Many grace people come out of religion so anti-religion, that they make “works” their enemy instead of understanding that the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) is their actual enemy. You’d think that being so against religion, they’d at least value biblical pure and true religion …
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27
Caring for orphans and widows, that sounds a lot like works to me.
Paul says “I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have *believed* in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” Titus 3:8
We are to DEVOTE ourselves to good works. These good works are an organic manifestation of our own faith.
Yes. Faith without works is a DEAD faith because that faith (from Jesus) isn’t bearing any kingdom load (James 2:17).
Faith (pistis) is a noun. It’s a THING (or Person) that you have or possess.
Belief (pisteoū) is a verb. It’s an actioned confidence with the THING/PERSON you believe. 😂
Yes. Belief (verb) is an action that flows from the faith (thing/Person) that you truly hold near. Peeps. Belief is an *action* that comes from trusting what Jesus has said!!!!
Jesus has freely given us faith (Heb 12:2), yet it’s up to us to go and do something good with that thing and Person. Friends. Our “work of faith” comes by His own power and strength …. but we must provide a response!!!!! We must imitate those who walk in the example of Paul, the disciples, and Jesus (Phil 3:17-19).
I’m sorry, but we can’t help but notice the good works of others, these works are obvious to all and simply cannot be hidden (1 Tim 4:25).
We must intentionally choose to follow the example of others by jumping out of the airplane and deploying our own parachute of faith. A packed parachute 🪂 that never opens, will never get to bear any weight or purposefulness. In fact, many from their own idleness and misguided focus on earthly things …. will often at some point become an enemy of the cross (Phil 3:17-19).
I’m against religion as we know it. I truly hate it. But I hate more the idea that we aren’t examples to be set for each other.
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Phil 3:17