"Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking. First faith, and then works; and then faith again, and then works again -- until they can scarcely distinguish which is the one and which is the other."   William Booth in The Founder's Messages to Soldiers, Christianity Today, October 5, 1992, p. 48.
I think William Booth had it right, step by step our faith produces the works of righteousness and obedience. James understood that faith without works is dead (non-productive). When I talk about faith I should be walking in faith. Faith is more than a theological concept, it is the very out-working of my salvation which was so lovingly provided for me through the finished work of Christ on the Cross.
Paul reminds us that our faith, though purchased by Christ, can't be bought or purchased by us, ".......it is the free gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9) So, in this age of reality shows and emotionalism, let us live in the present power of the Holy Spirit so our faith in God through His Son Jesus Christ might be our true reality.