Faith Without Works Is Dead: Living a Life Set Apart for God | October 18, 2026 | Pastor Dale
What does genuine faith look like in the life of a believer? Is simply believing in Jesus Christ enough, or should our faith produce a transformation in the way we live?
During our October 18 Sunday morning service, Pastor Dale Hobbs delivered a message exploring the relationship between faith, grace, and works, reminding us that following Christ requires more than words. It calls for a life of repentance, obedience, and dedication to God's righteousness.
Beginning with James 2:26, Pastor Dale examined the declaration that faith without works is dead. He then turned to Ephesians 2:8–9, where the Apostle Paul teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith and is not something we can earn through our own efforts.
At first glance, these passages may appear contradictory. However, Pastor Dale explained that they address two important aspects of our relationship with God. We cannot earn salvation through good deeds, religious practices, or personal accomplishments. Salvation is a gift of God's grace. Yet when our faith is genuine, it should lead to a transformed life.
An important part of the message focused on the meaning of justification and sanctification.
Justification is something Christ accomplishes for us. We cannot make ourselves righteous before God through our own works. Sanctification, as Pastor Dale emphasized, involves setting ourselves apart from the ways of the world and choosing to follow God's direction.
Drawing from the Old Testament, Pastor Dale recalled Joshua's call for the Israelites to sanctify themselves before crossing the Jordan River. Just as God's people were called to prepare themselves for what lay ahead, believers today are called to dedicate their lives to the Lord.
The sermon also explored 2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasizing the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from sinful ways.
Pastor Dale reminded the congregation that works are not simply measured by the number of times we attend church, read our Bibles, or perform acts of kindness. Rather, the central question is whether we are sincerely seeking God, turning away from sin, and allowing His Word to direct our lives.
Turning to Psalm 37:18–28, he highlighted God's care for those who pursue righteousness, reminding us that the Lord directs the steps of those who follow Him and does not abandon His people when they stumble.
Throughout the message, Pastor Dale encouraged us to examine our choices and recognize that following Christ requires intentional commitment. Our desires, habits, attitudes, and actions should increasingly reflect the character of the Savior we profess to follow.
Faith is not something we merely speak about. It is something that should become visible in the way we live.
As the message concluded, Pastor Dale challenged each of us to make a daily decision to choose God's will over our own desires. Through that surrender, we discover the joy and fulfillment that come from walking in His righteousness.
May this sermon encourage us to live as genuine disciples of Jesus Christ, allowing others to see His love, grace, and truth reflected in our lives.
Primary Scripture References: James 2:26; Ephesians 2:8–9
Additional Scripture References: Joshua 3:5; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 37:18–28
We invite you to watch Pastor Dale's full message and reflect upon your own relationship with the Lord. May we continually seek to grow in faith, turn away from sin, and live lives set apart for God's glory.
