<p>The purpose of this talk is to help us see that we are now to be apostles &mdash; messengers of Christ's love
    to our communities and our world.</p>

<p>You are given 15 minutes for your talk.</p>

<p>Read James 2:14&ndash;17. How can we begin to put our faith into action?</p>

<p>Read Matthew 25:31&ndash;46. According to this passage, what did the sheep do and the goats fail to do?</p>

<p>We need to treat each person we come into contact with as if that person were Jesus.</p>

<p>Who are some people in your life that you need to show God's love to?</p>

<p>Give a lot of very practical ways that we can all put our faith into action (Romans 12:4&ndash;8):</p>

<ol>
    <li>Befriend someone who needs a friend</li>
    <li>Help the elderly in your neighborhood</li>
    <li>Visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons</li>
    <li>Help your church put together a mission trip or service project</li>
    <li>Do something nice for your brother or sister</li>
    <li>Tutor someone who needs help with their studies</li>
    <li>Give lots more suggestions</li>
</ol>

<p>Stress that we do not do good so that we can earn our salvation. Doing good for others is our response
    toward God's love. James 2:17 &mdash; "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action,
    is dead." Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.</p>

<p>If the Spirit is working in our life, fruit should be evident &mdash; read Galatians 5:22&ndash;23.</p>

<p>Other scripture: Book of James, John 3:35, Matthew 6:1&ndash;4, 1 John 3:18.</p>