Elevate Your Liberty

Elevate Your Liberty!

James 1:25 “But he who looks into the Perfect Law of Liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (NKJV)

One preacher paraphrased the text, by saying: “ The man who looks intently into the Perfect Law of Liberty (which is freedom), and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does. “

When studying the Book of James, you will quickly come to realize that James’ ultimate desire is for us to put our Faith in Action.

• To say it differently, James says “Don’t Speak It, Unless You Mean It.”

There comes a time in your life, when what you stand for should be evident and apparent to all those that you encounter. At some point in your life, the visualization of your beliefs should shout louder than your words. (In other words; ‘What is seen, should speak louder than what is said”)

Growing up many of us are familiar with these says. . . .

• Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. . .

• Practice What You Preach. . .

• Put Your Money where you mouth is. .

• Talk is Cheap . .

• Put Up or Shut Up. . .

• The Proofs in the Pudding . . .

• For all of you from Missouri, you might just say. . “SHOW ME!”

Regardless of the saying, the over all idea is for the person to Support what you say, not just with words, but through action or evidence.

In his Book, James challenges the believer to “PUT UP OR SHUT UP” by putting your Faith in Action.

Somewhere along this life’s journey a person’s faith should be vividly demonstrated in all that they do. A person’s faith can be likened unto one’s reputation in the sense of the saying; “One’s Reputation Preceded Them”, so must one’s Faith.

Biblical Examples:

• The Faith of Joshua and Caleb preceded them, as they spied “Canaan“ the Promised Land. (Numbers 13)

• Peter’s Faith Preceded Him, as he met with Cornelius and other Gentile believers. (Acts 10)

• Paul’s Faith Preceded Him, throughout his Missionary Journey’s has he shared the Good News of Jesus Christ for more than 30 years.

• Jesus’s Faith Preceded Him, from the time of His birth to his ascension, even until today.

John 5:17 "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."

Question: Does your Faith show up before you do?

Is your faith evident in the workplace, or only on display by the symbolisms of your faith that you hang in your office, cube or general workspace?

Is your faith evident in your home, or is it only represented by the over-sized family bible placed on the end table in the family room?

Is your faith evident in your neighborhood, or will it be a surprise to your neighbors that you are confessed believer of God?

Is your faith evident in your daily life, or does it only appear on the clothing you wear?

Over the past several weeks, Pastor Smith has been Teaching and Preaching on Liberty. Today, I’d like to continue along those same thoughts as we explore the topic of “Elevate Your Liberty” .

James 1:25 “But he who looks into the Perfect Law of Liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (NKJV)

This sermon is dedicated to all those New Years Resolutionist who have vowed to do better in 2017. Many of us want to Elevate our Game in 2017 by:

1. Being Healthier

a. Eating Better

b. Loosing Weight

c. Starting an Exercise Program

2. Stop Smoking or Drinking

3. Better Financial Management

According to a recent study, many Christians have vowed to Elevate Their Game by:

A. Engaging with People More (Talk vs. Text)

B. Taking our Souls Seriously (Be more deliberate about what we are pouring into our Spirits.)

C. Increase our Kindness ( Exercise the 5th Fruit of the Spirit)

D. Choose Someone to Forgive (Release the anger/resentment- vengeance belongs to God)

E. In Forgiving, include ourselves (perfection belongs to God.)

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• Elevate your game with 2016 Lebron James (Zoom, Witness, Soldiers & FLYEASE)

• Elevate your game. The Kobe XI (“Aces & Elites)

As I was reading this article, I found it interesting on Nike’s approach as they began this campaign of ELEVATE YOUR GAME WITH THE “FLIGHT” SNEAKER COLLECTION.