Faith that Moves
Dr. Anthony E. Neal
Built to Follow Jesus • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
FAITH THAT MOVES
INTRODUCTION — SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE
CHURCH, THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CANNOT SEE WORKING....
BUT YOU KNOW THEY ARE WORKING BECAUSE SOMETHING MOVES.
YOU CANNOT SEE ELECTRICITY MOVING THROUGH THE WALLS.
BUT WHEN YOU FLIP THE SWITCH, THE LIGHT OUGHT TO COME ON.
YOU CANNOT SEE THE GASOLINE BURNING INSIDE THE ENGINE.
BUT WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOU CANNOT SEE THE WIND.
BUT WHEN THE TREES START BENDING, THE LEAVES START SHAKING, AND THE BRANCHES START SWAYING, YOU KNOW THE WIND IS MOVING.
YOU CANNOT ALWAYS SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING BENEATH THE SURFACE.
BUT WHEN SOMETHING IS ALIVE AND WORKING, EVENTUALLY THERE OUGHT TO BE SOME EVIDENCE.
AND JAMES SAYS FAITH OUGHT TO WORK THE SAME WAY.
YOU CANNOT PHYSICALLY SEE FAITH.
YOU CANNOT PUT FAITH ON A TABLE.
YOU CANNOT HOLD FAITH IN YOUR HAND.
YOU CANNOT TAKE A PICTURE OF FAITH.
BUT WHEN FAITH IS ALIVE, SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR HEART OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR HANDS OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR FEET OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR COMPASSION OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR PRIORITIES OUGHT TO MOVE.
YOUR LIFE OUGHT TO MOVE.
BECAUSE REAL FAITH PRODUCES EVIDENCE.
AND JAMES IS WRITING TO A CHURCH FULL OF PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT FAITH.
THEY KNOW CHURCH LANGUAGE.
THEY KNOW RELIGIOUS VOCABULARY.
THEY KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN SOMEBODY IS HURTING.
THEY KNOW HOW TO SAY, “I'M PRAYING FOR YOU.”
THEY KNOW HOW TO SAY, “GOD WILL MAKE A WAY.”
THEY KNOW HOW TO SAY, “KEEP THE FAITH.”
THEY KNOW HOW TO SAY, “BE ENCOURAGED.”
THEY KNOW HOW TO SAY, “THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.”
AND CHURCH, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THOSE WORDS.
SOMETIMES SOMEBODY NEEDS TO HEAR THAT GOD WILL MAKE A WAY.
SOMETIMES SOMEBODY NEEDS TO HEAR, “KEEP THE FAITH.”
SOMETIMES SOMEBODY NEEDS TO KNOW THAT SOMEBODY IS PRAYING FOR THEM.
BUT JAMES RAISES AN UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTION.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OUR WORDS ARE ALL WE HAVE?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SAY I CARE, BUT I NEVER HELP?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SAY I LOVE PEOPLE, BUT I NEVER SERVE PEOPLE?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SAY I HAVE COMPASSION,
BUT SOMEBODY'S PAIN NEVER INTERRUPTS MY SCHEDULE?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SHOUT ON SUNDAY, BUT WALK PAST SUFFERING ON MONDAY?
JAMES SAYS, “I NEED TO EXAMINE THAT FAITH.”
BECAUSE FAITH THAT NEVER MOVES YOU
MAY NOT BE FAITH THAT HAS CHANGED YOU.
(PAUSE)
FRIENDSHIP, FOR SIX WEEKS WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.
WE LEARNED THAT WE HAVE TO BE MORE THAN A BELIEVER.
WE LEARNED THAT CONNECTED PEOPLE GROW.
WE LEARNED THAT GOD IS CALLING US FROM SITTING TO SERVING.
WE LEARNED THAT WE MUST BE LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS.
LAST WEEK WE LEARNED HOW TO KEEP GROWING THROUGH PRESSURE.
BUT NOW JAMES COMES ALONG AND SAYS:
AFTER ALL YOU HAVE LEARNED
AFTER ALL YOU HAVE HEARD
AFTER ALL YOU HAVE STUDIED
AFTER ALL YOU HAVE RECEIVED
WHAT IS YOUR FAITH MOVING YOU TO DO?
