LET THERE BE GOOD WORKS

THERE SHOULD BE GOOD WORKS

THERE MUST BE GOOD WORKS

Working our way to Heaven was so much abused that Martin Luther revolted. Baptists turned their emphasis to Paul and away from James. For some fifty years we have preached a Faith only, Gospel to the omission of the value and importance of Good Works. If we attempt to separate faith/works, we destroy the Christian. - He is the unique and God blessed product of both. -

This was strongly brought to my attention in my hospital bed at USC last year. I had just received a total knee replacement. The therapist held her hand about a foot off my bed and said, ”Lift your leg.” –an impossibility-! I tried and nothing happened. She returned daily and I tried to lift each time. The day came when the leg, as if of its own accord, rose two feet off the bed! The connection of the therapist’s faith –in me-, to my own work was as structured and strong as my knee is today!

A worthwhile and usable faith must have the exercise of performing Good Work. With no use it will die it’s academic death. And be of no use.

Christ performed a Good Work on the cross. When Faith motivates a work it is Good. All around us is an infer structure of Churches, schools, civil law and common use bridges and roadways. Christianity, Democracy, Charity and Government could not exist without good works.

Good work is part of the obedience that God demands of us. Imagine what would be left of Christ’s parables if we separated them from good work.

We can value the work for itself. We can be blessed now with the reward that good work brings. We can expect everlasting blessing from the unimagined Good that will come from our present effort. –God multiplies our gifts and good works-.

Good work can be done in small increments. Start with a smile. If you appreciate someone, say so. Prayer is a sacrifice, Giving, is a grace. Add also the encouragement of your presence. Being there is a kindness, for which there is no substitute. When the stylus of Faith moves, it spells Good Work. - A point has no dimension until it is moved. - So also, a ‘stationary’ Faith is invisible. (Here intangibility takes its form in work)

We are not saved by our good works. Yet our good works may help save someone else!

.Note: The above is only a re-statement of New Testament language. nw