Seed for Aug 8

Q: I do have a question for you though. I am struggling with a friend about "faith in action." I am curious what you have to say about it? Also, is going to church a necessary thing, a demanded thing or something we have a decision to do? I have been raised that it is something that we do to join together with fellow believers and Christ said that he wants us too. If you have any advise or answers to these questions, I would love to hear them. I look forward to you reply.

A: “Faith in Action” by this I assume you mean the “works” that faith manifest. James stated that faith without works is dead being alone, and Paul said we are saved by faith apart from works. Apparent contradictions, but not really! Paul spoke of the “Works” of righteousness, or deeds we do to be made right, and James spoke of actions or results of “living faith”. It is impossible to demonstrate living faith, without some outward manifestation (or outward results/signs). We are not saved by our right doing, but our salvation results in “right doing”. I am not born naturally by any action of my own, but my live birth is witnessed by crying, breathing and moving, thus my life is made manifest. Our faith is manifest by our actions, and results in what the Bible calls fruit of the Spirit. My faith alive yields tangible results that can be seen heard and witnessed.

As far as church attendance, or the meeting together, Paul admonished us to not forsake the getting together. I guess he knew that if we did not get together to encourage one another we would soon grow weak and give up the faith. Getting together is not a command, but an admonishment, and that we do it all the more as we see that Day approaching. There is strength in the fellowship of believers. Unfortunately we gather in our own brand (denominations) and stop the possibility of cross-pollination of the Body of Christ from others. (If you are not my brand of religion then I can’t hear you).