BECAUSE JESUS DID NOT BUILD US TO SIT STILL.
JESUS DID NOT SAVE US TO BECOME SPECTATORS.
JESUS DID NOT GIVE US GIFTS SO WE COULD ADMIRE THEM.
JESUS DID NOT BLESS US
JUST SO WE COULD TALK ABOUT HOW BLESSED WE ARE.
WE WERE BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.
AND IF WE ARE FOLLOWING JESUS
OUR FAITH HAS TO MOVE.
POINT I — REAL FAITH MOVES BEYOND WHAT WE SAY
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
JAMES ASKS IN VERSE 14:
“WHAT DOES IT PROFIT, MY BRETHREN, IF SOMEONE SAYS HE HAS FAITH BUT DOES NOT HAVE WORKS?”
I WANT YOU TO NOTICE ONE WORD.
SAYS.
JAMES SAYS, “IF SOMEONE SAYS HE HAS FAITH.”
THE PROBLEM BEGINS WITH A CLAIM.
THIS PERSON CLAIMS TO HAVE FAITH.
THIS PERSON TALKS ABOUT FAITH.
THIS PERSON IDENTIFIES AS A BELIEVER.
BUT JAMES IS ASKING:
WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE?
JAMES IS NOT ATTACKING FAITH.
JAMES IS EXAMINING CLAIMED FAITH.
BECAUSE ANYBODY CAN SAY SOMETHING.
(PAUSE)
I CAN SAY I AM A MECHANIC.
BUT IF YOU BRING ME YOUR CAR, YOU ARE GOING TO FIND OUT REAL QUICK WHETHER I CAN FIX AN ENGINE.
I CAN SAY I AM A CHEF.
BUT PUT ME IN THE KITCHEN, GIVE ME SOME INGREDIENTS, AND EVENTUALLY THE PLATE WILL TELL THE TRUTH.
I CAN SAY I AM AN ATHLETE.
BUT PUT ME ON THE FIELD AND MY MOVEMENT WILL REVEAL MY CONDITION.
JAMES SAYS YOU CAN SAY YOU HAVE FAITH.
BUT EVENTUALLY LIFE IS GOING TO PUT YOUR FAITH IN A SITUATION
WHERE YOUR ACTIONS HAVE TO TELL THE TRUTH.
BECAUSE REAL FAITH IS MORE THAN WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH.
REAL FAITH CHANGES HOW YOU LIVE.
IT CHANGES HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE.
IT CHANGES HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR RESOURCES.
IT CHANGES HOW YOU RESPOND TO SUFFERING.
IT CHANGES HOW YOU SEE YOUR NEIGHBOR.
IT CHANGES WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP.
CHURCH, IF I CAN BE REAL WITH YOU….
WE HAVE BECOME VERY GOOD AT RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE.
SOMEBODY SAYS, “I'M STRUGGLING.”
WE SAY, “I'LL PRAY FOR YOU.”
SOMEBODY SAYS, “I DON'T KNOW HOW I'M GOING TO MAKE IT.”
WE SAY, “GOD WILL PROVIDE.”
SOMEBODY SAYS, “I'M GOING THROUGH.”
WE SAY, “HOLD ON TO GOD'S UNCHANGING HAND.”
AND AGAIN, THOSE WORDS ARE TRUE.
BUT SOMETIMES GOD IS SAYING:
I SENT THEM TO YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE PART OF THE PROVISION.
SOMETIMES YOU ARE PRAYING, “LORD, FEED THEM.”
AND GOD IS SAYING, “YOU HAVE FOOD.”
SOMETIMES YOU ARE PRAYING, “LORD, ENCOURAGE THEM.”
AND GOD IS SAYING, “YOU HAVE THEIR PHONE NUMBER.”
SOMETIMES YOU ARE PRAYING, “LORD, HELP THAT FAMILY.”
AND GOD IS SAYING, “I PUT RESOURCES IN YOUR HAND.”
SOMETIMES WE ARE ASKING GOD TO DO SUPERNATURALLY
WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY EQUIPPED THE CHURCH TO DO FAITHFULLY.
