Faith Without Works is Dead

We can look in the Old Testament and see how faith in God changed the course of men's and women's lives. They were able to operate inside of the Holy Spirit until God's purpose was fulfilled. These were just ordinary people who had been called and influenced by His presence, His Word and His power.

Human faith is our ability to believe God by what we see and hear. Relating it to our five senses we can come to belief through touch, smell, seeing, hearing and taste.

Hebrews 11:6

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 10:13-17

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God desires for us to believe Him. It is His responsibility to bring us to a place of belief so He obligates Himself to us inside our situations, circumstances and relationships. God will bring the supernatural (His power) into the natural (our situations, circumstances and relationships) to bring us into a place of belief in Him.

As stated in the tenth chapter of Romans the preacher has been given the responsibility of preaching the Word of God to the world to bring them to faith. It is the Word of God that produces God's faith. This is important if we are going to come into faith.

The Lord has allowed and given us a method to receive faith by the hearing of the Word. If we hear something that is substantiated out of the mouth of two or more witnesses, we have the potential to believe it.

Hebrews 11:1

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

James 1:2-8

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James is asking us to count it all joy in the midst of our tests. Our faith is being tried so patience can be developed. Patience must be produced in us to bring us to a place of perfection so that we will want nothing.

One of the hindrances inside the body of Christ is lust. If our faith is going to work to perfection it must be tested. The test is going to reveal to us whether or not we are operating inside the mind of Christ.

Yes, God will use our situations, circumstances and relationships to reveal our lack of patience. This will let us know if lust is operating, and God will not obligate Himself to our wantonness. We fail inside of our situations when we don't get what we want. The things that we want may not be what the Father wants for our life.

Our ways, wants and desires will always carry us into sin, and sin produces death which will cause us to be separated or detached from the things of God.

James 1:12-15

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

We must not forget we are new creatures in Christ, and the Lord has a purpose for His sons. Patience is the ability to endure suffering and pain without grumbling, murmuring or complaining.

We have to be trained in this new nature. We have to admit we do not know anything about this life. Before salvation, we were trained inside the works of the flesh. The flesh is contrary to the Spirit, and God has a purpose and a process to train this new nature.

Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 3:10-12

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

God's purpose is for us to be conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. God can take a sinner and sanctify him wholly; body, soul and spirit, and cause him to serve God.

Purpose is that which produces love through situations, circumstances and relationships. It will cause you to deny yourself of every thing that rebels against it. Purpose will produce a desire in you so that nothing in this world is worth losing because of wantonness.

St. Matthew 16:26

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Purpose is more important than your experiences, exposure, acquaintances, familiarities and intimacies whether they be good or bad. It is our internal reason for living. Purpose has to be more powerful than the suffering of the body and mind inside of distresses, need or any disappointment. Purpose will cause you to fall in love with God and His people.

St. Mark 12:30-31

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Love longs to see the power of God manifested in every situation that affects the relationship and patiently bears the pain or trials without complaint.

Purpose includes a knowledge of faith. It is faith that has set the boundaries for our life, and it is faith that will carry us to our destination. Without the knowledge of faith there is no purpose.

Hosea 4:6

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

This is so important because if you reject the knowledge of faith in this dispensation you could be destroyed according to this scripture. Purpose has to be our life not only our reasonable service. We should rejoice concerning our purpose, which is to become manifested sons of God.

I Corinthians 15:45-49

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

II Corinthians 5:17-21

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

You may ask the question, "How can I come into this type of mindset?" The Lord told us to ask Him for wisdom and to ask Him in faith. God told us to use our faith to ask Him for spiritual things, where tradition has trained our mind to use our faith to ask God for natural things. We named it, claimed it, confessed it but we never possessed it. Cars, houses, money, land etc., none of these things would be able to satisfy the new creature in Christ . The only happiness to a creature of faith is for him to operate inside of the boundaries that faith has established for his life.

Our faith must be tested to produce patience and our patience rids us of all our wantonness so that we can do the will of the Father. Many of us have fallen short inside of wisdom. We need to know exactly what God's wisdom is.

James 3:13-18

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

The scripture has revealed two types of wisdom: one earthly and one heavenly. We need to take a moment to see which wisdom we have been operating in or have we been operating in both? If we have been operating in both then we are wavy minded and the Word told us not to think that we would receive anything from the Lord.

He did not say you would not receive anything, it just won't come from the Lord. So it is possible that we are going to receive some things and if it is not coming from the Lord where does it come from? It comes from the workings of our fleshly mind.

Past experiences have shaped and formed mindsets in us that oppose the purpose God has for our life. The Lord is saying those mindsets did not come from Him, but they are devilish. We may operate in Godly wisdom one day and the devil's wisdom the next. If we are not sowing in the spirit then we are sowing in the flesh.

Galatians 6:7-10

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

This scripture is important to us if we are going to operate inside God's wisdom. Sowing spiritual seeds inside our fleshly situations will produce the life of the Spirit. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, free of all foreign matter, contamination or corruption. It is also peaceable, calm, quiet, without strife, gentle, free from all harshness, roughness or intensity, easy to be entreated, mild and tolerant of dispositions, full of mercy and good fruit, kindness and compassion. This is the wisdom that comes from above and if we want peace, this wisdom must be sown in peace. We cannot use the wisdom of God mixed with the wisdom of this world and expect to obtain the peace of God.

James 2:14-26

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

So faith without works is dead--in other words it is lifeless, unresponsive, insensitive, inactive, obsolete, deceased and spiritless. I want to use the same operation that God uses to bring us to a place of belief. For a sinner to be saved they must hear the Word of God and believe in their heart all the way to righteousness.

However, I want to write to those of us who are saved and have the Holy Ghost already working in our lives . . . the Bible says that the body without the spirit is dead; likewise, faith without works is dead.

Our faith must be brought alive, in order for faith to operate inside of our situation. What will cause my faith to come alive?

Galatians 5:5-6

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Here we see in scripture that our faith works by love. Love is what puts life inside faith, therefore, our faith is dead without love. When our faith is being tried we must understand that its purpose is so our offender will have a chance to experience agape love. Agape love is effectual and full of power to achieve results that no other love can.

When we have the Holy Ghost and the Lord places us in a negative relationship, He not only wants us to influence the other person but our faith also is being tried to develop patience in us and rid us of wantonness. If we do not want anything, then our faith which is operated by love can be effectual in achieving God's purpose. If your faith is motivated by any other reason than love, it will not achieve God's purpose.

God's purpose in His heart was that He wanted sons. He had faith in His purpose and His love brought His faith alive. Love can be known only from the actions it prompts.

Colossians 2:12

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

St. John 3:16-17

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Our love needs to be seen inside our negative situations, circumstances and relationships. However, this cannot be the love of complacency or self-satisfaction. It must be an exercise of purpose.

Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren or toward men generally, is not an impulse from feelings. It does not run with natural inclinations nor does it spend itself only upon those with whom it has some affinity, close attraction or relationship. Love seeks the welfare of all and works no ill to any. Love seeks opportunity to do good to all men, and especially toward them who are of the household of the faith.

I Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Though we have all faith so that we can move mountains, and have not charity, we are nothing. This means we are of no value or importance to God. It is as though we do not exist. In other words faith without the working of love is dead.

We must understand that God is Love. When love is operating inside our negative relationship, this is God on display. The strength of our faith in God is determined by the love we have for God and His people.

Saints, God is looking for a people who will deny themselves of what they want and love Him. God wants us to love Him for what He is doing in our lives. He needs us to long-suffer with Him, and for us to trust what He has purposed for our lives.

I John 3:10-18

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

I John 4:7-21

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

I Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Saints, our faith and love will comfort those who are going through great affliction. Whenever faith and love show up that is the supernatural being manifested in the natural.

God Bless You

Love, Bishop