Do People See Jesus in You?

There is an amazing disconnect between There is an amazing disconnect between what people say and what they do. what people say and what they do. what people say and what they do. They talk a good game, but they don't They talk a good game, but they don't They talk a good game, but they don't live. live. live. You know them. You see them at school. You know them. You see them at school. You know them. You see them at school. You see them at work. So-called You see them at work. So-called You see them at work. So-called Christians who don't act anything like Christians who don't act anything like Christians who don't act anything like Christians. Christians. Christians. They raise their hands in worship on They raise their hands in worship on They raise their hands in worship on Sunday and raise their fists in anger on Sunday and raise their fists in anger on Sunday and raise their fists in anger on Monday. Monday. Monday. 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. People say things like, "I answers. People say things like, "I answers. People say things like, "I believe in God. I'm a Christian." Or, "I believe in God. I'm a Christian." Or, "I believe in God. I'm a Christian." Or, "I grew up in church." grew up in church." grew up in 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. Athletes talk about comfortable using. Athletes talk about comfortable using. Athletes talk about it after a game. Politicians thank God it after a game. Politicians thank God it after a game. Politicians thank God after winning an election. after winning an election. after winning an 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 thing as But belief is not the same thing as But belief is not the same thing 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 the same as everyone still live exactly the same as everyone still live exactly the same as everyone else. A person can attend church, know else. A person can attend church, know else. A person can attend church, know Bible stories, use the right language, Bible stories, use the right language, Bible stories, use the right language, but the way they treat people, the but the way they treat people, the but the way they treat people, the choices they make, the priorities they choices they make, the priorities they choices they make, the priorities they live by, and the way they respond under live by, and the way they respond under live by, and the way they respond under pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone else around them. That raises an else around them. That raises an else around them. That raises an important question. important question. important question. 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 and faith that is faith that is genuine and faith that is faith that is genuine and faith that is just talk? How can you tell when someone just talk? How can you tell when someone just talk? How can you tell when someone truly has a relationship with Jesus truly has a relationship with Jesus truly has a relationship with Jesus versus someone who simply believes that versus someone who simply believes that versus someone who simply believes that God exists? God exists? God exists? That question is not new. 2,000 years That question is not new. 2,000 years That question is not new. 2,000 years ago, the early church wrestled with the ago, the early church wrestled with the ago, the early church wrestled with the same issue. same issue. 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 answered some of these questions. How answered some of these questions. How answered some of these questions. How much of your faith is what you say?

much of your faith is what you say? much of your faith 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? Or does God require the right things? Or does God require the right things? Or does God require more of you? Just how important is more of you? Just how important is more of you? Just how important is action to your faith? What do you do? action to your faith? What do you do? action to your faith? What do you do? How much do you have to do? Do you How much do you have to do? Do you How much do you have to do? Do you really have to reach out to your really have to reach out to your really have to reach out to your community? Do you really need to be in community? Do you really need to be in community? Do you really need to be in ministry? ministry? 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 this issue in Matthew Jesus addressed this issue in Matthew Jesus addressed this issue in Matthew chapter 7 talking about false teachers. chapter 7 talking about false teachers. chapter 7 talking about false teachers. He said, "By their fruit, you will He said, "By their fruit, you will He said, "By their fruit, you will recognize them. Every good tree bears recognize them. Every good tree bears recognize them. Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. and a 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. Jesus indicated that you will be them. Jesus indicated that you will be them. Jesus indicated that you will be able to identify people according to able to identify people according to able to identify people according to their fruit, what they produce, what their fruit, what they produce, what their fruit, what they produce, what they do.

they do. they do. And James took it a step further. James And James took it a step further. James And James took it a step further. James chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by by itself, if it is not accompanied by by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. action, is dead. action, is dead. It's pretty tough. It's pretty tough. It's pretty tough. 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." Now, remember, James is writing to a Now, remember, James is writing to a Now, remember, James is writing to a group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous persecution. Little things like being persecution. Little things like being persecution. Little things like being burned at the stake. You would expect burned at the stake. You would expect burned at the stake. You would expect James to be talking about laying low, James to be talking about laying low, James to be talking about laying low, taking it easy, finding shelter, hiding taking it easy, finding shelter, hiding taking it easy, finding shelter, hiding out. But instead, he said, "Make sure out. But instead, he said, "Make sure out. But instead, he said, "Make sure your faith is visible through your your faith is visible through your your faith is visible through your actions." actions." 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 they cut back on their commitments. they cut back on their commitments. they cut back on their commitments. James says you can't do that because James says you can't do that because James says you can't do that because faith without action is dead. It's not faith without action is dead. It's not faith without action is dead. It's not enough to say I believe. I'm a enough to say I believe. I'm a enough to say I believe. I'm a Christian. I have faith. Actions make Christian. I have faith. Actions make Christian. I have faith. Actions make your faith alive.