CAN I SAY IT THIS WAY?
SOMETIMES YOU ARE THE ANSWER TO THE PRAYER YOU KEEP PRAYING.
GOD BLESSED YOU SO YOU COULD BE A BLESSING.
GOD ENCOURAGED YOU SO YOU COULD ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY ELSE.
GOD CARRIED YOU SO YOU WOULD KNOW HOW TO HELP CARRY SOMEBODY ELSE.
GOD BROUGHT YOU THROUGH
SO WHEN YOU SAW SOMEBODY ELSE GOING THROUGH,
YOU WOULD NOT WALK PAST THEM.
THAT'S WHY THE CHURCH CANNOT JUST BE KNOWN FOR WHAT WE SAY.
WE MUST BE KNOWN FOR HOW WE SERVE.
WE CANNOT JUST PREACH LOVE.
LOVE HAS TO MOVE.
WE CANNOT JUST PREACH COMPASSION.
COMPASSION HAS TO MOVE.
WE CANNOT JUST PREACH GENEROSITY.
GENEROSITY HAS TO MOVE.
WE CANNOT JUST SAY WE CARE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY.
OUR FAITH HAS TO MOVE INTO THIS COMMUNITY.
BECAUSE FAITH IS MORE THAN A CONFESSION FROM YOUR MOUTH.
FAITH IS A CONVICTION THAT MOVES YOUR LIFE.
TRANSITION TO POINT II
JAMES DOES NOT ALLOW US TO KEEP THIS CONVERSATION THEOLOGICAL AND COMFORTABLE.
JAMES KNOWS CHURCH PEOPLE.
HE KNOWS WE CAN DISCUSS FAITH ALL DAY.
WE CAN DEBATE FAITH.
WE CAN DEFINE FAITH.
WE CAN QUOTE SCRIPTURES ABOUT FAITH.
WE CAN SING SONGS ABOUT FAITH.
SO JAMES SAYS, “LET ME BRING SOMEBODY INTO THE ROOM.”
JAMES SAYS:
SINCE YOU SAY YOU HAVE FAITH
LET ME SHOW YOU SOMEBODY WITH A NEED.
BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE TRUE TEST OF YOUR FAITH IS NOT HOW HIGH YOU LIFT YOUR HANDS IN WORSHIP.
SOMETIMES THE TRUE TEST OF YOUR FAITH IS WHAT THOSE SAME HANDS DO WHEN SOMEBODY NEEDS HELP.
THE TEST IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU GET TO CHURCH.
SOMETIMES THE TEST IS:
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMEBODY HURTING GETS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HELP?
AND THAT LEADS ME TO MY SECOND POINT.
POINT II — REAL FAITH MOVES TOWARD PEOPLE IN NEED
JAMES SAYS IN VERSES 15 AND 16:
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
“IF A BROTHER OR SISTER IS NAKED AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, AND ONE OF YOU SAYS TO THEM, ‘DEPART IN PEACE, BE WARMED AND FILLED,' BUT YOU DO NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT?”
JAMES GIVES US A PICTURE OF VISIBLE NEED.
THIS PERSON NEEDS CLOTHING.
THIS PERSON NEEDS FOOD.
THIS PERSON NEEDS HELP.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT DETAIL IN THE TEXT IS THAT SOMEBODY SAW THEM.
THE PROBLEM WAS NOT IGNORANCE.
THEY SAW THE NEED.
THE PROBLEM WAS INACTION.
THEY RECOGNIZED THE CONDITION.
THEY UNDERSTOOD THE STRUGGLE.
THEY KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
BUT INSTEAD OF HELPING, THEY GAVE THEM WORDS.
“DEPART IN PEACE.”
“BE WARMED.”
“BE FILLED.”
(PAUSE)
IT SOUNDED SPIRITUAL.
IT SOUNDED RELIGIOUS.
IT SOUNDED ENCOURAGING.
BUT IT DID NOT CHANGE THEIR CONDITION.
(PAUSE)
THEY OFFERED A BLESSING
BUT NO BREAD.
THEY OFFERED WORDS
BUT NO WARMTH.
THEY OFFERED ENCOURAGEMENT
BUT NO ENGAGEMENT.
