Living Faith: Aligning Actions with Beliefs

In today's reflection, I shared a personal experience that unfolded at a hockey game, which served as a profound reminder of the importance of living out our faith authentically. The encounter with a young man named Brando, who was struggling with his Christian walk, highlighted the tension between professing faith and living it out. Despite his intoxicated state, Brando was able to quote scripture, revealing a deep knowledge of the Word. However, his lifestyle was not aligned with the teachings of Christ, illustrating the disconnect that can exist between knowing the Word and living it.

This encounter reminded me of my own past, where I too professed faith while living contrary to its principles. It was a call to remember that being a Christian is not just about what we say but how we live. The scriptures remind us that it is not the hearers of the Word who are justified, but the doers. We are called to be obedient to the convictions of our conscience and to live lives that honor the name of Christ.

The conversation with Brando also brought to light the influence of our associations. The Bible warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, and Brando's struggle with addiction was exacerbated by his choice of friends. We are called to separate ourselves from ungodly influences and to walk in the light of Christ, even if it means walking alone.

Furthermore, the sermon emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper to empower us to live according to His Word. It is through the Spirit that we can overcome the flesh and live lives that are pleasing to God. The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guiding us into all truth.

Ultimately, the message is a call to authentic Christian living, where our actions align with our profession of faith. It is a reminder that our lives should be a testimony of Jesus Christ, reflecting His love and truth to the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Authentic Christian living requires aligning our actions with our profession of faith. It is not enough to know the Word; we must live it out, being doers and not just hearers. This alignment is crucial for our testimony to be genuine and impactful. [03:32]
• 2. Our associations significantly influence our spiritual walk. The Bible warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as they can lead us away from God's path. We must be willing to separate ourselves from ungodly influences to walk in the light of Christ. [05:10]
• 3. The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life that pleases God. Jesus promised the Spirit as a helper to empower us to overcome the flesh and live according to His Word. The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guiding us into all truth. [13:42]
• 4. Obedience to God's Word is a demonstration of our love for Him. Jesus emphasized that those who love Him will keep His commandments. This obedience leads to a deeper revelation of God and a more intimate relationship with Him. [20:09]
• 5. Our choices dictate the direction of our lives. We have the power to choose obedience over sin, to choose godly influences over ungodly ones, and to choose to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh. These choices determine our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. [24:18]
  ** [24:18]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Opening Prayer
• [00:34] - The Hockey Game Experience
• [01:15] - Encounter with Brando
• [02:22] - Sharing My Testimony
• [03:16] - The Importance of Being Doers
• [04:44] - Influence of Friends
• [06:01] - God's Higher Ways
• [07:03] - Lip Service vs. True Worship
• [09:13] - Believing from the Heart
• [11:15] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
• [13:42] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
• [15:24] - Walking as Jesus Walked
• [18:08] - Obedience and Love
• [20:09] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
• [24:18] - Choices and Consequences
• [31:11] - Running the Race
• [32:51] - The Process of Spiritual Growth
• [36:02] - Discipline and Self-Control
• [39:20] - Speaking Truth in Love

1. 2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
2. John 14:15-17 - "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth."
3. James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

1. What was the main issue Brando faced in his Christian walk, as discussed in the sermon? ([02:09])
2. How did the pastor relate his past experiences to Brando's current situation? ([02:22])
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers live according to God's Word, as mentioned in the sermon? ([13:42])
4. How does the sermon describe the influence of friends on one's spiritual journey? ([04:44])

1. How does the concept of being "doers of the Word" rather than just "hearers" challenge the way one might currently live out their faith? ([03:16])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that associations with certain people can impact one's spiritual growth? ([05:10])
3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as a helper influence a believer's ability to overcome personal struggles? ([13:42])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between obedience to God's Word and one's love for Him? ([20:09])

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your actions do not align with your profession of faith? What steps can you take to address this? ([03:32])
2. Consider your current associations. Are there relationships that might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you address these influences in a way that honors God? ([05:10])
3. How can you actively seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your daily life to overcome challenges? ([13:42])
4. Think about a time when you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more receptive to the Spirit's guidance in the future? ([20:09])
5. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to exercise more self-control. What practical steps can you take this week to develop this fruit of the Spirit? ([35:08])
6. How can you ensure that your testimony is a true reflection of Jesus Christ to those around you? What changes might be necessary to make your witness more effective? ([04:12])
7. What is one specific way you can demonstrate your love for God through obedience this week? ([20:09])