Bible, Faith, Church, Good

How To Know If Your Faith Is Real

Every single day, we all live by faith. From trusting a chair to hold us to sharing bank info online, our choices and actions flow from what we believe to be true. So why does faith in God often feel different? Many of us think it’s enough to just believe the right things or have strong feelings about God, but what if real faith is more than words and emotions? Through practical examples from the Bible, discover why authentic faith naturally transforms your everyday choices – not because you’re trying to earn anything, but because you’ve been genuinely changed. Whether you’re exploring faith or wanting yours to feel more real, you’ll find practical answers on how to bridge the gap between what you say you believe and how you actually live.

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MESSAGE NOTES

Famous Last Words

How To Know If Your Faith Is Real

Introduction

“Just like those celebrity panelists searching for the real contestant, James helps us identify genuine faith from imposters. Because unlike a game show, the stakes here aren’t just entertainment—they’re eternal.”

Three Types of Faith

  1. Faith That Talks

[James 2:14-18] “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

Key Points:

  • Words without action = dead faith
  • Not about earning salvation but showing evidence
  • Like a car without engine – looks good but useless
  1. Faith That Knows and Feels

[James 2:19-20] “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish!”

Warning Signs:

  • Perfect theology without transformation
  • Strong emotions without change
  • Knowledge without obedience
  1. Faith That Acts

[James 2:21-26] “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions… Rahab the prostitute is another example.”

Examples of Active Faith:

  • Abraham: Willing to sacrifice Isaac
  • Rahab: Risked life for God’s people

“Faith is not believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequences.”

Transformation Through Faith

When saved by grace through faith:

  • Death to Life
  • Slave to Free
  • Enemy to Friend
  • Orphan to Adopted

“Real faith naturally produces action, just like a healthy apple tree naturally produces apples.”

Application

  1. Examine your faith type:
    • All talk?
    • All knowledge/emotion?
    • Demonstrates change?
  2. Count the cost:
    • When did faith last cost you something?
    • What’s your next step of obedience?

“God isn’t looking for perfect people trying harder. He’s looking for transformed people living naturally from their new nature.”

Conclusion

True faith:

  • Goes beyond words and feelings
  • Produces natural transformation
  • Shows evidence through action
  • Costs something

[James 1:2-4] “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?

Every single day, we all live by faith. From trusting a chair to hold us to sharing bank info online, our choices and actions flow from what we believe to be true. So why does faith in God often feel different? Many of us think it’s enough to just believe the right things or have strong feelings about God, but what if real faith is more than words and emotions? Through practical examples from the Bible, discover why authentic faith naturally transforms your everyday choices – not because you’re trying to earn anything, but because you’ve been genuinely changed. Whether you’re exploring faith or wanting yours to feel more real, you’ll find practical answers on how to bridge the gap between what you say you believe and how you actually live.

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