Is Your Faith Alive?

March 6th, 2025
by Pastor Gary Moritz
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*This blog post was generated using church.tech from the talk that was preached for week 3 of Live Out Loud
Have you ever wondered if your faith is truly alive? It's a question that can lead to deep reflection and personal growth. In our recent sermon series, "Live Out Loud: Our Faith in Action," we've been diving into the Book of James, exploring how our faith should be more than just words—it should be a vibrant, active part of our lives. James 1:22 challenges us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only," urging us to put our faith into action. So, how can you ensure your faith is alive and thriving?

Faith in Action: What Does It Look Like?

  1. Acknowledge and Act: The first step is acknowledging that faith requires more than just words. James 2:14 asks, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works?" It's a call to move from belief to behavior. When you see someone in need, don't just offer words—take action. Whether it's praying for someone and actually following through or offering practical help, your actions speak volumes.
  2. Respond with Compassion: Faith should naturally lead to compassionate actions. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. Look around you—there are countless opportunities to serve and show love. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor, or participating in community outreach, your faith becomes alive when you respond to the needs of others.
  3. Embrace Sacrifice: True faith often requires sacrifice. James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate this point. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and Rahab's risk in protecting Israel's spies show that faith sometimes means stepping out of your comfort zone. It might mean giving up time, resources, or even your reputation for the sake of righteousness.
  4. Consistent Good Works: Faith isn't just about occasional acts of kindness; it's about developing a lifestyle of consistent good works. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good. Your faith should be evident in your daily life, influencing how you interact with others and the choices you make.

Taking the Next Step

So, how can you put this into practice? Start by identifying one area where you can actively demonstrate your faith this week. Maybe it's volunteering for a community event, helping a friend in need, or simply being more intentional in your daily interactions. Remember, your actions can be a powerful testimony to those around you.

Conclusion

The question remains: Is your faith alive? It's not just about what you believe, but how you live it out. As you reflect on this, consider how you can make your faith more active and visible. What steps will you take this week to ensure your faith is not just words, but a living, breathing part of your life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Help us to move beyond words and into action, showing your love and compassion to those around us. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and make sacrifices for the sake of Your kingdom. May our lives be a testament to your grace and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Posted in Weekly Message
Posted in faith, alive, living, works

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