This concept, this idea is easy to This concept, this idea is easy to understand if you look at it in the understand if you look at it in the understand if you look at it in the context of a hospital. If you go to the context of a hospital. If you go to the context of a hospital. If you go to the hospital because you are dying, it's not hospital because you are dying, it's not hospital because you are dying, it's not enough for a doctor to just look at you enough for a doctor to just look at you enough for a doctor to just look at you and say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. and say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. and say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. I know how to save your life." I know how to save your life." I know how to save your 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. If they claim actually save your life. If they claim actually save your life. If they claim all those things and do none of them, all those things and do none of them, all those things and do none of them, they're not a very good doctor and they're not a very good doctor and they're not a very good doctor and you're going to die. you're going to die. 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. what you do. If backed up with action. what you do. If backed up with action. what you do. If your faith can't be seen through your your faith can't be seen through your 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, your faith is worthless with your faith, your faith is worthless with your faith, your faith is worthless and dead. and dead. and dead. Verse 18, but someone will say, "You Verse 18, but someone will say, "You Verse 18, but someone will say, "You have faith. I have deeds. Show me your have faith. I have deeds. Show me your have faith. I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you faith without deeds, and I will show you faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." my faith by what I do." 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 actions.

talk is backed up by actions. talk is backed up by 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 that we are It's one of the many reasons that we are so involved in our community as a so involved in our community as a so involved in our community as a church. things like homebound ministry, church. things like homebound ministry, church. things like homebound ministry, working in the hospitals, working in the hospitals, working in the hospitals, big events and community outreaches, big events and community outreaches, big events and community outreaches, disaster relief, supporting FCA and disaster relief, supporting FCA and disaster relief, supporting FCA and Youth Alive, a sanitation lunch where we Youth Alive, a sanitation lunch where we Youth Alive, a sanitation lunch where we ministered to our sanitation crews, ministered to our sanitation crews, ministered to our sanitation crews, working with our first responders, working with our first responders, working with our first responders, providing backpacks for kids on weekends providing backpacks for kids on weekends providing backpacks for kids on weekends who can't afford food. We provide who can't afford food. We provide who can't afford food. We provide groceries for people in the community in groceries for people in the community in groceries for people in the community in the church. Currently, we give out just the church. Currently, we give out just the church. Currently, we give out just under a hundred bags of groceries a under a hundred bags of groceries a under a hundred bags of groceries a week. It's why we have an immigration week. It's why we have an immigration week. It's why we have an immigration ministry. It's why we started Metro ministry. It's why we started Metro ministry. It's why we started Metro Worship Center. It's why we do work in Worship Center. It's why we do work in Worship Center. It's why we do work in prisons. Things like the week of giving. prisons. Things like the week of giving. prisons. Things like the week of giving. Kids and student ministry teams are Kids and student ministry teams are Kids and student ministry teams are involved in schools. We do all of those involved in schools. We do all of those involved in schools. We do all of those things because we want people to see things because we want people to see things because we want people to see that our faith goes beyond our words and that our faith goes beyond our words and that our faith goes beyond our words and it affects our actions.

it affects our actions. it affects our actions. In fact, actions often give the In fact, actions often give the In fact, actions often give the opportunity to share your faith. When opportunity to share your faith. When opportunity to share your faith. When you love and care for people, they you love and care for people, they 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, you believe that there is one Verse 19, you believe that there is one Verse 19, you believe that there is one God. Good. Even the demons believe that God. Good. Even the demons believe that God. Good. Even the demons believe that and shudder. You've heard people say, "I and shudder. You've heard people say, "I and shudder. You've heard people say, "I believe in God." James responds, "Good believe in God." James responds, "Good believe in God." James responds, "Good for you. for you. 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 demons. faith, you're no better than the demons. faith, you're no better than the demons. That's pretty strong. That's pretty strong. That's pretty strong. James continues, "You foolish man. Do James continues, "You foolish man. Do James continues, "You foolish man. Do you want evidence that faith without you want evidence that faith without you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he Abraham considered righteous for what he Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the did when he offered his son Isaac on the did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?" You see that his faith and his altar?" You see that his faith and his altar?" You see that his faith and his actions were working together. And his actions were working together. And his actions were working together. And his faith was made complete by what he did. faith was made complete by what he did. faith was made complete by what 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 as righteousness and he credited to him as righteousness and he credited to him as righteousness and he was called God's friend. was called God's friend. 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 God exists isn't enough. It's not by God exists isn't enough. It's not by God exists isn't enough. It's not by actions alone. Just doing good deeds actions alone. Just doing good deeds actions alone. Just doing good deeds isn't enough. According to James, the isn't enough. According to James, the isn't enough. According to James, the equation is faith plus actions equals equation is faith plus actions equals equation is faith plus actions equals real faith. It's not just about words. real faith. It's not just about words. real faith. It's not just about words. It's not just about actions. It's about It's not just about actions. It's about It's not just about actions. It's about both. both. both. Faith without actions is dead. Action Faith without actions is dead. Action Faith without actions is dead. Action without faith is just charity. without faith is just charity. without faith is just charity. Actions make your faith real. Now, we're going to look at together Now, we're going to look at together according to James some characteristics according to James some characteristics according to James some characteristics of real faith. Faith that works.

of real faith. Faith that works. of real faith. Faith that works. Chapter 1 verse 22. Do not merely listen Chapter 1 verse 22. Do not merely listen Chapter 1 verse 22. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. to the word and so deceive yourselves. to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Do what it says. Do what it says. If you know God's word, obey God's word. If you know God's word, obey God's word. If you know God's word, obey God's word. Now, unfortunately, that's not Now, unfortunately, that's not Now, unfortunately, that's not automatic. automatic. 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 want to obey. what you want to obey. what you want to obey. You know what the Bible says, but if You know what the Bible says, but if You know what the Bible says, but if it's too difficult to obey or you don't it's too difficult to obey or you don't it's too difficult to obey or you don't like a particular command, you just skip like a particular command, you just skip like a particular command, you just skip it. it. 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 gossip? gossip? gossip? Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it comes down to this. You are choosing not comes down to this. You are choosing not comes down to this. You are choosing not to obey the command from God's word. You to obey the command from God's word. You to obey the command from God's word. You know what the Bible says about finances know what the Bible says about finances know what the Bible says about finances and tithing, but in America, more than and tithing, but in America, more than and tithing, but in America, more than three4s of all who claim to be three4s of all who claim to be three4s of all who claim to be Christians don't tithe.

