Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast Skip Heitzig

According to a recent Netflix documentary, there are more forgeries of famous paintings hanging in museums than most people suspect. From time to time, these cases come to light. But what about faith in God? The easiest thing to do is to simply say that one is a believer. But where’s the proof? James addressed this, giving four telltale signs to help us spot the genuine from the fake.

I. Words without Works (v. 14)
II. Sight without Sympathy (vv. 15-16)
III. Profession without Proof (vv. 17-18)
IV. Commotion without Conversion (vv. 19-20)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you a servant’s heart, then seek opportunities to serve or encourage someone this week.
Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if your faith is obvious in your daily habits, attitudes, and relationships.
Talk with kids: How can people see the power of God in our lives?

Faith and favoritism are incompatible. We have been saved by a loving Redeemer and we must be willing to accept all different kinds of people. That’s not to say that people don’t need to repent of known sin. Of course they do! But one of the glaring sins of the Christian church is discriminating on the basis of outward appearance—actually, this is a flaw endemic to the whole human race.

I. People Are Prejudiced Naturally (vv. 1-13)
II. Favoritism Is Foolish Logically (vv. 5-7)
III. Christians Are Corrected Biblically (vv. 8-9)
IV. Life Should Be Lived Consistently (vv. 10-13)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal an area where you haven’t been living as one “who will be judged by the law of liberty” (v. 12).
Talk with others: Say hello and introduce yourself to someone sitting alone at service.
Talk with kids: How are we changed by the Holy Spirit?