The power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes men and women. The thief who comes to Jesus Christ no longer steals, but will work an honest job and give from what he receives for his labor. The murderer who believes in Christ no longer kills, but cherishes his life and the life of others.

Our reading for today is James 1 through 5.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;” notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, “Thou hast faith, and I have works:” shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:” and he was called the Friend of God.  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:14-26