AND JAMES ASKS:
WHAT GOOD IS THAT?
CHURCH, I BELIEVE JAMES IS CHALLENGING US BECAUSE IT IS POSSIBLE TO BECOME COMFORTABLE SEEING NEED.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING LONG ENOUGH, EVENTUALLY YOU CAN STOP NOTICING IT.
YOU CAN DRIVE PAST POVERTY EVERY DAY AND STOP SEEING IT.
YOU CAN SEE THE SAME PERSON STRUGGLING AND STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.
YOU CAN HEAR ABOUT ANOTHER SHOOTING AND JUST CHANGE THE CHANNEL.
YOU CAN HEAR ABOUT ANOTHER FAMILY IN CRISIS AND SAY, “THAT'S TERRIBLE,” AND KEEP EATING DINNER.
YOU CAN KNOW SOMEBODY IS GRIEVING AND ASSUME SOMEBODY ELSE WILL CALL.
YOU CAN KNOW A SENIOR IS LONELY AND ASSUME SOMEBODY ELSE WILL VISIT.
YOU CAN KNOW A YOUNG PERSON NEEDS DIRECTION AND SAY, “THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY…”
BUT FAITH THAT MOVES ASKS:
WHAT CAN I DO?
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FIX EVERYTHING.
BUT I CAN DO SOMETHING.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FEED EVERYBODY.
BUT I CAN FEED SOMEBODY.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HELP EVERY YOUNG PERSON.
BUT I CAN MENTOR ONE.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO VISIT EVERYBODY.
BUT I CAN VISIT SOMEBODY.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SOLVE EVERY PROBLEM IN DETROIT.
BUT FRIENDSHIP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON THE CORNER WHERE GOD PLANTED US.
(PAUSE)
THAT'S WHAT ISAIAH 58 TEACHES US.
THE PEOPLE WERE FASTING.
THEY WERE WORSHIPING.
THEY WERE PRACTICING RELIGION.
BUT GOD SAID:
“IS THIS NOT THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN?”
AND THEN GOD SAYS:
“SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY.”
“BRING THE POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE.”
“WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, COVER THEM.”
IN OTHER WORDS:
DON'T JUST WORSHIP ME WITH YOUR MOUTH AND IGNORE PEOPLE WITH YOUR LIFE.
(PAUSE)
WHEN I LOOK AT JESUS, I SEE FAITH THAT MOVES.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE HUNGRY
HE FED THEM.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE SICK
HE TOUCHED THEM.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE GRIEVING
HE COMFORTED THEM.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE OUTCAST
HE WELCOMED THEM.
WHEN JESUS SAW BLIND BARTIMAEUS CRYING BESIDE THE ROAD
HE STOPPED.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
HE TALKED TO HER.
WHEN JESUS SAW ZACCHAEUS IN A TREE
HE CALLED HIM DOWN.
WHEN JESUS SAW THE MULTITUDE
HE HAD COMPASSION.
JESUS NEVER ALLOWED SOMEBODY'S PAIN TO BECOME MERELY A CONVERSATION.
JESUS MOVED.
AND IF WE ARE BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS
WE HAVE TO MOVE TOWARD PEOPLE.
CHURCH CANNOT ONLY BE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS SANCTUARY.
I LOVE WORSHIP.
I LOVE PREACHING.
I LOVE SINGING.
I LOVE WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES IN THE HOUSE.
BUT AT SOME POINT
THE CHURCH HAS TO LEAVE THE BUILDING.
THERE ARE FAMILIES WHO NEED HELP.
THERE ARE SENIORS WHO FEEL FORGOTTEN.
THERE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE LOOKING FOR SOMEBODY TO BELIEVE IN THEM.
THERE ARE PEOPLE CARRYING GRIEF IN SILENCE.
THERE ARE PEOPLE RECOVERING FROM ADDICTION.
THERE ARE FAMILIES TRYING TO STRETCH A PAYCHECK.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED SOMEBODY TO LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGING THEM.
AND THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO MAY NEVER WALK THROUGH THE DOORS OF FRIENDSHIP
UNTIL THE FAITH OF FRIENDSHIP WALKS TOWARD THEM.
