your faith and disobedience renders your faith and disobedience renders your faith worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, pure and faultless is this, pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans and widows in to look after orphans and widows in to look after orphans and widows in their distress. their distress. their distress. Another translation says it more Another translation says it more Another translation says it more accurately accurately accurately this way, the fatherless and widows in this way, the fatherless and widows in this way, the fatherless and widows in their affliction. their affliction. their affliction. Pure and faultless. Pure and faultless. Pure and faultless. That's the kind of religion I want. That's the kind of religion I want. That's the kind of religion I want. Pure religion, according to God's word, Pure religion, according to God's word, Pure religion, according to God's word, looks out for others. looks out for others. looks out for others. Pure religion Pure religion Pure religion cares for those in need. cares for those in need. cares for those in need. That's those in need right here in That's those in need right here in That's those in need right here in central Arkansas central Arkansas central Arkansas and those in need around the world. and those in need around the world. and those in need around the world. If someone is apathetic towards those in If someone is apathetic towards those in If someone is apathetic towards those in need, if they refuse to act, need, if they refuse to act, need, if they refuse to act, their religion is not pure.

Verse 27 continues, "And to keep oneself Verse 27 continues, "And to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." from being polluted by the world." from being polluted by the world." In other words, In other words, In other words, holiness. holiness. holiness. That word holiness That word holiness That word holiness is often misunderstood. is often misunderstood. is often misunderstood. So, let's take a few minutes. Let's So, let's take a few minutes. Let's So, let's take a few minutes. Let's unpack it a little bit and we're going unpack it a little bit and we're going unpack it a little bit and we're going to talk about first what holiness is not to talk about first what holiness is not to talk about first what holiness is not and then we'll look at what holiness is. and then we'll look at what holiness is. and then we'll look at what holiness is. Holiness is not following a lot of Holiness is not following a lot of Holiness is not following a lot of rules. rules. rules. That's what the Pharisees did. That's what the Pharisees did. That's what the Pharisees did. They developed lots of rules that had to They developed lots of rules that had to They developed lots of rules that had to be followed. be followed. be followed. Some of you, when I use the term Some of you, when I use the term Some of you, when I use the term holiness, you instantly think back to holiness, you instantly think back to holiness, you instantly think back to days days days when holiness was defined by what you when holiness was defined by what you when holiness was defined by what you wore, wore, wore, how your hair was cut, whether or not how your hair was cut, whether or not how your hair was cut, whether or not you wore makeup. you wore makeup. you wore makeup. Now, it would be great if I could just Now, it would be great if I could just Now, it would be great if I could just give you a list of rules to follow that give you a list of rules to follow that give you a list of rules to follow that would make you officially holy. would make you officially holy. would make you officially holy. But, it's not that easy. But, it's not that easy. But, it's not that easy. Our world changes too quickly. Our world changes too quickly. Our world changes too quickly. Situations are too difficult to predict. Situations are too difficult to predict. Situations are too difficult to predict. I would have to make some kind of a I would have to make some kind of a I would have to make some kind of a website that would give you daily website that would give you daily website that would give you daily holiness rules updates.

holiness rules updates. holiness rules updates. But that's not holiness. But that's not holiness. But that's not holiness. Holiness is not a manner of speech or a Holiness is not a manner of speech or a Holiness is not a manner of speech or a title. title. title. If you went to Bible school, you will If you went to Bible school, you will If you went to Bible school, you will completely resonate with this. But in completely resonate with this. But in completely resonate with this. But in Bible school, when people would complete Bible school, when people would complete Bible school, when people would complete their first step of ministerial their first step of ministerial their first step of ministerial credentials and they would receive their credentials and they would receive their credentials and they would receive their card card card that officially made them a reverend. that officially made them a reverend. that officially made them a reverend. They could now be a reverend. Suddenly, They could now be a reverend. Suddenly, They could now be a reverend. Suddenly, they got that card and they developed they got that card and they developed they got that card and they developed this new I'm a preacher voice. this new I'm a preacher voice. this new I'm a preacher voice. You know what I'm talking about. They You know what I'm talking about. They You know what I'm talking about. They started breathing in between syllables. started breathing in between syllables. started breathing in between syllables. They speak in their new voice to you. They speak in their new voice to you. They speak in their new voice to you. I'm like, "What are you doing?" They I'm like, "What are you doing?" They I'm like, "What are you doing?" They would pray in their new voice. You could would pray in their new voice. You could would pray in their new voice. You could always tell when somebody had just always tell when somebody had just always tell when somebody had just gotten their official card and they gotten their official card and they gotten their official card and they prayed in chapel or they prayed in class prayed in chapel or they prayed in class prayed in chapel or they prayed in class because they would start their prayer because they would start their prayer because they would start their prayer and and they would say every theological and and they would say every theological and and they would say every theological term that they had just learned in the term that they had just learned in the term that they had just learned in the class before that was big and sounded class before that was big and sounded class before that was big and sounded really good, even though they didn't really good, even though they didn't really good, even though they didn't really know what it meant, but they really know what it meant, but they really know what it meant, but they would just string them all together. would just string them all together. would just string them all together. They'd write reverend in front of their They'd write reverend in front of their They'd write reverend in front of their name on their test papers. It was like, name on their test papers. It was like, name on their test papers. It was like, "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm holy."

