One hand clapping

“Faith and works are bound up in the same bundle. He that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God. He that is without faith is without works; and he that is without works is without faith.” C.H. Spurgeon

You cannot hear one hand clapping! There must be a matching pair to contact and generate sound. So a believer cannot claim to have faith in Christ without the accompanying obedience and submission to Christ. The only way we can be saved and inactive is to be disobedient. Sunday we will read that James gives the clear contrast of faith without works or works without faith. They must be together for the sound of clapping to be heard.

James goes on to use a pair of Old Testament examples – Abraham and Rahab. Both demonstrate that faith held is observed in faith lived. Abraham acted by offering what was most precious to him – Isaac. Rahab put her life on the line to protect the spies of Moses from the soldiers of Jericho and helped them escape.

Interestingly the demons believe but without the surrender of faith – one handed clapping. In fact, I do not think there is any clapping in Hell – no joy there! Come Sunday for a message from James, some great Old Testament illustrations, some powerful quotes and clapping! See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike