Today we’re gently wrestling with a question that confuses many Christians: If salvation is a gift of grace, why does James say faith without works is dead? My guest, Cathy Garland, helps us bring Ephesians and James together without turning faith into a checklist. We talk about legalism, obedience, abiding in Jesus, and why good works do not earn God’s love. Instead, they become evidence of a life transformed by receiving it and trusting Him.
✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In Episode 118 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill welcomes back Cathy Garland for a gentle theological wrestling match between two passages that often confuse Christians: Ephesians 2, which says we are saved by grace and not by works, and James 2, which says faith without works is dead. Cathy explains why Paul and James are not contradicting each other. Paul tells us how we are made right with God, while James describes what a life transformed by God begins to look like. Together, Jill and Cathy discuss legalism, grace, obedience, spiritual fruit, and the danger of turning faith into a performance. They also explore why lasting transformation begins with knowing and receiving God’s love. This conversation offers freedom for anyone who fears they are not doing enough, while still inviting believers into an active faith that naturally produces love, obedience, and care for others.
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PODCAST SHOW NOTES:
Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes)
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🩵 ABOUT US
Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God.
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🔗 LINKS
Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram
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Follow Jill on Instagram
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📖 BIBLE RESOURCES
Verses Discussed:
Ephesians 2:8–10
James 2:14–17
James 2:17
John 15:4–5
The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links
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📣 GUEST
Follow Cathy on Instagram
Cathy’s website
Her book Revelationship
Her new devotional Known
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🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:
Episode #110 Joy Without Pretending w/ Kyleigh Rose
Episode #90 The Day God’s Voice Got Loud Ep 90 w/ Cathy Garland
Episode #101 Break Free from Spiritual Perfectionism w/ Kristen LaValley
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