We Have Considered 7 Strategies1. Vision & Victories2. Personal example3. An optimistic faith4. Endurance5. Body language6. Humility7. Controlling conflict8. Lighten up

What do these have in common?

Matthew 8:5-10- healing of the Centurion’s servant?

Mark 5:24-34- healing of the woman with the issue of blood?

Mark 7:24-30- healing of the Syrophoenician’s daughter

FAITH DEMONSTRATED

10 Strategies for ChristianInfluence/Leadership

How to increase flavor and shine brighter, #9, A Demonstrated

Faith

“Faith Alone” has led Millions to Problems

• Methodists, in their Discipline, also say, "Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.

• Luther's Catechism teaches, "We are justified and saved by faith alone, without works...

• In their Book of Common Prayer, the Episcopalians teach, "Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine

“Faith Alone” has led Millions to Problems

• The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual says, "We believe the Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing which secures to such as believe in Him is justification; … that it is bestowed... solely through faith

• Baptist debaters are denied the ability to know when the apostle Paul was saved

John 12:42

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for

fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be

put out of the synagogue;

Fear

Luke 13:23, 25-27

23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”

…When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and

to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our

streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all

you workers of evil!’They think “close” is close enough

Matthew 7:21

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

It’s easy to say, “Lord, Lord” and disobey

Faith needs to be demonstrated!

James 2:17-18So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But

someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my

faith by my works.

Demonstrated in works!

Faith needs to be demonstrated!

James 2:20-22Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart

from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by

works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that

faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by

his works;

Demonstrated in working!

Faith needs to be demonstrated!

James 2:24, 2624 You see that a person is

justified by works and not by faith alone… 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so

also faith apart from works is dead.

“NOT BY” is not to be ignored!

For faith to be• Useful• Living• And perfect,

i.e. influentialinfluential it must be demonstrated.

Matthew 14:28-29

 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.”

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to

Jesus.

For faith to be• Useful• Living• And perfect,

i.e. influentialinfluential it must be demonstrated.

Faith demonstrated is

risky,

scary,

taking a chance

Risk takers make things happen

How Can We “Get out of the boat”?

• Speak up first• Introduce Jesus into conversation• Run the checkbook down• Do something different• Take a stand with…

dates, fiance, employers, coaches, friends• Invest in kingdom work

evangelism, benevolence, & edification• Obey the gospel !