I think the second part of our pastor's statement here also comes from a misunderstanding of Romans. Paul talks about in chapter 4 about the belief of Abraham and how it was counted to him as righteousness. Which is fine, but the problem is belief in English and belief in the Bible have two totally different definitions. Belief in English, especially in America, is something that you hold onto in your mind/heart that you believe to be true. Most of the time without any proof or evidence to back it up. We can give an example of you sitting on your couch saying "I believe I will not be hit by a car." Who is to say you will or will not get hit by a car? While it doesn't happen often, cars do crash through buildings and houses.
On the other hand, Biblical belief is an action. Take the example of Abraham. Abraham didn't just have a feeling on God and His promises, he took action. When Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be judged, Abraham pleaded with God to save the righteous there. When God told him to sacrifice his son, the one of promise, Abraham took him and held the knife to him. James goes into the actions of Abraham's belief as well. If we were to use our car scenario again, this would be equated to God telling you to stand in the middle of the interstate and saying you will not be hit by a car. You can think God is telling the truth all day from your couch, but you don't believe God until you go and stand out in the middle of the interstate.