holy." holy." That's not holiness. That's not holiness. That's not holiness. Holiness is not a title. Holiness is not a title. Holiness is not a title. Holiness is not living in a cave. Holiness is not living in a cave. Holiness is not living in a cave. You know the people. You know the people. You know the people. The world is evil. The world is evil. The world is evil. Their kids are going to be influenced, Their kids are going to be influenced, Their kids are going to be influenced, so they head for the hills. They run to so they head for the hills. They run to so they head for the hills. They run to holiness. holiness. holiness. They group together protected from the They group together protected from the They group together protected from the world's influences. The thought is that world's influences. The thought is that world's influences. The thought is that to be holy requires complete and total to be holy requires complete and total to be holy requires complete and total isolation from the world and society. isolation from the world and society. isolation from the world and society. Now, you may not know anybody that's Now, you may not know anybody that's Now, you may not know anybody that's that extreme, probably because they're that extreme, probably because they're that extreme, probably because they're living in caves and not talking to you, living in caves and not talking to you, living in caves and not talking to you, but you have met people who are deathly but you have met people who are deathly but you have met people who are deathly afraid of coming in contact with the afraid of coming in contact with the afraid of coming in contact with the world. world. world. And they call their isolation And they call their isolation And they call their isolation holiness. holiness. holiness. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Jesus told us to be salt and light and Jesus told us to be salt and light and Jesus told us to be salt and light and to penetrate our world. to penetrate our world. to penetrate our world. You can't do that if you shun everyone You can't do that if you shun everyone You can't do that if you shun everyone who is different than you. who is different than you. who is different than you. If holiness is not isolationism, what is If holiness is not isolationism, what is If holiness is not isolationism, what is it?

it? it? Holiness is living in the world but not Holiness is living in the world but not Holiness is living in the world but not thinking and acting like others in the thinking and acting like others in the thinking and acting like others in the world. world. world. Holiness is living out your Holiness is living out your Holiness is living out your relationship, your convictions, your relationship, your convictions, your relationship, your convictions, your beliefs in the context of everyday life. beliefs in the context of everyday life. beliefs in the context of everyday life. Holiness is not extremism. Holiness is not extremism. Holiness is not extremism. You hear holiness and you instantly You hear holiness and you instantly You hear holiness and you instantly think of the extremes, something that think of the extremes, something that think of the extremes, something that there's no way you could ever be capable there's no way you could ever be capable there's no way you could ever be capable of doing. of doing. of doing. You may reserve holiness for the You may reserve holiness for the You may reserve holiness for the preachers, the elderly saints, the preachers, the elderly saints, the preachers, the elderly saints, the unusual, and you believe that it's unusual, and you believe that it's unusual, and you believe that it's impossible for an ordinary person to be impossible for an ordinary person to be impossible for an ordinary person to be holy. holy. holy. But holiness is not extreme or weird. But holiness is not extreme or weird. But holiness is not extreme or weird. Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not an out-of-control live-like-a-monk an out-of-control live-like-a-monk an out-of-control live-like-a-monk existence. You can still be a real existence. You can still be a real existence. You can still be a real person and be holy. person and be holy. person and be holy. So, if that's what holiness is not, what So, if that's what holiness is not, what So, if that's what holiness is not, what is holiness? is holiness? is holiness? Holiness is choices determined by Holiness is choices determined by Holiness is choices determined by relationship, not rules.

