Joel M Bradshaw

14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? –James 2

 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance… (Luke 3:8a)

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived…Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:5-7, 12-14)

1. Works don’t save you. Faith in Jesus saves you.
2. But if your faith gives no evidence, then it doesn’t really exist. And if it does, then you are living like a hypocrite.
3. And though I cannot see your heart, I can see what your heart leads you to do.
4. Your life gives evidence to your faith.
5. A follower of Jesus should be a self-denying, fruit-displaying individual.
6. If you have faith in Christ, your life should be more new you than former you.
7. I used to be a functional hypocrite, not living my faith. I therefore had a problem with my faith. Where does your evidence lead?–JMB