What Kind of Christian Are You? Such an important question!!!!
What Kind of Christian Are You?
Fruitful Actions & the Difference Between Dead Faith and Living Faith
By Pastor Matthew Anderson
John 15:16 — Empowering a New Way of Living
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
Jesus was speaking to a Jewish audience familiar with religious systems and rituals. But here, He was offering something new—empowerment. A way of living that isn’t based on trying harder, but on staying connected to Him and bearing lasting fruit.
What Kind of Christian Are You?
Are you the kind that talks about faith but doesn’t live it out?
Are you operating from love—or just checking religious boxes?
Even the early church struggled with this. It’s possible to say the right things, serve in the right places, and still be running on dead faith.
What Is “Dead Faith”?
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
— James 2:17
Dead faith is belief that produces no fruit:
It says, “I believe in God,” but lives like He doesn’t matter.
It agrees with truth, but remains unchanged.
This is more than laziness—it’s religion without relationship. It mimics godliness but lacks real power.
What Are “Dead Works”?
“Let us get past the elementary stage… not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works…”
— Hebrews 6:1
Dead works are things we do:
To earn God’s love rather than respond to it
Out of guilt, fear, or pride—not out of love
Without relying on the Holy Spirit
They may look spiritual or impressive—but without love and connection to Christ, they are fruitless.
❤️ The Love Test: 1 Corinthians 13:3
“If I give all I possess to the poor… but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:3
Even radical generosity or sacrifice means nothing before God if it’s done with the wrong heart.
Key takeaway:
It’s not just about what you do, but why you do it.
Self-Check: What’s Driving Your Actions?
Am I doing this out of love and gratitude?
Or to impress God or others?
Or simply out of duty or habit?
Living Faith vs. Dead Religion
“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Dead Religion
Living Faith
Performance-driven
Presence-driven
Works-based righteousness
Grace-based righteousness
Out of obligation
Out of gratitude
Self-powered
Spirit-powered
Fizzles out
Bears fruit that remains
Living faith begins with a relationship with Jesus, not a checklist. When you remain in Him, fruit comes naturally.
The Litmus Test: Religion or Relationship?
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Ask this before you serve, give, or sacrifice:
“Am I doing this out of love?”
If not, you may be stepping into works-based faith, not Spirit-led obedience.
Fruit That Lasts
“I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain.” — John 15:16
When you remain in Christ, your life begins to overflow with lasting fruit.
Not fake. Not forced. Real.
“I Don’t Have To—I Get To!”
This is the mindset of a Christian living in grace.
You’re not “turning it on” for church and “turning it off” later.
It’s not performance—it’s identity.
It’s not striving—it’s abiding.
Let your love for Jesus show up at church and when you’re talking to the waitress. Let it show up in your finances, your relationships, your thoughts, your habits.
Living Water Produces Living Fruit
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
— Isaiah 12:3
You’re not meant to produce fruit in your own strength.
You draw from Jesus—the Living Water—and He produces living fruit in you.
The Bottom Line
In Christ, righteous actions are sustainable.
In the flesh, self-righteous actions burn out.
So—what kind of Christian are you?
Are your actions flowing from a surrendered, Spirit-filled life—or from religious obligation?
Live from the Spirit.
Live from love.
Let your actions be fruitful—and may they remain.
Thank you for reading.
If this challenged or encouraged you, consider sharing it or leaving a comment below. Let’s grow together toward fruit that lasts.