I love my wife, Meredith. I love my wife, Meredith. She's the most important person in my She's the most important person in my She's the most important person in my life. life. life. I won't have an affair. I won't have an affair. I won't have an affair. I don't avoid having an affair just I don't avoid having an affair just I don't avoid having an affair just because it's wrong or violates my vows. because it's wrong or violates my vows. because it's wrong or violates my vows. I won't have an affair because my I won't have an affair because my I won't have an affair because my relationship with Meredith is important relationship with Meredith is important relationship with Meredith is important to me. to me. to me. Now, I know the rules, Now, I know the rules, Now, I know the rules, but referring to them is not the point. but referring to them is not the point. but referring to them is not the point. I make the right choice not because of I make the right choice not because of I make the right choice not because of rules, rules, rules, but because of my relationship. but because of my relationship. but because of my relationship. People have missed the point on People have missed the point on People have missed the point on holiness. They say things like, "Well, I holiness. They say things like, "Well, I holiness. They say things like, "Well, I could never give all that up. could never give all that up. could never give all that up. All the good movies are rated R. All the good movies are rated R. All the good movies are rated R. They just don't want me to have fun." They just don't want me to have fun." They just don't want me to have fun." Or, "God doesn't want me to be unhappy." Or, "God doesn't want me to be unhappy." Or, "God doesn't want me to be unhappy." Slow down because you have missed it. Slow down because you have missed it. Slow down because you have missed it. If you say things like that, the problem If you say things like that, the problem If you say things like that, the problem is not the rules, it's the relationship. is not the rules, it's the relationship. is not the rules, it's the relationship. Side note, I challenge you to try and Side note, I challenge you to try and Side note, I challenge you to try and find that whole God wants me to be happy find that whole God wants me to be happy find that whole God wants me to be happy verse in the Bible. I'll help you out, verse in the Bible. I'll help you out, verse in the Bible. I'll help you out, it's not there. it's not there. it's not there. God doesn't command you to be happy, he God doesn't command you to be happy, he God doesn't command you to be happy, he commands you to be holy.

commands you to be holy. commands you to be holy. If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, you avoid things because you want to, you avoid things because you want to, you avoid things because you want to, not because you have to. not because you have to. not because you have to. You don't want to do anything that can You don't want to do anything that can You don't want to do anything that can cause harm or damage your relationship cause harm or damage your relationship cause harm or damage your relationship or your testimony. You say no because or your testimony. You say no because or your testimony. You say no because you love Jesus. you love Jesus. you love Jesus. Holiness is identifying the weak links Holiness is identifying the weak links Holiness is identifying the weak links in your life. in your life. in your life. If you ever played sports, you probably If you ever played sports, you probably If you ever played sports, you probably heard your coach say it, heard your coach say it, heard your coach say it, but a team is only as good as its but a team is only as good as its but a team is only as good as its weakest link. weakest link. weakest link. A football team wins by finding the A football team wins by finding the A football team wins by finding the other team's weakest player and other team's weakest player and other team's weakest player and exploiting them. exploiting them. exploiting them. If you can improve your weakest player, If you can improve your weakest player, If you can improve your weakest player, the team improves. the team improves. the team improves. Holiness works the same way. Holiness works the same way. Holiness works the same way. Holiness says, "What part of my life and Holiness says, "What part of my life and Holiness says, "What part of my life and my testimony is the weakest link in my my testimony is the weakest link in my my testimony is the weakest link in my relationship with Jesus?" relationship with Jesus?" relationship with Jesus?" The person who's truly striving to be The person who's truly striving to be The person who's truly striving to be holy is always working on something in holy is always working on something in holy is always working on something in their lives, their lives, their lives, constantly working on their weak link.

