Faith on Trial
James 2:18 — What Can Be Seen
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Thesis
Faith Is Demonstrated
◆ Faith is not declared — it is demonstrated.
◆ Reality is proven by visible obedience.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Springboard
John 15:8
◆ God is glorified when fruit is visible.
◆ The Father is honored by outcomes, not claims.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Hook
Talk Is Easy
◆ People make claims every day.
◆ Lives are held together by action, not talk.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Question
What Does Your Life Show?
◆ The church lives in public.
◆ Real faith leaves visible signs.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Text
James 2:18
◆ “Show me your faith without works.”
◆ “I will show you my faith by my works.”
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Two Voices
Words vs. Works
◆ One voice talks.
◆ One life shows.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Contrast
Claim vs. Proof
◆ A claim can be spoken.
◆ Proof must be seen.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Public Faith
Life in the Open
◆ Disciples are known by their fruit.
◆ Light is meant to be seen.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Demand
Show Your Faith
◆ Faith is placed in the open.
◆ God requires evidence.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Warning
Words Without Works
◆ Needs remain. Speech stays empty.
◆ An unacted claim is unproven.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Example
Abraham
◆ Abraham obeyed.
◆ His faith became visible.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Example
Rahab
◆ Rahab acted.
◆ Her faith was confirmed.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Living Proof
Faith in Action
◆ Obedience is faith on display.
◆ Action is the language of trust.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Daily Life
Where Faith Shows
◆ Choices reveal loyalty.
◆ Conduct reveals belief.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Witness
Before the World
◆ Good deeds glorify God.
◆ Obedience silences accusation.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Test
What Can Be Seen?
◆ Can your faith be shown?
◆ Or is it only said?
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Danger
Hidden Faith
◆ Hidden faith cannot be tested.
◆ Untested faith cannot be trusted.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Call
Step Into the Light
◆ Let obedience be visible.
◆ Let faith be proven.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Summary
James Leaves No Middle Ground
◆ Where faith lives, works appear.
◆ Where works are absent, the claim is exposed.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Choice
Talk or Walk
◆ Will your faith be spoken?
◆ Or will it be shown?
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Call to Act
Obedience Now
◆ Turn from empty profession.
◆ Begin visible obedience.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
The Gospel Call
Trust That Obeys
◆ True trust always moves.
◆ Real faith always acts.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Examination
Look at Your Life
◆ What does your life display?
◆ What does your conduct prove?
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
No Hiding
Faith in the Light
◆ Faith is meant to be seen.
◆ Obedience is meant to be known.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Conclusion
Faith That Can Be Seen
◆ Where faith lives, works appear.
◆ Where works are absent, the claim is exposed.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Invitation
From Claim to Obedience
◆ Leave empty profession.
◆ Live a faith that can be seen.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026
Final Word
Show Me Your Faith
◆ Not just in words.
◆ But in life.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Created by EVV Keeping the Faith 2026