Faith Without Works | Exiled (why I left the church)
1. We can argue about what Jesus meant when he said things like “blessed are the poor in spirit” but there is no
debating what Jesus did. He met the needs of people. He feed the hungry, healed the sick, and delivered the
oppressed. The Holy Spirit enables us to meet the needs of others by equipping us with the desire and strength to do
the kingdom work.
a. How has the God enabled transformation of your soul translated into your actions?
b. Do you daily see yourself as the answer to someone’s prayer?
c. To the prayers you are praying for someone else?
2. There is nothing about living a Christ centered life that does not require us to choose. Choosing to surrender,
choosing to receive, choosing to give our life. How can we stay focused on choosing to see the needs of others and be
part of meeting those needs?
3. Jesus said we are the salt of the earth. Salt draws out the best flavors. We are called to draw out the best in people, to
build them up. How do make sure we bring out the best in people every day?
4. In this series we have talked about why people are not seeing the church as a life-giving entity and a solution to life’s
issues. 1) How do I live more vulnerable, more authentic, 2) How do I live an “But I love you” not “I love you, but”
life, 3) How do I prioritize people over anything else, and 4) How do I live a life seeing and meetings the needs of
others.
a. What is the Lord saying to you on these topics? What are you choosing to do differently?
b. How can each of us change the world’s view of Christianity and the Church?
5. How is God urging you to be involved in the Hope Center’s Gift of Hope event on December 11th?
James 2:14-18 NLT What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your
actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you
say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or
clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and
useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me
your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good
things he planned for us long ago.
Philippians 2:13 NLT For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Matthew 5:13 NLT You are the salt of the earth.