“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is
dead.” James
2:17
Is
salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned? Is Satan real? Most reading these questions would
unequivocally, without-reservation answer passionately in the affirmative. A 2009 survey conducted by Pollster Barna revealed
that each person responding as such is in the minority. The analysis of survey responses revealed
that less than half of self-identifying born again adults (40%) were convinced
that Satan is a real force. Likewise,
only 47% of these adults strongly reject the notion that it is impossible for
someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior. Why, you may ask, do so many Christian fail to
rightly answer questions concerning the basic tenants of the Christian
faith? It is my conviction that the
church as a whole has failed to pass on a truly living faith to the next
generation of believers.
In
the book of James, one can see an explanation of the concept a living
faith. James 2:14-26, declares that
faith without works is dead. It removes
the notion that a true, living faith can be an empty claim (v.14). Rather it asserts that one’s profession of
faith should be evidenced by one’s life of faith. James gives a powerful illustration (v.15-16)
and then the inescapable conclusion that a faith without works is dead (v.17). This section of scripture continues to shed
light on the reality of a dead faith when it states that knowing the truth is
not enough. For you see, a true, living
faith is not merely and intellectual acceptance but a soul-level recognition of
Jesus Christ.
Whether
the church as a whole does not possess a living faith or it has failed to
communicate this faith, the results the same… dwindling dedicated devotees and
powerless parishioners.
In
II Timothy 2:2, we are called to impart the living faith… to entrust others
with the gospel message so that it may radically alter the world. So what are we willing to do to see this
happen? I am summoning all those who
read this to be a mentor, to intentionally pass on to others the living
faith. I am calling Millen Baptist
Christians to live a life of modeling and teaching other Christians the
precepts of the Bible and Christian life day in and day out. This has always
been and continues to be the strength of the church. Without ‘disciple-making’ we will fail
personally and as a church. Yes, this is time consuming and intimidating but it
is our duty and privilege as a Christian.
Let
us each of us give all for the cause of Christ.
Let us live out the reality found in the statement of Christian martyr
Jim Elliot, “He is not a fool who give up what he cannot keep to gain what he
cannot lose.”