constantly working on their weak link. constantly working on their weak link. Holiness says, "I want to know what that Holiness says, "I want to know what that Holiness says, "I want to know what that area is so I can dedicate it to Jesus area is so I can dedicate it to Jesus area is so I can dedicate it to Jesus and improve it. and improve it. and improve it. And when I get that one improved, I'm And when I get that one improved, I'm And when I get that one improved, I'm going to start on the next one." going to start on the next one." going to start on the next one." So, what's your weakest link? So, what's your weakest link? So, what's your weakest link? Is it lust? Is it lust? Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lying? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lying? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lying? Is it not trusting God? Is it not trusting God? Is it not trusting God? Is it stealing? Is it unethical business Is it stealing? Is it unethical business Is it stealing? Is it unethical business dealings? Is it what you say, what you dealings? Is it what you say, what you dealings? Is it what you say, what you watch, where you go? watch, where you go? watch, where you go? Maybe it's a conversation that isn't Maybe it's a conversation that isn't Maybe it's a conversation that isn't pleasing to God. pleasing to God. pleasing to God. Holiness says, "I'm going to identify Holiness says, "I'm going to identify Holiness says, "I'm going to identify that weakness and I'm going to kick it that weakness and I'm going to kick it that weakness and I'm going to kick it out of my life." out of my life." out of my life." And you might be thinking, "How do I And you might be thinking, "How do I And you might be thinking, "How do I identify that area in my life?" identify that area in my life?" identify that area in my life?" Get real. You know the area. Get real. You know the area. Get real. You know the area. The second I started talking about it, The second I started talking about it, The second I started talking about it, you already identified the area and if you already identified the area and if you already identified the area and if you don't know the area, I'll help you. you don't know the area, I'll help you. you don't know the area, I'll help you. It's denial. Holiness is lived out in the context of Holiness is lived out in the context of your life.

your life. your life. Your holiness is not something that you Your holiness is not something that you Your holiness is not something that you check at the door when you leave the check at the door when you leave the check at the door when you leave the church. church. church. It's not being boring, predictable, or It's not being boring, predictable, or It's not being boring, predictable, or timid. It's allowing your relationship timid. It's allowing your relationship timid. It's allowing your relationship with Jesus with Jesus with Jesus to affect the way you live in every to affect the way you live in every to affect the way you live in every situation. situation. situation. Jesus said, "They will know us by our Jesus said, "They will know us by our Jesus said, "They will know us by our fruit." fruit." fruit." In other words, In other words, In other words, the way you live reveals the level of the way you live reveals the level of the way you live reveals the level of your relationship with Jesus. Holiness is making right choices for the Holiness is making right choices for the right reasons. Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Choices between obvious right and wrong Choices between obvious right and wrong Choices between obvious right and wrong are really pretty easy to make. are really pretty easy to make. are really pretty easy to make. Should I kill the person irritating me? Should I kill the person irritating me? Should I kill the person irritating me? No. No. No. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. I can't afford the new truck I want, so I can't afford the new truck I want, so I can't afford the new truck I want, so I should sneak into my McLarty Toyota I should sneak into my McLarty Toyota I should sneak into my McLarty Toyota tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. Easy choice. Don't do that.

Easy choice. Don't do that. Easy choice. Don't do that. The Bible's pretty clear in those areas. The Bible's pretty clear in those areas. The Bible's pretty clear in those areas. It It's great black and white issue. I It It's great black and white issue. I It It's great black and white issue. I love those kinds of things. love those kinds of things. love those kinds of things. But what about the gray areas? But what about the gray areas? But what about the gray areas? Now, before you get mad, I understand Now, before you get mad, I understand Now, before you get mad, I understand there are many people who feel there's there are many people who feel there's there are many people who feel there's no such thing as a gray area. So let me no such thing as a gray area. So let me no such thing as a gray area. So let me phrase it a different way. phrase it a different way. phrase it a different way. What about those things, the decisions What about those things, the decisions What about those things, the decisions that the Bible doesn't specifically that the Bible doesn't specifically that the Bible doesn't specifically address, and you're just not sure? address, and you're just not sure? address, and you're just not sure? How do you make a decision when you How do you make a decision when you How do you make a decision when you don't have a clear answer? don't have a clear answer? don't have a clear answer? Well, I want to share with you 10 Well, I want to share with you 10 Well, I want to share with you 10 questions to help you make tough questions to help you make tough questions to help you make tough decisions. Anytime you're about to make decisions. Anytime you're about to make decisions. Anytime you're about to make a hard decision or need to make a tough a hard decision or need to make a tough a hard decision or need to make a tough decision in your life, go through these decision in your life, go through these decision in your life, go through these 10 questions and it'll help. First, 10 questions and it'll help. First, 10 questions and it'll help. First, what does the Bible say? what does the Bible say? what does the Bible say? The Bible's our guidebook for living. The Bible's our guidebook for living. The Bible's our guidebook for living. This is the first place you should go This is the first place you should go This is the first place you should go when you need guidance. when you need guidance. when you need guidance. Does the Bible have instructions, either Does the Bible have instructions, either Does the Bible have instructions, either general or specific, that pertain to general or specific, that pertain to general or specific, that pertain to this activity?

