Christianity: Unedited

This is from a teaching by Rick Olmstead of the Vineyard Church of Fort Collins on July 13. I really enjoyed it. :)

From James
-James was one of those guys that showed people by his actions that he's a Christian instead of using words.
-People don't realize how strong actions are. It's true: actions DO speak louder than words.
-Talk is cheap...so "walk the talk."

James 1:19-21 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

-When you have sin in your life, you can't hear through the filth

James 1:22-24 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

"The only way you will grow up is if you see things that need changing and do something about it." -If you look in the mirror and see perfectiong...you're not looking hard enough.

James 1:25 "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."

-Don't be just a 'hearer.' Be a 'hearer' and a 'doer.'

James 2:14-18 "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to hime, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone, will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."

-Be more than a believer. Be a follower.

-Most people want their life to reflect something good. You can share your faith and not live it, but it's ideal to live it.

James 2:19-20 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?"

-Many people in our generation don't realize that the devil believes in Jesus. Like stated before...talk is cheap.

-Faith is not determined by how much we do. It's by what we do.

Rick told a story about how someone can change a 220 volt wire and be affected by that shock because it's so powerful...but God is SO MUCH more powerful!

"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

-Jimmy Carter