James 2:17-26 "Are you really alive? Prove it!"

So many people talk of hypocrisy in the church. People talking like this are usually those on their way out the door or those who won't return to church.

Those of you without hypocrisy, go ahead and cast the first stone.

If your faith is really alive prove it by your works. Show me you can forgive your child's rapist, show me you can admit to being wrong, show me by loving me even when I tell you I've committed a grievous sin.

Show me by not leaving the church when things don't go your way and instead seek to confront lovingly, humbly, and mercifully.

Your faith without works is DEAD. Do we get that? Dead. Christ has not taken up residence in your life if your works aren't consistent with Christ's works! Not the healing, feeding 5000 type of works. The dying on the cross asking the father to forgive kind.

You are alive in Jesus? Prove it!

Read James 2:17-26.

Prov 19:24-29 "Am I truly listening?"

"Reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge." Prv 19:25

These verses teach us that failing in listening causes a person to be a shameful and disgraceful person.

Only but injustice, lies, and punishment await those who fail to listen.

Remember that Proverbs teaches over and over that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (19:23).

Are you truly listening? To Gods word, to Gods authorities over your life, to Gods gift to you in the people around you?

Read Proverbs 19:24-29

Pro 15:1-17 Hows your tongue?

              Proverbs 15:1-17

15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

 ⁴ A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit.

 ⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
But the hearts of fools are not so.

How's your tongue?

What is it spewing?

Do your words bring healing or hurt?