Christians don't tithe. Christians don't tithe. Now, I'm not sure why, but perhaps God's Now, I'm not sure why, but perhaps God's Now, I'm not sure why, but perhaps God's command in this area of their lives is command in this area of their lives is command in this area of their lives is considered unreasonable. considered unreasonable. considered unreasonable. And it's fascinating. They will ignore And it's fascinating. They will ignore And it's fascinating. They will ignore God's command, but then be mad at God God's command, but then be mad at God God's command, but then be mad at God when they don't receive his blessing. when they don't receive his blessing. when they don't receive his blessing. We know what the Bible says about 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 conflict and issues with brothers and conflict and issues with brothers and conflict and issues with brothers and sisters in Christ. You're supposed to go sisters in Christ. You're supposed to go sisters in Christ. You're supposed to go to them in a spirit of love and resolve to them in a spirit of love and resolve to them in a spirit of love and resolve your disagreement face to face. You know your disagreement face to face. You know your disagreement face to face. You know that, that, that, but you continue in dysfunctional but you continue in dysfunctional 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. I could you just choose not to obey it. I could you just choose not to obey it. I could go on and on. You know what God's word go on and on. You know what God's word go on and on. You know what God's word says about sex outside of marriage. You says about sex outside of marriage. You says about sex outside of marriage. You know what God's word says about sharing know what God's word says about sharing know what God's word says about sharing your faith. You know what God's word your faith. You know what God's word your faith. You know what God's word says about loving your enemies. You get says about loving your enemies. You get says about loving your enemies. You get the point. Knowing doesn't equal doing. the point. Knowing doesn't equal doing. the point. Knowing doesn't equal doing. Because remember, oh yeah, Satan knows Because remember, oh yeah, Satan knows Because remember, oh yeah, Satan knows the word of God.

the word of God. the word of God. So it obviously takes more than just So it obviously takes more than just So it obviously takes more than just knowing the word. It's not enough to knowing the word. It's not enough to knowing the word. It's not enough to listen to God's word, even to memorize listen to God's word, even to memorize listen to God's word, even to memorize it. It's not just knowledge. You have to it. It's not just knowledge. You have to it. It's not just knowledge. You have to obey it. We call it our guide book for obey it. We call it our guide book for obey it. We call it our guide book for living. It's not just a book. You have living. It's not just a book. You have living. It's not just a book. You have to obey what it says. And according to to obey what it says. And according to to obey what it says. And according to James, your lack of action and James, your lack of action and James, your lack of action and disobedience render your faith disobedience render your faith disobedience render your faith worthless. worthless. worthless. Verse 27, religion that God our father Verse 27, religion that God our father Verse 27, religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this, accepts as pure and faultless is this, accepts as 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. Another translation more their distress. Another translation more their distress. Another translation more accurately says it this way. The accurately says it this way. The accurately says it this way. The fatherless and the widows in their fatherless and the widows in their fatherless and the widows in their affliction. affliction. affliction. Pure and faultless. That's the kind of Pure and faultless. That's the kind of Pure and faultless. That's the kind of religion I want. Pure religion according religion I want. Pure religion according religion I want. Pure religion according to God's word looks out for others. to God's word looks out for others. to God's word looks out for others. Pure religion cares for those in need. Pure religion cares for those in need. Pure religion 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 and those in need central Arkansas and those in need central Arkansas and those in need around the world.

around the world. 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, their need, if they refuse to act, their need, if they refuse to act, their religion is not pure. religion is not pure. religion is not pure. James continues in verse 27, "And to James continues in verse 27, "And to James continues in verse 27, "And to keep oneself from being polluted by the keep oneself from being polluted by the keep oneself from being polluted by the world." world." world." In other words, holiness. In other words, holiness. In other words, holiness. That word holiness is often That word holiness is often That word holiness is often misunderstood. misunderstood. misunderstood. So let's take a few minutes and let's So let's take a few minutes and let's So let's take a few minutes and let's talk about what holiness is not and then talk about what holiness is not and then talk about what holiness is not and then what holiness is. Holiness is not what holiness is. Holiness is not what holiness is. Holiness is not following a lot of rules. following a lot of rules. following a lot of rules. That's what the Pharisees did. That's what the Pharisees did. That's what the Pharisees did. Some of you when I use the term holiness Some of you when I use the term holiness Some of you when I use the term holiness you instantly think back to days when you instantly think back to days when you instantly think back to days when holiness was defined by what you wore, holiness was defined by what you wore, holiness was defined by what you 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. But it's would make you officially holy. But it's would make you officially holy. But it's not that easy. Our world changes too not that easy. Our world changes too not that easy. Our world changes too quickly. The situations are too quickly. The situations are too quickly. The situations are too difficult to predict. I would have to difficult to predict. I would have to difficult to predict. I would have to make some kind of website that gave you make some kind of website that gave you make some kind of website that gave you daily holiness rules updates. And that's daily holiness rules updates. And that's daily holiness rules updates. And that's not holiness.