this activity? this activity? Here are a couple of really good verses Here are a couple of really good verses Here are a couple of really good verses that I like to go through when I'm that I like to go through when I'm that I like to go through when I'm working through this and trying to working through this and trying to working through this and trying to figure out an area of my life. 1 figure out an area of my life. 1 figure out an area of my life. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." all appearance of evil." all appearance of evil." Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is brothers, whatever is true, whatever is brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or admirable, if anything is excellent or admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." 2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 22, "Flee the 2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 22, "Flee the 2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 22, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue evil desires of youth and pursue evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace righteousness, faith, love, and peace righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord along with those who call on the Lord along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." out of a pure heart." out of a pure heart." Second, what do my spiritual authorities Second, what do my spiritual authorities Second, what do my spiritual authorities say? say? say? What do the people I have entrusted with What do the people I have entrusted with What do the people I have entrusted with my spiritual growth and well-being my spiritual growth and well-being my spiritual growth and well-being think? think? think? What do the people who have my best What do the people who have my best What do the people who have my best interests at heart say? interests at heart say? interests at heart say? Many times you don't ask Many times you don't ask Many times you don't ask because you know what the answer's because you know what the answer's because you know what the answer's already going to be.

already going to be. already going to be. And that right there should be good And that right there should be good And that right there should be good enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your decision. decision. decision. When you choose to ignore the people who When you choose to ignore the people who When you choose to ignore the people who love you and have your best interests at love you and have your best interests at love you and have your best interests at heart, you make bad decisions. heart, you make bad decisions. heart, you make bad decisions. Number three, Number three, Number three, what does my conscious tell me? what does my conscious tell me? what does my conscious tell me? Or in southern terms, what does my gut Or in southern terms, what does my gut Or in southern terms, what does my gut say? say? say? Does it feel wrong? Does it feel wrong? Does it feel wrong? Now, understand that you can't use any Now, understand that you can't use any Now, understand that you can't use any of these questions by themselves. You of these questions by themselves. You of these questions by themselves. You should really use them all together. should really use them all together. should really use them all together. Because some of you, your gut landed you Because some of you, your gut landed you Because some of you, your gut landed you in prison. in prison. in prison. Your gut led you to a really bad Your gut led you to a really bad Your gut led you to a really bad relationship. relationship. relationship. Your gut led you to buy a worthless Your gut led you to buy a worthless Your gut led you to buy a worthless cryptocurrency. cryptocurrency. cryptocurrency. Many times, sin feels good for a season. Many times, sin feels good for a season. Many times, sin feels good for a season. You can't just trust your gut to always You can't just trust your gut to always You can't just trust your gut to always lead you in the right direction. Fourth, what are the other people like Fourth, what are the other people like who are involved in the activity? who are involved in the activity? who are involved in the activity? Now, this is a good one. Now, this is a good one. Now, this is a good one. Now, I am not suggesting that you should Now, I am not suggesting that you should Now, I am not suggesting that you should judge people.

