Faith or Fake

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Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

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Faith is CONFIDENCE and CONVICTION

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Faith is CONFIDENCE of things hoped for such as:

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The RETURN of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ

The RESURRECTION of the dead in Christ

The RESTORATION of all things

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Faith is the CONVICTION about the things we have not seen,

such as:

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The EXISTENCE of God

The ECONOMY of God

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What Faith is NOT:

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Faith is not a blind leap

Faith is not a blank check

Faith is not a bad choice

Faith is not a religion

Faith is not fake

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“Though you’re saved by Faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone.” – Skip

Heitzig

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Characteristics of Fake Faith:

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1. Words Without Works

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James 2:14 (NLT) 

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?

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“A faith Declaration that doesn’t result in life transformation is nothing more

than false information.” – Skip Heitzig

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2. Sight Without Sympathy

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James 2:15-16 (NLT)

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”— but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

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1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

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3. Profession Without Proof

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James 2:17-18 (NLT) 

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

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4. Commotion Without Conversion

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James 2:19 (NLT) 

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! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

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“Though you’re saved by Faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone.” – Skip

Heitzig

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