Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us that we are saved by grace and not by works. However, in verse 10 it says that once we are born again, we are God's handiwork and recreated so we can do good works. It is only because we have a brand-new spirit that we can do those good works which don't come naturally to our flesh.

In 1 Timothy 6:18 we read: "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate". And in Titus 2:14 we are told to be zealous for good works. To be zealous about something means to be red hot about it. There are many admonitions in the New Testament to do good so it must be important to God. The apostle James discusses the issue of faith and works in James chapter 2. In verse 17 and 26 of that chapter he says that faith without works is dead. Faith isn’t faith without corresponding confession (Mark 11:23) and actions. If we are believing God for healing but our words are just saying how sick we are, there is a problem. Similarly, if we say we are praying in faith for a friend to be blessed but don’t allow God to use us to bless him or her, we would have to check our faith. 

Opportunities usually present themselves every day for us to do good works; if they don't then we can intentionally create those opportunities. So, be creative and enjoy being a blessing. 

Please pass this on. All rights reserved.

Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.