“I firmly believe people have hitherto been a great deal too much taken up about doctrine and far too little about practice. The word "doctrine," as used in the Bible, means teaching of duty, not theory.” George MacDonald

James is nearly done with his introductions to faith! He gives 5 characteristics of true faith and then explains how we can prove (demonstrate) our faith before an observing world. First, we will walk through the steps of genuine faith as seen by 5 character traits. These behaviors make us attentive students and honest observers of God’s Word – are we listening? Then on to the dilemma of doing and hearing. I am going to use the metaphor of a coin toss – heads or tails? We should never resolve to do one or the other but both! In fact, James says unless we are willing to do both neither are of any benefit to the believer alone. Hearing and not doing makes us a hypocrite and doing but not hearing makes us a legalist. Let’s not fool ourselves in our Christian walk – lets listen and obey! Both or neither matter! See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“Do the truth you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.” George MacDonald