Sermon Series beginning September 12, 2021 (Sermon Audio Link)
In the early 16th century, the Reformers emphasized a phrase that awakened the masses who were trusting their merits would earn God’s favour. Sola Fide—We are justified by “faith alone.” Romans 3:28 is clear that “a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” This is an essential truth of the Gospel, but it must not be misunderstood to think that good works are unimportant. In the Epistle of James, we discover a healthy understanding of how the believer’s faith works. Faith without action is “useless religion” (1:26) and a “dead faith” (2:17). James says, “I’ll show you my faith by my works” (2:18). As the Reformers would say, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”
What does genuine faith look like? How is it expressed in everyday life? James discusses the practical outworking of faith by addressing trials, temptations, prejudice, conflict, conversation, wealth, planning, and prayer. Join us on Sunday mornings this fall to hear what God has to say about these important issues. And by God’s grace, we will receive His promised blessing by being “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (1:22, 25).