not holiness. 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. Now, if you went to Bible school, you'll Now, if you went to Bible school, you'll Now, if you went to Bible school, you'll completely resonate with what I'm about completely resonate with what I'm about completely resonate with what I'm about to share. But in Bible school, when to share. But in Bible school, when to share. But in Bible school, when people completed their first level of people completed their first level of people completed their first level of ministry credentiing ministry credentiing ministry credentiing and they got their official card that and they got their official card that and they got their official card that now declared that they were a reverend, now declared that they were a reverend, now declared that they were a reverend, they suddenly developed this new I'm they suddenly developed this new I'm they suddenly developed this new I'm [clears throat] a preacher voice. [clears throat] a preacher voice. [clears throat] a preacher voice. They would speak to you in their new They would speak to you in their new They would speak to you in their new voice. voice. voice. And you could always tell when someone And you could always tell when someone And you could always tell when someone had just gotten their new card and they had just gotten their new card and they had just gotten their new card and they were asked to pray before class or in were asked to pray before class or in were asked to pray before class or in chapel chapel chapel because they would they would pray in because they would they would pray in because they would they would pray in their voice and they would use every their voice and they would use every their voice and they would use every large theological term that they had large theological term that they had large theological term that they had learned in the class before that they learned in the class before that they learned in the class before that they didn't even know what it meant yet, but didn't even know what it meant yet, but didn't even know what it meant yet, but they had heard it and they would pray they had heard it and they would pray they had heard it and they would pray it. They'd write reverend in front of it. They'd write reverend in front of it. They'd write reverend in front of their name on every test paper. And it their name on every test paper. And it their name on every test paper. And it was like, "Okay, I got a card. I got a was like, "Okay, I got a card. I got a was like, "Okay, I got a card. I got a title. So now I'm holy.

title. So now I'm holy. title. So now I'm holy. But that's not holiness. Holiness is not But that's not holiness. Holiness is not But that's not holiness. Holiness is not a title. Holiness is not a voice. a title. Holiness is not a voice. a title. Holiness is not a voice. Holiness is also not living in a cave. Holiness is also not living in a cave. Holiness is also not living in a cave. You know the people. You know the people. You know the people. The world is evil. Their kids are going The world is evil. Their kids are going The world is evil. Their kids are going to be influenced by all the bad stuff. to be influenced by all the bad stuff. to be influenced by all the bad stuff. So they run to the hills. They run to So they run to the hills. They run to So they run to 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. And the thought is world's influences. And the thought is world's influences. And the thought is that to be holy requires complete and that to be holy requires complete and that to be holy requires complete and total isolation from the world and total isolation from the world and total isolation from the world and society. society. society. Now you you may not know somebody that Now you you may not know somebody that Now you you may not know somebody that extreme probably because they're living extreme probably because they're living extreme probably because they're living in caves and not talking to you, but you in caves and not talking to you, but you in caves and not talking to you, but you have met people who are deathly afraid have met people who are deathly afraid have met people who are deathly afraid of coming in contact with the world of coming in contact with the world of coming in contact with the world and they call their isolation holiness. and they call their isolation holiness. and they call their isolation holiness. But holiness is not avoiding But holiness is not avoiding But holiness is not avoiding non-believers. non-believers. non-believers. Jesus told us we have to be salt and Jesus told us we have to be salt and Jesus told us we have to be salt and light and we have to penetrate our light and we have to penetrate our light and we have to penetrate our world. You can't do that if you shun world. You can't do that if you shun world. You can't do that if you shun everyone who is different than you.

everyone who is different than you. everyone 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. Holiness is living out your world. Holiness is living out your world. 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, think of the extremes, think of the extremes, something that you would never be something that you would never be something that you would never be capable of doing. You reserve holiness capable of doing. You reserve holiness capable of doing. You reserve holiness for the preachers, the elderly saints, for the preachers, the elderly saints, for the preachers, the elderly saints, the unusual, and you believe that it's the unusual, and you believe that it's the 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. Holiness is not extreme or weird. Holiness is not extreme or weird. 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 outofcrol live like a monk existence. an outofcrol live like a monk existence. an outofcrol live like a monk existence. You can be a real person and be holy. You can be a real person and be holy. You can be a real 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, relationship, relationship, not rules. I love my wife Meredith. She is the most I love my wife Meredith. She is the most important person in my life. important person in my life. important person in my 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. I know the rules, but referring to me. I know the rules, but referring to me. I know the rules, but referring to them is not the point. I make the to them is not the point. I make the to them is not the point. I make the right choice not because of the rules, right choice not because of the rules, right choice not because of the rules, but because of relationship. but because of relationship. but because of 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 of that up, could never give all of that up, could never give all of that up, but but all the good movies, they're but but all the good movies, they're but but all the good movies, they're rated R." Or, "They you just don't want rated R." Or, "They you just don't want rated R." Or, "They you just don't want me to have fun. God doesn't want me to me to have fun. God doesn't want me to me to have fun. God doesn't want me to be unhappy." be unhappy." be unhappy." Slow down because you have missed it. If Slow down because you have missed it. If Slow down because you have missed it. If you say things like that, the problem is you say things like that, the problem is you say things like that, the problem is not the rules, it's the relationship.