SOMETIMES THE GREATEST SERMON YOU WILL EVER PREACH
IS THE NEED YOU CHOOSE NOT TO WALK PAST.
TRANSITION TO POINT III
BUT JAMES IS NOT FINISHED.
BECAUSE JAMES WANTS US TO UNDERSTAND THAT INACTIVITY IS MORE THAN A MISSED OPPORTUNITY.
JAMES DOES NOT SAY:
“YOU SHOULD TRY HARDER.”
JAMES DOES NOT SAY:
“YOU NEED TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED.”
JAMES DOES NOT SAY:
“YOU SHOULD JOIN ANOTHER MINISTRY.”
JAMES USES LANGUAGE THAT OUGHT TO MAKE EVERY BELIEVER EXAMINE THEMSELVES.
HE SAYS WHEN FAITH CONSISTENTLY REFUSES TO MOVE
WE NEED TO CHECK FOR SIGNS OF LIFE.
BECAUSE ANYTHING THAT IS ALIVE OUGHT TO SHOW SOME EVIDENCE THAT IT IS LIVING.
AND THAT BRINGS ME TO MY THIRD POINT.
POINT III — REAL FAITH MOVES BECAUSE LIVING THINGS MOVE
JAMES SAYS IN VERSE 17:
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
“THUS ALSO FAITH BY ITSELF, IF IT DOES NOT HAVE WORKS, IS DEAD.”
THAT'S A STRONG WORD.
DEAD.
NOT TIRED.
NOT WEAK.
NOT STRUGGLING.
NOT DEVELOPING.
DEAD.
WHY?
BECAUSE LIVING THINGS SHOW SIGNS OF LIFE.
A LIVING HEART BEATS.
LIVING LUNGS BREATHE.
LIVING BLOOD FLOWS.
LIVING BODIES MOVE.
AND JAMES SAYS:
LIVING FAITH SHOULD SHOW SIGNS OF LIFE.
(PAUSE)
NOW I NEED TO MAKE SOMETHING THEOLOGICALLY CLEAR.
WE ARE NOT SAVED BY WORKS.
YOU CANNOT WORK YOUR WAY INTO HEAVEN.
YOU CANNOT SERVE ENOUGH TO EARN SALVATION.
YOU CANNOT GIVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PURCHASE GRACE.
YOU CANNOT JOIN ENOUGH MINISTRIES TO MAKE GOD OWE YOU ETERNAL LIFE.
PAUL SAYS IN EPHESIANS:
“FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH, AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.”
WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
BUT JAMES SAYS:
IF THAT FAITH IS ALIVE, EVENTUALLY IT WILL PRODUCE SOMETHING.
WORKS ARE NOT THE ROOT OF SALVATION.
WORKS ARE THE FRUIT OF SALVATION.
LET ME PUT IT TO YOU THIS WAY…
I DO NOT SERVE SO JESUS WILL SAVE ME.
I SERVE BECAUSE JESUS SAVED ME.
I DO NOT LOVE PEOPLE SO GOD WILL LOVE ME.
I LOVE PEOPLE BECAUSE GOD LOVED ME FIRST.
I DO NOT HELP PEOPLE TO EARN GRACE.
I HELP PEOPLE BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO NEED GRACE.
WORKS DON'T CREATE FAITH.
BUT LIVING FAITH CREATES MOVEMENT.
IF JESUS HAS CHANGED YOUR HEART
SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE.
IF GRACE HAS TOUCHED YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE.
IF MERCY HAS FOUND YOU
SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE.
IF GOD HAS BROUGHT YOU THROUGH
SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE.
IF THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES IN YOU
SOMETHING OUGHT TO MOVE!
(PAUSE)
SO THE QUESTION IS NO LONGER SIMPLY:
“DO I BELIEVE?”
THE QUESTION IS:
WHAT IS MY BELIEF MOVING ME TO DO?
WHO AM I HELPING?
WHO AM I SERVING?
WHO AM I ENCOURAGING?
WHO AM I DISCIPLING?
WHERE AM I GIVING?
WHERE AM I GOING?
WHAT BURDEN HAS GOD PLACED ON MY HEART?
