Monday, August 10, 2009

Faith Works - Originally Mailed 8/10/2009

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:14-18


FAITH WORKS

The statement works both ways. Faith means get to work. And working your faith builds your faith.

When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we need to remember that we are called into a kingdom as full citizens, not as refugees. We aren’t supposed to just keep camp until Jesus comes; we each have work to do.

And that work is important on two fronts. There are people around us who need what we do. And our own faith grows because of the work we do.

We can’t earn God’s favor. That was given to us freely because of Jesus’ sacrifice and it is our individual opportunity to accept it. But we are expected to work…not for acceptance but for growth. Would you want to live in a community where no one worked? How would you eat? Clothe yourself? Where would you live? How would you live?

Any doctor will tell you that proper diet and exercise are the basics to having a healthier body and that you need both. You can get fat off a good diet if you don’t exercise. You can work yourself to an early grave if you don't eat properly.

The same is true spiritually. Feast on the Word of God. It is nourishment to your spirit. But, don’t just take it in. Make the Word work in you and through you. Don’t just read about faith, operate in it. And don't try a work without the Word.

If you are currently a part of a church body that has active ministries and you are not involved, please add some exercise to your faith diet. If you are involved but not growing, check your diet; you might be feeding on the wrong things.

Start the cycle..faith works faith works faith works faith….

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Lifeline Notes is a weekly mailing to encourage the Body of Christ through the Word and reflection. You are encouraged to share this email.

To subscribe to this mailing, please send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.

Fellowship Church
455 Hwy 138 Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Alton Watkins, Pastor

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