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. (Jas 2:14-18)
Working for our own needs, or seeking our own salvation, will not save us, for GOD says that he that would save his life shall lose it, and he that would lose his life for My sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. What His people do in this broken and sinful world, is not for ourselves, but through the power of GOD and at the direction of the Holy Ghost that is within us, to minister to others that they might see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. If our faith does not produce works meet for repentance, nor glorifies the one true GOD, but rather is self promoting, or seeks to earn the approval of men, we have our reward, but our faith is dead.
GOD'S people are to do His work, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He hath before ordained that we should walk in them. All who are truly born again, have been ordained to the work of GOD, in ministry, missions, and discipleship as we evangelize all who are lost and dying in this world, that they too might be one with the Father and a new creature in Christ. We are to respond to His call to service out of love for others, to accomplish His work and will out of love for Him, and go where He sends us in obedience and faith to His Word.
We are to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need with the Word of reconciliation, as GOD directs us and provides all we need to do His work of drawing people to Himself. We are to love one another as He loved us, and disciple one another in the Word of GOD that He might accomplish His work of conforming us to the image of His dear Son. We are to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we go to this lost and dying world, proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father that those who believe in Him might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet