Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 9, 2009.
1) James 2:14-26
What does James say about the connection between faith and deeds in a Christian’s life? Which one is most important?
What Old Testament examples did James use to support his teaching? What do you know about these stories?
Is your faith alive or dead?
2) Genesis 22:1-19
What made Abraham right with God -- his faith or his actions?
Joshua 2:1-24
What made Rahab right with God -- her faith or her actions?
3) Romans 3:28; Romans 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:8-10
How does Paul’s teachings about faith and works compare with James’s teachings? Are these passages contradictory? How do the teachings fit together?
4) James 2:14-17; Galatians 5;19-26; Matthew 25:31-45
Is your life characterized by faith? Is your life characterized by godly deeds? When confronted with the needs of those around you, what is your response?
This is definitely one of the great mysteries. Somehow faith and action (works!) tie together to create the sum of our relationship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. How it all comes together I haven't a clue.
ReplyDeleteConsider this, when someone confesses their sin and invites the Lord into their life is that not an action? Yet it takes faith to actually do it. Can the two be separated? Doesn't seem so to me.
Thank you for your time and have a great day.
BD
Thanks for the great insight. We will talk about it in class this morning. Although we will not be able to solve the amazing mystery of this spiritual puzzle, I'm hoping we can shed some light on it together.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you!
Joy
Miss you all too. Oh yeah, I did get the card from the class. Thank you and my apologies for not letting you know earlier.
ReplyDelete