Circuit Rider Letter
March 2011
by Pastor John DiGiamberardino

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

We have been studying the letter of James to the church. This letter is for everyone who desires to grow. It was written to those who have responded to the grace of God. It was written to those who have confidence that they are a child of God. It was written to those who desire to grow in holiness and want some practical direction on how to live.

Some feel James and Paul contradict each other. Paul teaches that you cannot be saved by works, we receive salvation by faith and by faith alone. James seems to assert in this passage that faith alone is insufficient for salvation, and to be effective, faith must be accompanied by works. Some think that James is focusing on works alone and Paul on faith alone.

But I believe these guys were giving the same words different meanings. When James uses the word faith he means giving an intellectual agreement. When Paul uses the word faith he means a belief that carries with it an agreement of the will. When Paul speaks of works he refers to works of the law, doing things because you have to do them to look good to others. When James speaks of works he refers to the good deeds which flow naturally from a heart filled with love to God and to others.

So they are not standing toe to toe fighting each other rather they are standing back to back fighting opposite foes. They are both on the same side but facing opposite directions dealing with different issues that faced the early church and that face the church today.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds?

Can such a faith save them?" James 2:14

If there is no action of your faith, no proof of your faith, can a faith like that save you?



According to James a worthless faith is a faith that has no action - a faith that does not act. A faith that doesn't act is nothing more than a faith of empty words. And even worse than that, a faith of no action is just the opposite – it's a complete lack of faith. 

Faith is worthless if you do nothing and sympathy cannot stop with mere words. Workless faith is worthless faith. Faith is a deliberate action. It is an active response when you hear God speak to you.



It is amazing that God's love for us is unconditional and in spite of whether or not we are running from God, God never quits believing in us. When God comes to you, how do you respond? That's what faith is all about. Our response! You tell that your faith is complete by your actions. Your faith is real not because you believe in God, but because you do what God is calling you to do. 



Faith is not believing God, it's trusting God. Faith and works are inseparable. James teaches us that if you are saved, if Jesus is in your life, then Jesus will demonstrate His works through your life. Your works are the root of your fruit. Faith is not what you believe, it is how you trust God decisively - and do. 


So I ask: Are you available? Are you available in your time, in your resources, in your money, in your priorities, in your thoughts, in every dimension of life for how God wants to use you?

God is always calling your name. Can you hear Him call your name? You do not have to be bright or right, you need to be available. Are you available?

See You In Worship,          Pastor John