PODCAST
Faith + Works = Love
November 1st, 2012
James 2:20-26
James is basically saying that Abraham was proven to be “right with God” by what he did. The discussion of faith versus works can get very confusing at times. While some wrongly feel justified by their “Christian activity,” others feel completely comfortable to sit passively by and do nothing because they are “saved by faith.” They feel no responsibility to “do” anything.
Are Christian deeds done to save us or are they the evidence that we are in fact saved? We know that we are saved by grace through faith. The Bible tells us that there is nothing we have done and there is nothing we can do to earn our way into heaven. Nevertheless, the Bible speaks plainly about a faith that is active and alive.
We are not justified by what we do in any way, shape, or form. On the other hand, true faith always results in good deeds, but don’t ever assume the deeds alone can justify us. Faith brings us salvation; but active obedience demonstrates that our faith is alive and real.
November 2nd, 2012 at 6:47 am
Love for God (the greatest commandment Matthew 22:35-37 ) does grow with works (Mark 4:24)
A personal relationship with God grows as with any other relationship. First, we’re introduced. Then, we get acquainted (through prayer and the reading of HIS WORD).
The friendship grows into love when we locate that communication can be a two-way street,”if ” we listen. Listening “uses.” It then grows into a very personal relationship called love..
In “reality” that the “free gift” was exactly what we needed!
God draws us (John 6:65) and supplies our faith (through the “use-it-or-lose it” principle – – Matthew 13:12 . It’s all a matter of our “free will choice” to trust and obey.