Monday, May 30, 2022

 I think I hear more misunderstanding about Grace and Works than any other important subject. Within the Protestant church there is so much emphasis on Grace, that Works are almost discounted.When Paul met with the pillars of the church at the council of Jerusalem, they affirmed Paul and Barnabas's work with the Gentiles, with only one admonition, Paul said, "They only asked us to remember the poor -- the very thing I also was eager to do." Gal. 2:10 Paul was faithful to that as we can see by the following verses. 

"In all things show yourself to be than example of good deeds..." Titus 2:7

"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed." Titus 3:1

"This is a trustworthy statement, and concerning things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds?" Titus 3:8

"Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful." Titus 3:14

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10

James, gives us this example of good deeds - 

"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God our Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." Jas. 1:27

 We are saved by Grace, not by works, but we are saved for good works, as plainly taught by Christ, and all the apostles. Jesus summarized the entire Bible in Mark 12:29-31 "Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”


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