not the rules, it's the relationship. not the rules, it's the relationship. By the way, I challenge you to find that By the way, I challenge you to find that By the way, I challenge you to find that verse, God wants me to be happy in the verse, God wants me to be happy in the verse, God wants me to be happy in the Bible. Bible. Bible. I'll save you the time. It's not there. I'll save you the time. It's not there. I'll save you the time. It's not there. God doesn't command you to be happy. Not God doesn't command you to be happy. Not God doesn't command you to be happy. Not one single time. But he does command you one single time. But he does command you one single time. But he does command you to be holy. to be holy. to be holy. If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, dynamic, and ongoing, you avoid things dynamic, and ongoing, you avoid things dynamic, and ongoing, you avoid things because you want to, not because you because you want to, not because you because you want to, not because you have to. You don't want to do anything have to. You don't want to do anything have to. You don't want to do anything that would cause harm or damage to your that would cause harm or damage to your that would cause harm or damage to your relationship with the Lord or your relationship with the Lord or your relationship with the Lord or your testimony. You say no because you love testimony. You say no because you love testimony. You say no because you love Jesus. Jesus. 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've ever played sports, you've If you've ever played sports, you've If you've ever played sports, you've heard a coach talk about this and say heard a coach talk about this and say heard a coach talk about this and say this. A team is only as good as its this. A team is only as good as its this. A team is only as good as its weakest link. A football team wins by weakest link. A football team wins by weakest link. A football team wins by finding the other team's weakest player finding the other team's weakest player finding the other team's weakest player and exploiting them. If you can improve and exploiting them. If you can improve and exploiting them. If you can improve your weakest player, the whole team your weakest player, the whole team your weakest player, the whole team improves. [snorts] improves. [snorts] improves. [snorts] Holiness works the same way. Holiness Holiness works the same way. Holiness Holiness works the same way. Holiness says, "What part of my life and my says, "What part of my life and my says, "What part of my life and my testimony is the weakest link in my testimony is the weakest link in my testimony is the weakest link in my relationship with Jesus?"

relationship with Jesus?" relationship with Jesus?" The person who is truly striving to be The person who is truly striving to be The person who is 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. Constantly working on their their lives. Constantly working on their their lives. Constantly working on their weak link. Holiness says, "I want to weak link. Holiness says, "I want to weak link. Holiness says, "I want to know that area and I want to dedicate it know that area and I want to dedicate it know that area and I want to dedicate it to Jesus and improve. to Jesus and improve. to Jesus and improve. And then when I get that one improved, And then when I get that one improved, And then when I get that one improved, I'm going to start on the next area. I'm going to start on the next area. I'm going to start on the next area. So the question is, what is your weakest So the question is, what is your weakest So the question is, what is your weakest link? link? link? Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lying? Is it not trusting God? it lying? Is it not trusting God? it lying? Is it not trusting God? Is it stealing? Is it stealing? Is it stealing? Is it unethical business dealings? Is it Is it unethical business dealings? Is it Is it unethical business dealings? Is it what you say, what you watch, where you what you say, what you watch, where you what you say, what you watch, where you go? Maybe it's a conversation that isn't go? Maybe it's a conversation that isn't go? 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. that weakness. that weakness. I'm going to kick it out of my life." I'm going to kick it out of my life." I'm going to kick it out of my life." Now, you may be thinking, "How do I Now, you may be thinking, "How do I Now, you may 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. The second Get real. You know the area. The second Get real. You know the area. The second I started talking about it, you can I started talking about it, you can I started talking about it, you can already think of the area in your life already think of the area in your life already think of the area in your life that is weak and needs to improve. And that is weak and needs to improve. And that is weak and needs to improve. And if you don't know the area in your life, if you don't know the area in your life, if you don't know the area in your life, 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 holiness is not your life. Your holiness is not your life. Your holiness is not something that you check at the door something that you check at the door something that you check at the door when you leave the church. It's not when you leave the church. It's not when you leave the church. It's not being boring, predictable, or timid. being boring, predictable, or timid. being boring, predictable, or timid. It's allowing your relationship with It's allowing your relationship with It's allowing your relationship with Jesus to affect the way that you live in Jesus to affect the way that you live in Jesus to affect the way that you live in every situation. every situation. every 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, the way you live reveals In other words, the way you live reveals In other words, the way you live reveals your level of relationship with Jesus. your level of relationship with Jesus. your level of relationship with Jesus. Holiness is making right choices for the Holiness is making right choices for the Holiness is making right choices for the right reasons. right reasons. right reasons. That sounds easy, doesn't it? Choices That sounds easy, doesn't it? Choices That sounds easy, doesn't it? Choices between obvious right and wrong are between obvious right and wrong are between obvious right and wrong are really pretty easy to make. Should I really pretty easy to make. Should I really pretty easy to make. Should I kill the person that's irritating me?