judge people. judge people. But when you are working on and making But when you are working on and making But when you are working on and making an important decision for your life, an important decision for your life, an important decision for your life, you need to take a look at the other you need to take a look at the other you need to take a look at the other people who are involved in the activity people who are involved in the activity people who are involved in the activity you're thinking about being a part of. you're thinking about being a part of. you're thinking about being a part of. If they are all far from God and living If they are all far from God and living If they are all far from God and living in sin, chances are this may not be a in sin, chances are this may not be a in sin, chances are this may not be a good decision or right thing for you to good decision or right thing for you to good decision or right thing for you to do or right place for you to go. do or right place for you to go. do or right place for you to go. Five, Five, Five, would I do this in front of my parents, would I do this in front of my parents, would I do this in front of my parents, my pastor, or my spouse? my pastor, or my spouse? my pastor, or my spouse? If you would be ashamed of doing it in If you would be ashamed of doing it in If you would be ashamed of doing it in front of the people that matter most to front of the people that matter most to front of the people that matter most to you, chances are bad choice. Six, Six, what does this activity lead to? what does this activity lead to? what does this activity lead to? What's the logical next step? What's the logical next step? What's the logical next step? Many times you can know to avoid an Many times you can know to avoid an Many times you can know to avoid an activity by what it leads to. activity by what it leads to. activity by what it leads to. For instance, what is the next logical For instance, what is the next logical For instance, what is the next logical step of attending a keg party? What's the logical next step when you What's the logical next step when you climb into the backseat of your car with climb into the backseat of your car with climb into the backseat of your car with your girlfriend?

your girlfriend? your girlfriend? If the logical next step is wrong, If the logical next step is wrong, If the logical next step is wrong, avoid the activity. avoid the activity. avoid the activity. When people make foolish decisions, they When people make foolish decisions, they When people make foolish decisions, they very rarely consider the logical next very rarely consider the logical next very rarely consider the logical next step. Very few people do this. They step. Very few people do this. They step. Very few people do this. They think through the now think through the now think through the now and not the later. Seventh question, Seventh question, what kind of influence will this have on what kind of influence will this have on what kind of influence will this have on my Christian friends? my Christian friends? my Christian friends? Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership ability? ability? ability? Will it negatively affect my friends who Will it negatively affect my friends who Will it negatively affect my friends who may not be as mature in Christ? may not be as mature in Christ? may not be as mature in Christ? 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9, Paul 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9, Paul 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9, Paul when talking about unclean food, which when talking about unclean food, which when talking about unclean food, which is a big deal back then, said this, "But is a big deal back then, said this, "But is a big deal back then, said this, "But be careful not to use your freedom to be careful not to use your freedom to be careful not to use your freedom to eat it lest you cause some Christian eat it lest you cause some Christian eat it lest you cause some Christian brother to sin whose conscience is brother to sin whose conscience is brother to sin whose conscience is weaker than yours." weaker than yours." weaker than yours." In other words, In other words, In other words, you may have the freedom to do this, but you may have the freedom to do this, but you may have the freedom to do this, but if it's going to cause your brother to if it's going to cause your brother to if it's going to cause your brother to sin sin sin who's weaker in their relationship with who's weaker in their relationship with who's weaker in their relationship with the Lord than you, the Lord than you, the Lord than you, you shouldn't do it.

you shouldn't do it. you shouldn't do it. Eight, Eight, Eight, how will this affect my testimony before how will this affect my testimony before how will this affect my testimony before non-believers? non-believers? non-believers? What will my non-Christian friends What will my non-Christian friends What will my non-Christian friends think? think? think? If it will cause doubt to be cast on If it will cause doubt to be cast on If it will cause doubt to be cast on your relationship with Jesus, your relationship with Jesus, your relationship with Jesus, don't do it. don't do it. don't do it. Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. If Christians would just pause and think If Christians would just pause and think about the effects and the damage that about the effects and the damage that about the effects and the damage that their words are going to cause to both their words are going to cause to both their words are going to cause to both fellow Christians and non-believers fellow Christians and non-believers fellow Christians and non-believers before they posted something on social before they posted something on social before they posted something on social media, if we would just pause media, if we would just pause media, if we would just pause and think, and think, and think, who knows, we might actually win our who knows, we might actually win our who knows, we might actually win our world for Jesus. But our opinions matter more than the But our opinions matter more than the people who are reading them. I'm going to move on cuz I got more to I'm going to move on cuz I got more to say.