WHAT NEED KEEPS GETTING MY ATTENTION?
WHAT PERSON KEEPS COMING TO MY MIND?
WHAT PROBLEM KEEPS BOTHERING MY SPIRIT?
MAYBE THE REASON IT KEEPS BOTHERING YOU IS BECAUSE GOD IS TRYING TO MOVE YOU.
MAYBE YOU KEEP SAYING:
“SOMEBODY OUGHT TO DO SOMETHING.”
AND GOD KEEPS SAYING:
“I'M TALKING TO SOMEBODY.”
A FAITH THAT IS ALIVE WILL EVENTUALLY MOVE YOUR FEET.
CELEBRATION — I REFUSE TO LET MY FAITH SIT DOWN
CHURCH, WE HAVE SPENT SIX WEEKS LEARNING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.
WEEK ONE TAUGHT US—
MORE THAN A BELIEVER!
DENY YOURSELF!
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS!
AND FOLLOW HIM!
WEEK TWO TAUGHT US—
CONNECTED PEOPLE GROW!
BECAUSE APART FROM JESUS
WE CAN DO NOTHING!
WEEK THREE TAUGHT US
FROM SITTING TO SERVING!
GOD GAVE YOU A GIFT
AND YOUR GIFT BELONGS IN THE WORK!
WEEK FOUR TAUGHT US
LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS!
BECAUSE THE WORLD WILL KNOW WE ARE HIS DISCIPLES
BY OUR LOVE!
WEEK FIVE TAUGHT US
GROWING THROUGH PRESSURE!
BECAUSE THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH
PRODUCES PATIENCE!
BUT NOW JAMES STEPS INTO THE PULPIT
AND JAMES SAYS
GET MOVING!
YOU SAY YOU BELIEVE?
MOVE!
YOU SAY YOU HAVE FAITH?
MOVE!
YOU'VE BEEN BLESSED?
MOVE!
YOU'VE BEEN GIFTED?
MOVE!
YOU'VE BEEN FORGIVEN?
MOVE!
YOU'VE BEEN DELIVERED?
MOVE!
YOU'VE BEEN SAVED?
MOVE!
BECAUSE JESUS NEVER CALLED US TO A FAITH THAT SITS STILL!
IF GOD GAVE ME HANDS
I'LL USE THEM TO SERVE!
IF GOD GAVE ME FEET
I'LL USE THEM TO GO!
IF GOD GAVE ME A VOICE
I'LL USE IT TO ENCOURAGE!
IF GOD GAVE ME RESOURCES
I'LL USE THEM TO BLESS!
IF GOD GAVE ME A GIFT
I'LL USE IT FOR HIS GLORY!
IF GOD GAVE ME ANOTHER DAY
I'LL USE IT FOR HIS PURPOSE!
AND IF JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME
I'LL GIVE MY LIFE TO FOLLOW HIM!
BECAUSE THE JESUS I SERVE
DIDN'T SIT STILL!
HE MOVED FROM HEAVEN
TO EARTH!
HE MOVED THROUGH GALILEE
HEALING THE SICK!
HE MOVED THROUGH SAMARIA
REACHING THE REJECTED!
HE MOVED TOWARD JERUSALEM
KNOWING WHAT WAS WAITING!
HE MOVED UP CALVARY'S HILL
WITH A CROSS ON HIS BACK!
THEY NAILED HIS HANDS!
THEY NAILED HIS FEET!
THEY LIFTED HIM HIGH!
THEY STRETCHED HIM WIDE!
HE HUNG HIS HEAD
AND HE DIED!
THEY TOOK HIM DOWN
AND PUT HIM IN A BORROWED TOMB!
FRIDAY
HE WAS DEAD!
SATURDAY
HE WAS STILL IN THE GRAVE!
BUT EARLY
SUNDAY MORNING!
GOD MOVED!
THE STONE MOVED!
THE EARTH MOVED!
THE GRAVE LOST ITS POWER!
DEATH LOST ITS STING!
AND JESUS GOT UP—
WITH ALL POWER IN HIS HANDS!
AND IF THE JESUS I FOLLOW GOT UP
I REFUSE TO LET MY FAITH SIT DOWN!