kill the person that's irritating me? kill the person that's irritating me? No. Easy choice. You should not do that. No. Easy choice. You should not do that. No. Easy choice. You should not 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, should I go to Mclarde Toyota tonight should I go to Mclarde Toyota tonight should I go to Mclarde Toyota tonight and steal the truck? No. Easy choice. and steal the truck? No. Easy choice. and steal the truck? No. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. The Bible's You shouldn't do that. The Bible's You shouldn't do that. The Bible's pretty clear in those areas. It's a good pretty clear in those areas. It's a good pretty clear in those areas. It's a good black and white issue. I love those black and white issue. I love those black and white issue. I love those kinds of things. That's easy. kinds of things. That's easy. kinds of things. That's easy. But what about the gray areas? Now, But what about the gray areas? Now, But what about the gray areas? Now, before you jump on me, I understand that before you jump on me, I understand that before you jump on me, I understand that there are people who feel there's no there are people who feel there's no there are people who feel there's no such thing as a gray area. So, let me such thing as a gray area. So, let me such thing as a gray area. So, let me say it another way. What about those say it another way. What about those say it another way. What about those things, those decisions that the Bible things, those decisions that the Bible things, those decisions that the Bible doesn't specifically address and you're doesn't specifically address and you're doesn't specifically address and you're just not sure? How do you make a just not sure? How do you make a just not sure? How do you make a decision when you don't have a clear decision when you don't have a clear decision when you don't have a clear answer? answer? 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. decisions. decisions. Anytime you're trying to make a hard Anytime you're trying to make a hard Anytime you're trying to make a hard decision, you can work through these 10 decision, you can work through these 10 decision, you can work through these 10 questions and hopefully land at a good questions and hopefully land at a good questions and hopefully land at a good spot. First, what does the Bible say?

spot. First, what does the Bible say? spot. First, what does the Bible say? The Bible is our guide book for living. The Bible is our guide book for living. The Bible is our guide book 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? And here's a couple good verses I love And here's a couple good verses I love And here's a couple good verses I love when I'm asking and working through this when I'm asking and working through this when I'm asking and working through this process. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, process. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, process. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." "Abstain from all appearance of evil." "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Philippians 4. Philippians 4. Philippians 4. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, Finally, 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 whatever is admirable, if anything is whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, excellent or praiseworthy, excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Second Timothy think about such things. Second Timothy think about such things. Second Timothy chapter 2, flee the evil desires of chapter 2, flee the evil desires of chapter 2, flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, youth and pursue righteousness, faith, youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who love, and peace along with those who love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. call on the Lord out of a pure heart. call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Second question, what do my spiritual Second question, what do my spiritual Second question, what do my spiritual authorities think?

authorities think? authorities think? What do the people I've entrusted with What do the people I've entrusted with What do the people I've entrusted with my spiritual growth and well-being my spiritual growth and well-being my spiritual growth and well-being think? What do the people who have my think? What do the people who have my think? What do the people who have my best interests at heart say? best interests at heart say? best interests at heart say? Now, in my experience, Now, in my experience, Now, in my experience, many times you don't ask your spiritual many times you don't ask your spiritual many times you don't ask your spiritual authorities what they think because you authorities what they think because you authorities what they think because you already know what their answer is going already know what their answer is going already know what their answer is going to be. And that decision should be good to be. And that decision should be good to be. And that decision should be good enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your choice with the current matter you're choice with the current matter you're choice with the current matter you're processing. processing. processing. If you're not willing to ask what your If you're not willing to ask what your If you're not willing to ask what your spiritual authorities think, probably a spiritual authorities think, probably a spiritual authorities think, probably a good idea to avoid it. When you choose good idea to avoid it. When you choose good idea to avoid it. When you choose to ignore the people who love you and to ignore the people who love you and to ignore the people who love you and have your best interest at heart, you have your best interest at heart, you have your best interest at heart, you typically make bad mistakes. typically make bad mistakes. typically make bad mistakes. Third, what does my conscience tell me? Third, what does my conscience tell me? Third, what does my conscience tell me? Or if you're like me, in southern terms, Or if you're like me, in southern terms, Or if you're like me, in southern terms, what does my gut say? what does my gut say? what does my gut 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 10 questions by themselves. I of these 10 questions by themselves. I of these 10 questions by themselves. I highly recommend you ask all 10 because highly recommend you ask all 10 because highly recommend you ask all 10 because some of you, your gut landed you in some of you, your gut landed you in some of you, your gut landed you in prison.

prison. 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. See, you can't just trust your gut to See, you can't just trust your gut to See, you can't just trust your gut to always lead you in the right direction. always lead you in the right direction. always lead you in the right direction. Fourth, Fourth, Fourth, what are the other people who are what are the other people who are what are the other people who are involved in this activity like? What are involved in this activity like? What are involved in this activity like? What are they like? they like? they like? This is a good one. This is a good one. This is a good one. I'm not encouraging you to judge people, I'm not encouraging you to judge people, I'm not encouraging you to judge people, but I I think it's important when you're but I I think it's important when you're but I I think it's important when you're processing an important decision for processing an important decision for processing an important decision for your life to take a look at the other your life to take a look at the other your life to take a look at the other people who are involved in that people who are involved in that people who are involved in that activity. activity. activity. 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 probably is not in sin, chances are this probably is not in sin, chances are this probably is not the right thing for you to do or the the right thing for you to do or the the right thing for you to do or the right place for you to go. right place for you to go. right place for you to go. Number five, would I do this in front of Number five, would I do this in front of Number five, would I do this in front of my parents, my pastor, or my spouse? If you would be ashamed of doing it in If you would be ashamed of doing it in front of the people that matter the most front of the people that matter the most front of the people that matter the most to you, chances are it's a bad choice.