say. say. Number nine, what are the consequences Number nine, what are the consequences Number nine, what are the consequences of this activity? Long-term and short-term. Long-term and short-term. What are the consequences for my health, What are the consequences for my health, What are the consequences for my health, my family, my finances, my testimony, my my family, my finances, my testimony, my my family, my finances, my testimony, my future? future? future? What are the consequences of this What are the consequences of this What are the consequences of this action? action? action? Think through them all, good and bad. Think through them all, good and bad. Think through them all, good and bad. Finally, number 10. Finally, number 10. Finally, number 10. Have I prayed about it? Have I prayed about it? Have I prayed about it? And when I did, did that result in And when I did, did that result in And when I did, did that result in feeling peace? If you aren't sure about an action or a If you aren't sure about an action or a decision, ask all 10 of these questions. decision, ask all 10 of these questions. decision, ask all 10 of these questions. And if after you've worked through all And if after you've worked through all And if after you've worked through all 10, you still aren't sure, 10, you still aren't sure, 10, you still aren't sure, don't do it. don't do it. don't do it. I would always rather err on the side of I would always rather err on the side of I would always rather err on the side of holiness holiness holiness than seeing how much I can get away than seeing how much I can get away than seeing how much I can get away with. with. with. Every time.

That's what we're supposed to strive for That's what we're supposed to strive for as Christians. as Christians. as Christians. Is it easy? Is it easy? Is it easy? No. No. No. Is it instant? No. Is it instant? No. Is it instant? No. But the goal is to be like him. But the goal is to be like him. But the goal is to be like him. Our society and our world will not be Our society and our world will not be Our society and our world will not be attracted to a casual, indifferent, attracted to a casual, indifferent, attracted to a casual, indifferent, hypocritical religion. hypocritical religion. hypocritical religion. The unchurched will be attracted to a The unchurched will be attracted to a The unchurched will be attracted to a real, dynamic relationship that results real, dynamic relationship that results real, dynamic relationship that results in changed behavior. in changed behavior. in changed behavior. That is holiness. What good is it, my brothers, if a man What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? claims to have faith but has no deeds? claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Can such faith save him? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without Suppose a brother or sister is without Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you clothes and daily food. If one of you clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well. Keep says to him, "Go, I wish you well. Keep says to him, "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and well fed." But does nothing warm and well fed." But does nothing warm and well fed." But does nothing about his physical needs, about his physical needs, about his physical needs, what good is it? Here's the bottom line. What James says Here's the bottom line. What James says about faith that works, about real about faith that works, about real about faith that works, about real faith, faith, faith, the difference between faith and belief the difference between faith and belief the difference between faith and belief is action.

is action. is action. Do more than just talk. Do more than just talk. Do more than just talk. Act. Act. Act. Do something. Do something. Do something. Serve. Care for people. Meet someone's Serve. Care for people. Meet someone's Serve. Care for people. Meet someone's needs. Share your faith. James closes chapter 2 with one of the James closes chapter 2 with one of the most sobering statements in the entire most sobering statements in the entire most sobering statements in the entire book, found in verse 26. book, found in verse 26. book, found in verse 26. As the body without the spirit is dead, As the body without the spirit is dead, As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds so faith without deeds so faith without deeds is dead. is dead. is dead. A body without breath is a corpse. A body without breath is a corpse. A body without breath is a corpse. It may look alive for a moment. It may It may look alive for a moment. It may It may look alive for a moment. It may even still resemble a living person, but even still resemble a living person, but even still resemble a living person, but there is no life in it. there is no life in it. there is no life in it. James said faith can be the same way. James said faith can be the same way. James said faith can be the same way. You can say the right words. You can You can say the right words. You can You can say the right words. You can attend church. You can know Bible attend church. You can know Bible attend church. You can know Bible verses. You can say I believe in God. verses. You can say I believe in God. verses. You can say I believe in God. But if your faith never affects the way But if your faith never affects the way But if your faith never affects the way you live, if it never changes your you live, if it never changes your you live, if it never changes your choices, if it never moves you to care choices, if it never moves you to care choices, if it never moves you to care for others, if it never moves you to for others, if it never moves you to for others, if it never moves you to obedience, obedience, obedience, James says that faith is dead.

