Faith Needs | Evan Carmichael

We come to God just as we are, but we are not meant to stay the same. Faith is meant to grow and gently shape the way we think, live, and respond to the world around us, and when faith is real, it moves us forward and flows into action naturally. James reminds us that faith is more than words or good intentions; faith that stays in what we say but never shows up in how we live cannot bring life or change (James 2:14-17).

Pastor Evan reminded us that faith needs action. Saying we believe is not enough—our faith must produce good works as evidence of what God is doing in our hearts. Just like helping someone who is hungry or in need, our actions reflect our love and obedience, showing faith that is alive and practical (James 2:15-16).

Faith also grows through obedience and surrender. Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even when asked to sacrifice Isaac, showed that his faith and actions worked together, and his obedience confirmed his righteousness (James 2:21-24, Genesis 22:1-18). Faith is invisible until it shows up in how we live, and God calls us to step out, take risks, and respond when He prompts us.

We are saved by grace, not by good works, but a life touched by grace will always produce fruit. Love, compassion, and obedience flow naturally from a heart transformed by God, and faith that is real will always cost something—our time, energy, pride, or comfort (Romans 12:1-2). As Pastor Evan shared, faith without sacrifice is dead, but faith that moves into action strengthens us, changes our relationships, and draws us closer to God.

Faith is not passive; it is living, breathing, and visible in how we respond, love, and serve. When we allow God to transform us, our faith grows, bears fruit, and becomes something that truly changes our lives and the lives of those around us.