Number six, what does this activity lead Number six, what does this activity lead to? to? to? What's the next logical step? What's the next logical step? What's the next logical 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. For activity by what it leads to. For activity by what it leads to. For instance, what's the next logical step instance, what's the next logical step instance, what's the next logical step of attending a keg party? of attending a keg party? of attending a keg party? What's the next logical step when you What's the next logical step when you What's the next logical 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? If the next logical your girlfriend? If the next logical your girlfriend? If the next logical step is wrong, avoid the activity. step is wrong, avoid the activity. step is wrong, 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 next logical very rarely consider the next logical very rarely consider the next logical step. step. step. Very few people do this. They think Very few people do this. They think Very few people do this. They think through the now and not the later. through the now and not the later. through the now and not the later. Number seven, what kind of influence Number seven, what kind of influence Number seven, what kind of influence will this have on my Christian friends? will this have on my Christian friends? will this have on my Christian friends? Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership ability? Will it negatively affect my ability? Will it negatively affect my ability? Will it negatively affect my friends who may not be as mature in friends who may not be as mature in friends who may not be as mature in Christ? Christ? Christ? 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when he's 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when he's 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when he's talking about eating unclean food which talking about eating unclean food which talking about eating unclean food which was a big deal back then said but be was a big deal back then said but be was a big deal back then said but be careful not to use your freedom to eat careful not to use your freedom to eat careful not to use your freedom to eat it lest you cause some Christian it lest you cause some Christian it lest you cause some Christian brothers to sin whose conscience is brothers to sin whose conscience is brothers to sin whose conscience is weaker than yours. In other words, just weaker than yours. In other words, just weaker than yours. In other words, just because you have the ability and the because you have the ability and the because you have the ability and the freedom to do something doesn't always freedom to do something doesn't always freedom to do something doesn't always mean you should. especially if it could mean you should. especially if it could mean you should. especially if it could cause others to sin who aren't as strong cause others to sin who aren't as strong cause others to sin who aren't as strong in their faith than you.

in their faith than you. in their faith than you. Number eight, how will this affect my Number eight, how will this affect my Number eight, how will this affect my testimony before non-believers? testimony before non-believers? testimony before 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, don't do your relationship with Jesus, don't do your relationship with Jesus, don't do it. Don't say it. Don't post it. it. Don't say it. Don't post it. it. Don't say it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Feel like somebody needs to hear that as Feel like somebody needs to hear that as Feel like somebody needs to hear that as confirmation right now about a decision. confirmation right now about a decision. confirmation right now about a decision. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Number nine, what are the consequences Number nine, what are the consequences Number nine, what are the consequences of this activity? of this activity? of this activity? Students, this is a big one because Students, this is a big one because Students, this is a big one because students very rarely ever think about students very rarely ever think about students very rarely ever think about the consequences of their actions. And the consequences of their actions. And the consequences of their actions. And that's okay because all of us adults that's okay because all of us adults that's okay because all of us adults also failed in that area. Be better than also failed in that area. Be better than also failed in that area. Be better than us. Think about the consequences of your us. Think about the consequences of your us. Think about the consequences of your actions actions actions long-term and short term. What are the long-term and short term. What are the long-term and short term. What are the consequences for my health, my family, consequences for my health, my family, consequences for my health, my family, my finances, my testimony, and my my finances, my testimony, and my my finances, my testimony, and my future?

future? future? Finally, number 10. Have I prayed about Finally, number 10. Have I prayed about Finally, number 10. Have I prayed about it? And when I prayed about it, did that And when I prayed about it, did that result in feeling peace? If you're not sure about an action or a If you're not sure about an action or a decision, ask all 10 questions. And if decision, ask all 10 questions. And if decision, ask all 10 questions. And if you're still not sure after going you're still not sure after going you're still not sure after going through this whole list, through this whole list, through this whole list, don't do it. don't do it. don't do it. I would always rather heir on the side I would always rather heir on the side I would always rather heir on the side of holiness than seeing how much I can of holiness than seeing how much I can of holiness than seeing how much I can get away with. get away with. get away with. Holiness is doing what Jesus would do. Holiness is doing what Jesus would do. Holiness is doing what Jesus would do. That's what we're supposed to strive for 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? No. Is it instant? No. But Is it easy? No. Is it instant? No. But Is it easy? No. Is it instant? No. But the goal is to be like him. the goal is to be like him. 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. That is holiness. That is holiness. What good is it, my brothers? If a man 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? Suppose a can such faith save him? Suppose a can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and brother or sister is without clothes and brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, daily food. If one of you says to him, daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and wellfed." but does nothing about his wellfed." but does nothing about his wellfed." but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? physical needs, what good is it? physical needs, what good is it? Here's the bottom line. What James says Here's the bottom line. What James says Here's the bottom line. What James says about real faith, faith that works. The about real faith, faith that works. The about real faith, faith that works. The difference between faith and belief is difference between faith and belief is difference between faith and belief is action. action. 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. needs. Share your faith. needs. Share your faith. do something.

do something. do something. James closed chapter 2 with one of the James closed chapter 2 with one of the James closed 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. Verse 26. As the body without the book. Verse 26. As the body without the book. Verse 26. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds spirit is dead, so faith without deeds spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. is dead. is dead. A body without breath is a corpse. It A body without breath is a corpse. It A body without breath is a corpse. It may look alive for a moment. It may even may look alive for a moment. It may even may look alive for a moment. It may even still resemble a living person, but still resemble a living person, but still resemble a living person, but there is no life in it. there is no life in it. there is no life in it. And James says your faith can be the And James says your faith can be the And James says your faith can be the same way. same way. 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 even say, "I believe in verses. You can even say, "I believe in verses. You can even say, "I believe in God." God." 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, James says that faith is obedience, James says that faith is obedience, James says that faith is dead. dead. dead. So here's the key question for you. So here's the key question for you. So here's the key question for you. Is your faith alive?