So, the key question for you to ponder So, the key question for you to ponder is, is your faith alive? Is it changing the way that you live? Is Is it changing the way that you live? Is it affecting the way that you treat it affecting the way that you treat it affecting the way that you treat people? Is it affecting the way that you people? Is it affecting the way that you people? Is it affecting the way that you speak about people? speak about people? speak about people? Faith that works doesn't just talk about Faith that works doesn't just talk about Faith that works doesn't just talk about it. Faith that works says, "Jesus, whatever Faith that works says, "Jesus, whatever you ask of me, you ask of me, you ask of me, I will do it." I will do it." I will do it." When the faith becomes action, When the faith becomes action, When the faith becomes action, people don't just hear about Jesus, people don't just hear about Jesus, people don't just hear about Jesus, they see Jesus in you. Perhaps the better question is, is the Perhaps the better question is, is the Jesus that people see in you Jesus that people see in you Jesus that people see in you an accurate picture an accurate picture an accurate picture of what we know about Jesus from his of what we know about Jesus from his of what we know about Jesus from his word? people who just talk about faith.

people who just talk about faith. We want faith to be reflected in our We want faith to be reflected in our We want faith to be reflected in our actions, actions, actions, in what we do. Would you forgive us for those times Would you forgive us for those times when our faith when our faith when our faith has only been something that we've has only been something that we've has only been something that we've talked about talked about talked about >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and not something that we actually do. Would you forgive us for the times Would you forgive us for the times when our [music] actions have not been when our [music] actions have not been when our [music] actions have not been in alignment with our words in alignment with our words in alignment with our words and we've caused damage to people and we've caused damage to people and we've caused damage to people and damage to your kingdom and damage to your kingdom and damage to your kingdom by our [music] actions by our [music] actions by our [music] actions and our behavior. Lord, we want to be holy. Lord, we want to be holy. We want to be more like you. So, would you help us be holy? So, would you help us be holy? Individually, would you just through Individually, would you just through Individually, would you just through your Holy Spirit, would you reveal your Holy Spirit, would you reveal your Holy Spirit, would you reveal things to us that we need to work on in things to us that we need to work on in things to us that we need to work on in our own lives?

our own lives? our own lives? The areas in our lives that are not holy The areas in our lives that are not holy The areas in our lives that are not holy and that need to change. and that need to change. and that need to change. And would you give us And would you give us And would you give us the power, the power, the power, the determination, the determination, the determination, and and and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> just the willingness >> just the willingness >> just the willingness to change, to change, to change, to be more holy? to be more holy? to be more holy? Lord, would you give us the the power to Lord, would you give us the the power to Lord, would you give us the the power to walk away from some from [music] some walk away from some from [music] some walk away from some from [music] some things that this world praises that things that this world praises that things that this world praises that aren't holy? Would you just Would you help us to Would you just Would you help us to change, change, change, to not act like the world and instead to not act like the world and instead to not act like the world and instead act like you? Because we recognize that act like you? Because we recognize that act like you? Because we recognize that the things we are doing that aren't in the things we are doing that aren't in the things we are doing that aren't in alignment with you are causing damage to alignment with you are causing damage to alignment with you are causing damage to your kingdom. your kingdom. your kingdom. They're causing people to walk away, are They're causing people to walk away, are They're causing people to walk away, are causing people to abandon their faith. causing people to abandon their faith. causing people to abandon their faith. Help us to change, Lord. Help us to change, Lord. Help us to change, Lord. Help us to be people that when when Help us to be people that when when Help us to be people that when when others look at the fruit of our lives, others look at the fruit of our lives, others look at the fruit of our lives, they see you.

they see you. they see you. The real you. Because we want everything we say and Because we want everything we say and everything we do to accurately reflect everything we do to accurately reflect everything we do to accurately reflect you, the person of Jesus. Help us as a church Help us as a church to not just be a place that talks about to not just be a place that talks about to not just be a place that talks about faith, faith, faith, to not just be a place that says things to not just be a place that says things to not just be a place that says things like every soul matters to God. like every soul matters to God. like every soul matters to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> But Lord, would as a church, would that >> But Lord, would as a church, would that >> But Lord, would as a church, would that be revealed in our actions, be revealed in our actions, be revealed in our actions, in the way that we love people, in the in the way that we love people, in the in the way that we love people, in the way that we serve people. Help us Help us to be people to be people to be people who have real faith, who have real faith, who have real faith, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> faith that works, faith that is alive. We need your help, Lord. We need your help, Lord. We worship you, Jesus. It's in your We worship you, Jesus. It's in your We worship you, Jesus. It's in your mighty name we pray. mighty name we pray. mighty name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen.