Weekend Preview | Read Your Bible: James – Part 2
By Don Gentry
Is your faith like that of a demon?
I hope the title got your attention. We are going through the book of James, and he has the heart of a pastor or some would even say a prophet. He is writing to a church that is scattered all over the place. They are being persecuted. They are dying. There are false teachers leading some astray. Some are leaving the faith, and worse yet, many are not living like followers of Christ. The early church had a problem.
The book of James delivers some pretty hard hitting teachings that continue to be difficult 2000 years later for those of us who say we love Jesus. I love how James doesn’t confuse his words.
James 2:18-20 (NIV2011)
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
I am not sure if you caught the significance, but the first audience would have felt this line of questioning like a slap across the face.
You say you believe in Jesus… good job, the demons believe in him too. James says that when the demons hear his name they shudder, but what do you do?? If Jesus hasn’t changed you, then your faith is useless and comparable to that of a demon.
That stings!! James, why don’t you tell us how you really feel?!
Come on out on this Sunday and test whether or not your faith is any better than that of the demons. Hope to see you soon!