I'VE GOT FAITH
THAT MOVES!
FAITH
THAT SERVES!
FAITH
THAT LOVES!
FAITH
THAT GIVES!
FAITH
THAT GOES!
FAITH
THAT FOLLOWS JESUS!
FRIENDSHIP
LET'S MOVE!
*************************************
ALTAR CALL / INVITATION
MAYBE TODAY YOU HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO THIS MESSAGE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS BEEN DEALING WITH YOUR HEART.
MAYBE YOU HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD.
MAYBE YOU HAVE ATTENDED CHURCH.
MAYBE YOU KNOW THE LANGUAGE.
BUT TODAY YOU REALIZE THAT GOD IS CALLING YOU INTO A REAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.
THE FIRST MOVEMENT OF FAITH IS MOVING TOWARD JESUS.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CLEAN YOURSELF UP FIRST.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET EVERYTHING RIGHT FIRST.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW EVERY SCRIPTURE FIRST.
JESUS SAYS:
COME.
COME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS.
COME WITH YOUR PAIN.
COME WITH YOUR PAST.
COME WITH YOUR MISTAKES.
COME WITH YOUR STRUGGLES.
JESUS DIED FOR YOU.
JESUS ROSE FOR YOU.
AND JESUS IS CALLING YOU.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.
MAYBE YOU ARE ALREADY SAVED, BUT YOU NEED A CHURCH HOME.
YOU NEED A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GROW.
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN SERVE.
A PLACE WHERE YOUR GIFTS CAN BE USED.
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN BE BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.
THE DOORS OF FRIENDSHIP ARE OPEN.
WE WOULD LOVE TO WALK WITH YOU.
AND MAYBE YOU ARE SAVED.
YOU HAVE A CHURCH HOME.
BUT THIS MESSAGE FOUND YOU SITTING STILL.
YOU KNOW GOD HAS BEEN CALLING YOU TO DO SOMETHING.
YOU KNOW GOD HAS PLACED SOMEBODY ON YOUR HEART.
YOU KNOW THERE IS A GIFT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN USING.
YOU KNOW THERE IS A PLACE WHERE GOD HAS BEEN TELLING YOU TO MOVE.
TODAY YOUR RESPONSE MAY SIMPLY BE:
“LORD, I'M READY TO MOVE.”
IF YOU DESIRE PRAYER TODAY
IF YOU ARE CARRYING A BURDEN
IF YOU NEED STRENGTH
IF YOU NEED DIRECTION
IF YOU ARE STANDING AT A PLACE WHERE YOU NEED GOD TO ORDER YOUR STEP
YOU ARE INVITED TO COME.
THE ALTAR IS OPEN.
COME NOW.
(PAUSE)
CLEAR TRANSITION FROM ALTAR CALL TO PASTORAL PRAYER
CHURCH, WE HAVE EXTENDED THE INVITATION, AND WE THANK GOD FOR EVERY PERSON WHO HAS RESPONDED AND FOR EVERY HEART GOD IS TOUCHING.
WE ARE NOW MOVING INTO OUR TIME OF PASTORAL PRAYER.
WOULD YOU COME NOW TO THE ALTAR FOR PRAYER.
WHETHER YOU ARE STANDING AT THIS ALTAR OR REMAINING AT YOUR SEAT, I INVITE YOU NOW TO JOIN ME IN PRAYER.
IF YOU ARE ABLE, BOW YOUR HEAD, CENTER YOUR HEART ON GOD, AND LET US GO TO THE LORD TOGETHER IN PRAYER.
PASTORAL PRAYER
ETERNAL AND GRACIOUS GOD, OUR FATHER,
WE COME BEFORE YOU TODAY THANKING YOU FOR YOUR GOODNESS, YOUR MERCY, AND YOUR AMAZING GRACE.
GOD, THANK YOU FOR A FAITH THAT IS ALIVE.
THANK YOU FOR A FAITH THAT HAS CARRIED US THROUGH STORMS.
THANK YOU FOR A FAITH THAT HAS HELD US WHEN LIFE TRIED TO BREAK US.