Is it changing the way you live? Is it Is it changing the way you live? Is it affecting the way you treat people? affecting the way you treat people? affecting the way you treat 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, it. Faith that works says, "Jesus, it. Faith that works says, "Jesus, whatever you ask of me, I will do it." whatever you ask of me, I will do it." whatever you ask of me, I will do it." When faith becomes action, people don't When faith becomes action, people don't When faith becomes action, people don't just hear about Jesus, they see Jesus in just hear about Jesus, they see Jesus in just hear about Jesus, they see Jesus in you. Help us to be people of faith who don't Help us to be people of faith who don't just talk about faith, just talk about faith, just talk about faith, but our faith is revealed in our but our faith is revealed in our but our faith is revealed in our actions. Lord, we do not want our faith to be Lord, we do not want our faith to be [music] dead. [music] dead. [music] dead. We do not want our faith to be useless. We do not want our faith to be useless. We do not want our faith to be useless. We want our faith to be alive. We want We want our faith to be alive. We want We want our faith to be alive. We want our faith to be reflected not only in our faith to be reflected not only in our faith to be reflected not only in our words but in our actions.

our words but in our actions. our words but in our actions. We want the fruit of our life to be an We want the fruit of our life to be an We want the fruit of our life to be an accurate representation of who you are, accurate representation of who you are, accurate representation of who you are, what you stand for, [music] and your what you stand for, [music] and your what you stand for, [music] and your love. love. love. So Lord, forgive us. So Lord, forgive us. So Lord, forgive us. Forgive us for those times when our Forgive us for those times when our Forgive us for those times when our faith has stayed at our lips and has faith has stayed at our lips and has faith has stayed at our lips and has never moved to our hands, to our never moved to our hands, to our never moved to our hands, to our actions. Forgive actions. Forgive actions. Forgive us for just speaking faith [music] and us for just speaking faith [music] and us for just speaking faith [music] and not showing faith in our actions. And Lord, help us to be holy And Lord, help us to be holy as we pursue holiness, as we strive to as we pursue holiness, as we strive to as we pursue holiness, as we strive to be more like you. Reveal the things in be more like you. Reveal the things in be more like you. Reveal the things in our lives [music] that we need to work our lives [music] that we need to work our lives [music] that we need to work on. Reveal the weak points in our life on. Reveal the weak points in our life on. Reveal the weak points in our life that aren't pleasing to you, that aren't that aren't pleasing to you, that aren't that aren't pleasing to you, that aren't strong, [music] and give us the power, strong, [music] and give us the power, strong, [music] and give us the power, the determination, the determination, the determination, and the willingness and the willingness and the willingness to change, to be holy.

to change, to be holy. to change, to be holy. Lord, give us the strength to give up Lord, give us the strength to give up Lord, give us the strength to give up some things that this world praises that some things that this world praises that some things that this world praises that [music] isn't holy. [music] isn't holy. [music] isn't holy. Help us to change some behavior that is Help us to change some behavior that is Help us to change some behavior that is sending the wrong message to people who sending the wrong message to people who sending the wrong message to people who are looking at us and know that we claim are looking at us and know that we claim are looking at us and know that we claim to be followers of Jesus. Forgive us for to be followers of Jesus. Forgive us for to be followers of Jesus. Forgive us for the moments where we have inaccurately the moments where we have inaccurately the moments where we have inaccurately represented you to non-believers [music] represented you to non-believers [music] represented you to non-believers [music] and to other believers. and to other believers. and to other believers. Forgive us for that and help us to be Forgive us for that and help us to be Forgive us for that and help us to be different moving forward. different moving forward. different moving forward. Lord, we pray that the fruit of our life Lord, we pray that the fruit of our life Lord, we pray that the fruit of our life would be an accurate representation of would be an accurate representation of would be an accurate representation of who you are who you are who you are to everyone around us. Let our faith not to everyone around us. Let our faith not to everyone around us. Let our faith not be something that is just what we talk be something that is just what we talk be something that is just what we talk about, but is shown in our actions. about, but is shown in our actions. about, but is shown in our actions. And help us as a church. And help us as a church. And help us as a church. Help us as a church to not just say Help us as a church to not just say Help us as a church to not just say things like every soul matters to God, things like every soul matters to God, things like every soul matters to God, but to show that and prove that through but to show that and prove that through but to show that and prove that through our actions.

our actions. our actions. Help us to be a place filled with people Help us to be a place filled with people Help us to be a place filled with people who show clearly to the world that you who show clearly to the world that you who show clearly to the world that you love them, that you see them, that you love them, that you see them, that you love them, that you see them, that you have a plan for their life, [music] have a plan for their life, [music] have a plan for their life, [music] and that if they will come to you, they and that if they will come to you, they and that if they will come to you, they can receive all that they would ever can receive all that they would ever can receive all that they would ever need in life. need in life. need in life. Lord, help us to be holy. Help us to be Lord, help us to be holy. Help us to be Lord, help us to be holy. Help us to be better. Help us to have a real [music] better. Help us to have a real [music] better. Help us to have a real [music] faith, a faith that works. faith, a faith that works. faith, a faith that works. Lord, we love you and we worship you. Lord, we love you and we worship you. Lord, we love you and we worship you. It's in your mighty [music] name we It's in your mighty [music] name we It's in your mighty [music] name we pray. Amen. Amen.