Doing Faith

Faith is more of an action than it is a conviction.

(James 1:16-18) Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

KNOWING TRUTH

I want to know the truth – and not be deceived.

1. God is the FATHER OF SAINTS

A. God gives birth to new life.

(18) He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…

B. God gives me birth through the word of truth.

(1 Peter 1:23) You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

(Romans 10:8-9) The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

· If I believe in my heart that Jesus is alive -

· And if I trust Jesus to be the Lord over my whole life –

· Then I become a saint and God becomes my Father.

2. God is the GIVER OF GOOD

(16-17a) Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…

A. God only gives me good things.

B. All good things come to me from God.

C. God even brings good to me out of the bad things in life.

(Romans 8:28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

3. God is the PILLAR OF TRUST

A. God never changes!

(17b) the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (Malachi 3:6a) “I, the Lord, do not change.”

(Psalm 102:25-27a) In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same.

(Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

B. God’s plans for me never change.

(Psalm 33:10-11) The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

C. God will never forsake me.

(Hebrews 13:5-6) God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

D. I can always trust Him.

(Psalm 9:9-10) The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in you, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.

E. God will always bless me and surround me with His favor.

(Psalm 5:11-12) Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.