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Works Through FaithJames 2:17-18“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”I do not believe that we are taught in the book of James that one is saved by works, but I do believe that we are taught here that if we are saved then our faith in God will be seen by our works. Verse 17 is saying that faith alone or faith that does not produce works is dead or is lifeless. The breath has been knocked out of faith that does not produce works.I believe James is seeking to encourage his readers to exercise their faith in God. Our faith ought to be busy working on our Lord’s behalf for His good and glory. For example; sometimes when I am asked to preach I am in a straight between two or more messages. What shall I preach? Eventually the hour arrives and a decision on my part must be made. What shall I preach? Still not 100% sure, I preach in faith that God will bless His Word. My faith must rest in God and His Word. Our faith in God should always cause us to go forward, to advance, to proceed onward. James 2:21 gives us an example of Abraham, a man who had faith in God and his faith produced a mighty work of obedience in God.James 2:21“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?”This example of Abraham shows us that faith that obeys God is faith that shows maturity.James 2:22“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”Dear Christian friend allow your faith to do mighty works for God’s good and glory. Rest your faith in God and His Word.Obey God and the works will follow.