Manifesting Faith Through Action: A Guiding Principle (02/17/'24)

Manifesting Faith Through Action: A Guiding Principle In the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ lies a profound call to not only embrace faith with our words but to manifest it through our actions. This message, resonant and transformative, challenges us to move beyond mere verbal affirmations of belief and to embody the teachings of the gospel in every facet of our lives. The act of Jesus dining with sinners is emblematic of this call - it was not merely a statement but a demonstration of God's active love and grace, showing us that true understanding and living of the gospel are realized through actions that reflect God’s compassion and mercy. The crucifixion stands as the ultimate testament to the gospel's power, a vivid illustration that Jesus' teachings are not theoretical ideals but tangible truths meant to be lived out. It's a call to recognize that the gospel’s logic seamlessly integrates with the practicality of faith in action, revealing that without embodying grace and mercy, our perception of reality remains incomplete. The cross, therefore, is not just a symbol but a concrete foundation of our faith, urging us to hold steadfast to the reality and truth it represents. Thus, a gospel that deviates from this foundational truth is no longer the gospel in its truest form. We are called to live out the gospel in such a way that our lives become a reflection of the truths we profess. This means prioritizing actions that embody the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our faith is not an abstract concept but a living, breathing reality. Let us, therefore, embrace this guiding principle: to manifest our faith through actions that align with the gospel's call, turning our beliefs into a visible testament of God’s love and grace in the world. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 17, 2024)