Pastor Kevin Long taught from James 2:14–26, challenging the church to examine what kind of faith they truly have. While salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), genuine faith always produces works. Faith and works are not enemies—they are inseparable parts of the same reality. Works are not the path to salvation, but the proof of it.
Three Types of Faith
James outlines three distinct types of faith, each with very different outcomes.
Dead Faith (James 2:14–17)
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Dead faith has no action and produces no fruit.
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It is an intellectual agreement with God’s truth but without a heart transformation.
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People with dead faith may know all the right words to say but lack compassion and obedience.
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Example: Saying “be warmed and filled” to someone in need without offering real help.
Demonic Faith (James 2:18–19)
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Even demons believe in God’s existence and tremble.
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This faith affects the emotions but does not result in obedience or spiritual fruit.
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People with demonic faith may seek a feel-good spiritual experience but avoid the surrender and works that follow true salvation.
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Emotional responses without transformation are empty.
Dynamic Faith (James 2:20–26)
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Dynamic faith is alive, real, and life-changing.
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It engages the mind, stirs the heart, and moves the will into action.
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Examples:
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Abraham demonstrated his faith by obeying God’s command to offer Isaac, trusting God’s promise.
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Rahab risked her life to protect Israel’s spies, showing her faith through courageous action.
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Dynamic faith always produces spiritual fruit.
Four Fruits of Dynamic Faith
A living faith will be visible in a believer’s life:
1. Ministry – Meeting needs and serving others (v. 16).
2. Action – Putting faith into practice daily (vv. 17–18).
3. Life – Producing spiritual vitality; faith and works together make faith alive (v. 26).
4. Fruit – Tangible evidence of transformation for God’s glory (v. 18).
The Gospel Invitation
We are all sinners who fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is separation from God, but He made a way through Jesus Christ.
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Jesus lived a perfect life, fulfilled the law, and died as the substitute for our sins.
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His blood covers the sins of all who believe, granting forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16).
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The ABCs of salvation: Admit you are a sinner, Believe in Jesus Christ, and Confess Him as Lord.
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