Faith

The Rock of Central Florida   -  

Was our father Abraham not [shown to be] justified by works [of obedience which expressed his faith] when he offered Isaac his son on the altar [as a sacrifice to God]? You see that [his] faith was working together with his works, and as a result of the works, his faith was completed [reaching its maturity when he expressed his faith through obedience].  And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and this [faith] was credited to him [by God] as righteousness and as conformity to His will,” and he was called the friend of God.  You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience a born-again believer reveals his faith].  In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works too, when she received the [Hebrew] spies as guests and protected them, and sent them away [to escape] by a different route?  For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead. James 2:21-26

The more I learn about Abraham the more I admire and respect him. His love, faith, and trust in the Father was reflected not only in his words but in his actions. Even if he had never spoken a word you would know where his trust and faith were by the movements he made. His belief in His creator and God weredemonstrated in the steps he took, in the places he went, and he changed and flowed with every shift because his devotion was not to himself or what his reference points were but rather in Yahweh God.

Likewise, Rahab, who did not even serve Yahweh, recognizedthe opportunity before her and gave glory to the Father in recognition for who He was. Her works joined with her faith the moment she dropped the red cord outside her window. She had no guarantee except the word of strangers nor did she haverelationship with the Father, yet her choice led to her deliverance and redemption.

What an incredible powerhouse the church is when we come to the magnificent revelation that everything needed is given and we have the authority in what we do with it. I believe both Abraham and Rahab understood this. Faith alone would not have produced what was needed in either of these circumstances. Each movement should be made with faith, and faith should be seen within our movement. THIS brings delight and glory to the Father. When we step into that place it will flip everything religion has ever known. Faith and works should both reflect the Christ that dwells in us and it is doable by the mature believer and the one just beginning and is evident in both Abraham and

Lay hold of the opportunity today. Demonstrate faith in both word and deeds of obedience.