Beyond the Weekend

July 20 | Authentic Faith Risks

July 20, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? James 2:25

Read: James 2:25-26

Listen: James 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

James uses an unexpected example to demonstrate an aspect of authentic faith. God told the Israelites that they would conquer Canaan and they sent in spies to check out the land. When word got out that these spies were in Canaan, the authorities sought to catch them. The spies went to a prostitute named Rahab to hide. Believing in Israel’s God, Rahab risked her life for them. She trusted these men and helped them escape, demonstrating the last characteristic of an authentic faith—it risks.

We live in a culture which doesn’t like risk. When we believe in something, we might make a Facebook post or write an email because very little is at stake.

Authentic faith that responds, obeys and trusts can’t work that way. Authentic faith requires risks. We risk being hurt. We risk losing our money. We risk being embarrassed or failing. We risk losing friends.

Watch the video clip below as Student Ministries Pastor Aaron Buer talks about risk. Ultimately, authentic faith requires us to give up control, believe God is faithful and risk.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As we wrap up this week, take some time with the Lord and assess where you are with your faith. Does your faith respond, submit, trust and risk? Write down one step you can take to have a more authentic faith.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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