Wearing Our Faith Inside Out

     There was this very rich man who lived in the United States, who had heard of a man that lived in France that was very famous for walking the tightrope. According to what he had heard, the Frenchman had the reputation of walking the tightrope at high altitudes, while blindfolded and pushing a wheelbarrow; however, this was something that the American couldn’t believe.
     The American then wrote to the Frenchman and said, “I don’t believe that what I’ve heard about you is true; I don’t believe that there is a person who can do what you're credited with. However, I offer you a million dollars to come to the United States, and perform your act over Niagara Falls and walk the tightrope from Canada to New York. 
     The Frenchman immediately replied and said that he would do it. The day of performance finally came, and many gathered to see this dangerous act. The Frenchman climbed up to the tightrope, someone blindfolded him, and then he started to walk across it pushing the wheelbarrow, while the American looked on and waited for him at the other end of the rope. Everyone was fascinated to see the agility that this man demonstrated while walking, and he soon crossed from one side to another without any problems. 
     Upon reaching the other side, the Frenchman approached the American and said: “Do you believe that I can do this?”’
      To which the American responded, “I just finished seeing you with my own eyes. This was something impressive.”
      And the Frenchman answered, “No, no, do you believe that I can do this?”
     To which the American answered; “We all saw what you did. It was something genuinely worthy of appreciation.”
     And the Frenchman replied, “But do you believe that I can do this?”
    And the American answered, “I just finished witnessing it with my eyes, of course I believe.”
     To which the Frenchman answered, “Then get in the wheelbarrow, we are going back.” James 2:14-26 says, "What does it profit, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?”

Starting on September 9, we will begin a four-week series on the Book of James called, “Wearing our Faith INSIDE OUT!”  James is all about not just talking about faith in our hearts, but demonstrating our faith outside of ourselves.  

 On September 9, we will explore James 1:17-27. This is where he teaches us, “Don’t Talk! Do!” He says, “Be doers, not just hearers of God’s commands.” We don’t say we love our neighbors. We show them.  

On September 17, we will see that “Faith is Physical” based on James 2:1-17. We will understand that our bodies matter. We will then be encouraged to use our physical means to meet physical needs.

On September 23, we will hear James’ famous line in chapter 3 to, “Tame the Tongue.” The tongue is one of smallest parts on our body that can do great damage. It can steer a ship, but can we steer it?

Then on September 30, we will hear about “The Good Life” according to James in 3:13-4:8a. He says that gentleness and wisdom are the keys to contentment. These things manifest themselves in our lives with others.
 When we learn to practice these disciplines of faith, we will be wearing our faith, “INSIDE OUT for all to see!”              
                                                                                                Rev. Trey Hegar