THANK YOU FOR A FAITH THAT REMINDS US THAT EVEN WHEN WE CANNOT SEE THE WAY, WE CAN STILL TRUST THE ONE WHO MAKES THE WAY.
BUT FATHER, TODAY WE ASK YOU TO EXAMINE OUR HEARTS.
FORGIVE US FOR THE TIMES WHEN WE TALKED BUT DID NOT MOVE.
FORGIVE US FOR THE TIMES WHEN WE SAW A NEED AND ASSUMED SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD HANDLE IT.
FORGIVE US FOR THE TIMES WHEN WE SAID, “I'LL PRAY FOR YOU,” WHEN YOU HAD ALREADY GIVEN US THE ABILITY TO DO MORE.
FORGIVE US FOR THE TIMES WHEN OUR FAITH BECAME COMFORTABLE.
GOD, WAKE US UP.
STIR OUR HEARTS.
MOVE OUR HANDS.
MOVE OUR FEET.
MOVE OUR COMPASSION.
MOVE THIS CHURCH.
LORD, MAKE FRIENDSHIP A CHURCH WITH FAITH THAT MOVES.
MOVE US TOWARD THE HURTING.
MOVE US TOWARD THE HUNGRY.
MOVE US TOWARD THE GRIEVING.
MOVE US TOWARD OUR SENIORS.
MOVE US TOWARD OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.
MOVE US TOWARD FAMILIES WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
MOVE US TOWARD PEOPLE WHO FEEL FORGOTTEN.
MOVE US BEYOND THESE WALLS AND INTO THE PLACES WHERE YOUR LOVE IS NEEDED.
FATHER, FOR EVERY PERSON STANDING AT THIS ALTAR, MEET THEM RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE.
SOMEBODY NEEDS HEALING.
SOMEBODY NEEDS PEACE.
SOMEBODY NEEDS DIRECTION.
SOMEBODY NEEDS STRENGTH.
SOMEBODY IS CARRYING SOMETHING THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ANYBODY ABOUT.
BUT GOD, YOU KNOW.
YOU KNOW THE BURDEN.
YOU KNOW THE TEARS.
YOU KNOW THE FEAR.
YOU KNOW THE QUESTIONS.
YOU KNOW THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.
AND RIGHT NOW, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, REMIND THEM THAT THEY ARE NOT STANDING ALONE.
ORDER THEIR STEPS.
STRENGTHEN THEIR HEARTS.
GIVE THEM WISDOM.
GIVE THEM COURAGE.
AND GIVE THEM THE FAITH TO MOVE WHEN YOU SAY MOVE.
FATHER, WE PRAY FOR FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH.
BUILD US.
GROW US.
STRETCH US.
USE US.
DO NOT ALLOW US TO BECOME COMFORTABLE SITTING WHEN YOU HAVE CALLED US TO FOLLOW.
GIVE US FAITH THAT SERVES.
GIVE US FAITH THAT LOVES.
GIVE US FAITH THAT GIVES.
GIVE US FAITH THAT GOES.
GIVE US FAITH THAT MOVES.
AND WHEN FEAR TELLS US TO STAY STILL—
REMIND US THAT YOU ARE WITH US.
WHEN DOUBT TELLS US WE CANNOT DO IT—
REMIND US THAT YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.
WHEN THE ROAD BECOMES DIFFICULT—
REMIND US THAT WE ARE FOLLOWING JESUS.
NOW LORD, LEAD US FROM THIS PLACE WITH OUR FAITH ALIVE.
LET SOMEBODY SEE JESUS IN THE WAY WE LIVE.
LET SOMEBODY EXPERIENCE YOUR LOVE THROUGH THE WAY WE SERVE.
LET SOMEBODY FIND HOPE BECAUSE WE REFUSED TO WALK PAST THEM.
AND WE WILL GIVE YOU THE GLORY.
WE WILL GIVE YOU THE HONOR.
WE WILL GIVE YOU THE PRAISE.
BECAUSE YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY.
IT IS IN THE MIGHTY, MATCHLESS, AND MARVELOUS NAME OF JESUS THE CHRIST WE PRAY.
AND ALL GOD'S PEOPLE SAID—
AMEN.
