Faith - A Life's Journey After Christ

James 1:22,25 
"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves... one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."

In today's society it is common for many people to get up on Sunday mornings, go to church, listen to a sermon, pack up the kids, and go back home. Many people believe that there is a God, but often He is no more than just an idea, or an impersonal Being somewhere out there in the universe. Although they may say they have faith in God, what does their faith consist of?

What is true faith in God? Is it simply a belief that there is a God? James 2:19 states: "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." Not only do demons believe in God, they also have great respect and awe of His power. But demons are condemned to live a life of rejection and eternal separation from God. 

So what does faith in God consist of? Although there are many things that can be said about godly faith, it all comes down to three essential points:

1) Acknowledging that you have done/said/thought something that is contrary to God's Word, which makes you a sinner in need of God's mercy.

2) Trusting that the blood that Christ shed on the cross was the perfect sacrifice for our sins and that in confessing our sins before God and accepting His gift of righteousness through His Son Jesus Christ, He can forgive us completely of our sins.

3) Living out your faith with a genuine response of obedience to God's Word, not for means of salvation or merit in God's eyes, but in a desire to serve Him with every part of your life.

Faith isn't just belief, faith isn't a compilation of human works. Faith is a response to God's calling for salvation and a daily act of worship and service in the sight of God. A life lived for Christ will evidence His will and desires. We, as born-again believers, must let Christ's light and spirit of service shine through us. We are His hands and feet. We must run to those in need, and we must lift up those who have fallen.

So when you go to a church service on Sunday morning, remember that the sermon isn't finished until you have applied it to your own personal spiritual life. Live out your faith as you follow the footprints of Christ.