Faith Without Works Is Dead – Do You Really Believe?

It’s easy to say “I believe in God.” But if there’s no obedience, no fruit, and no change—what kind of faith is that? In this episode, we look at James 2:14–26 and confront the truth: real faith is visible. It acts. It obeys. It surrenders. Anything less is just words. If your faith isn’t changing how you live, it might not be faith at all.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the JESUS LOVES U Podcast.

(00:02):
Today’s question is simple—but convicting.
Is your faith alive… or dead?
Let’s go straight to Scripture.
James 2:17 says.
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
” That’s not a suggestion.
That’s a warning.
⸻ James is saying something bold here.
He’s not talking about being saved by works.

(00:24):
—we’re saved by grace through faith.
(Ephesians 2:8–9).
But he’s making this clear.
Real faith produces fruit.
Anyone can say “I believe in God.
” But James says.
“Even the demons believe—and shudder!
” (James 2:19).
So belief isn’t enough.

(00:45):
True faith changes how you live.
⸻ Works are the evidence of real faith.
• Obedience to God’s Word.
• Turning from sin.
• Loving others.
• Forgiving your enemies.
• Feeding the hungry.
• Standing for truth, even when it costs you.
You don’t do these things to be saved.
—you do them because you are saved.

(01:05):
⸻ Let’s get honest.
• Do you say “I love Jesus” but still live how you want?
• Do you post verses but ignore people in need?
• Do you raise your hands in church but never lift a hand to serve?
James 2:16 paints the picture.
If someone is hungry and you say, “Go in peace, be warm and fed,” but do nothing—what good is that?

(01:26):
That’s the kind of faith a lot of people have.
Nice words.
No action.
But Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit.
” (Matthew 7:16).
Not by their posts.
Not by their talk.
By their fruit.
⸻ Real faith shows up when it’s inconvenient.
• It forgives when it hurts.
• It gives when no one’s watching.

(01:48):
• It obeys when it’s hard.
• It dies to self, daily.
Faith is not just something you claim.
It’s something you liv.
So if your faith isn’t producing anything… If you’ve gotten comfortable doing nothing for the Kingdom… It’s time to repent and get real with God.
⸻ Let’s pray.
Father, Forgive me for claiming faith but not living it.

(02:09):
I don’t want dead religion—I want real, living faith.
Holy Spirit, stir up conviction in me.
Help me obey You in every area of my life.
Let my life be proof that Jesus is real.
Not just in words—but in actions.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
⸻ Don’t settle for dead faith.
Jesus died so you could liv—and liv for Him.

(02:32):
Thanks for listening to the JESUS LOVES U Podcast.
If this episode challenged you, share it with someone who needs it.
Let’s be a generation that doesn’t just claim Christ.
—we reflect Him.
Until next time—liv bold.
Liv real.
JESUS LOVES U.