What is Faith? James 2:14-17

Yikes! This is a weighty section of scripture filled with centuries of grace vs. deeds debates. The question really comes down to “What is a saving faith?” Is it an intellectual acknowledgement that God exists and that Jesus died and rose from the dead? Even the demons acknowledge that fact. If it isn’t a head knowledge thing primarily, what is it? Romans 10:9 says “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Believe in your HEART. Chris and I have both been focused on this word HEART lately. The biblical heart is the seat of our emotions, of our soul, of our connectedness to God, and includes our minds as well. True, saving faith has to reside at the heart level, our whole being given over to the Lord.

Last month Chris had a life changing experience at @zowehlife ‘s men’s weekend. This morning he told me, "When you experience God cleansing and healing the shame and pain of our past wounds, there is a freedom and a weight lifted and a joy that overflows. The good works described in the Bible that may have felt like a burdensome duty or a to do list is gone.  It is replaced by an authentic desire to pour into people.  It is a natural outflowing of experiencing God's presence and healing and freedom."

And I see the difference in him. The weight of should is lifted and he is passionate to really pour into people. He has something to give that comes from God’s reservoirs of love rather than his own grit.

Lord Jesus, open our entire being to what you have for us today. Heal our hearts. Pour your love and grace and joy into us. From that place of connectedness to you, that unconditional love, please pour out your love through us to those around us today. Continue to open our eyes to the way your see those in our path today.

I am hoping to go to @zowehlife ‘s next women’s event in 2020! Wouldn’t it be fun to meet up there?! Seriously!

Also in James Bible Study Reflections