This is the audio from the October 4, 2020 sermon, “The ACT of Faith”, shared by Tom Lemler at the North Wayne Mennonite Church.

Text:  Matthew 25:34-40, James 2:14-26

When it comes to faith, there are only two real options:  Faith In Action or Faith Inaction.  A living faith requires that we do something with it.  After growing a living faith, it is to to act.

God says that faith requires action.  If we’re truly going to live out our faith, we must practice the . . . 

• Attitude of Faith: This is the Secret of our hope.
  • Philippians 2:5 — Just as a living faith requires a foundational attitude of humility, the act of faith only happens when we serve others in humble obedience to the will of God.  Taking on the attitude of Christ Jesus should open up within us a willingness to serve others according to their need.
• Content of Faith:  This is the Substance of our hope.
  • Hebrews 11:1 — Rather than viewing faith as simply a collection of beliefs, the act of faith requires that we recognize the tangible substance that is produced when our belief is put into practice.  Our hope in Christ is made more real to us, and to others, when it makes a real difference in everyday life.
• Transformation of Faith:  This is the Salvation of our hope.
  • Matthew 25:34, James 2:22 — A saving faith produces a transformation within us that is visible in what we do.  Jesus welcomes the “righteous” into His presence with the distinguishing characteristic that makes them known being the acts of service done “for the least of these”.  Abrahams faith was credited to him as righteousness because of his willingness to do what God had asked.  The world needs to see a transformed life so that they would know what faith in action can do to transform them.

So, what do you have and what are you doing with it?  What will your ACT of faith lead you to do today? 

In prayer,
Tom

This is the audio from the September 27, 2020 sermon, “A Living FAITH”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:34-40

When it comes to faith, there are only two real options:  Faith In Action or Faith Inaction.  A living faith requires that we do something with it.  Today’s message will consider how to grow a faith that is alive and well.

A living faith grows when you have a living:

• Foundation:
  • Matthew 7:24 — We build our faith on a solid foundation when we both hear and put into practice the Word of God.  Knowing God’s Word is great, but it is in the doing of His Word that our faith has a foundation that can be built upon.  Our foundation is not of stone or sand, but it is the living Son of God, Jesus Christ.
• Attitude: 
  • Philippians 2:5 — When we built a living faith on the foundation of Jesus, we must take on the very attitude of Christ.  Having an active and living faith will only come about when we humble ourselves and are willing to serve for the good of others.
• Inclusion:
  • 1 John 3:17 — Having a living faith will require that we have a living and active inclusion of anyone that God calls to Himself — which is everyone!  The activity of our faith can have no exclusions of people when we have the ability and resources to help.  Not only is the living inclusion applied to those our living faith would serve, it is an inclusion that doesn’t leave anyone out when it comes to the responsibility of serving.
• Trust: 
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 — Having an active and living faith requires that we have a living trust in the living God.  Putting our faith into action will often test our trust as we begin to question if we have enough of whatever is needed.  Our trust must rise about our ability, bank account, and other resources and rely solely on the One who provides seed to the sower.
• Help:
  • Psalm 121:1-2 — Growing a living faith that is actively serving others should cause you to look to God as the source of the help which is needed.  You have a living help because it comes from a living God.  The help you give others becomes a “cup of cold water” that blesses both you and the recipient when given in the name of Jesus.

So, what do you have and what are you doing with it?  What will your living  FAITH do today? 

In prayer,
Tom