What do You think Jo?

Joanna, What do you think of ministries that do good works? I thought we are to walk by faith and not by works? What about the scripture that says that it is by faith we are saved...not from works , lest anyone should boast' Eph 2:8-9

Granted that is how we are to walk, to walk and live out our every day life in the faith of knowing that Jesus is our Savior and what he has done for us on the cross.

BUT that should radically alter our attitudes, actions, agendas. If you read the very next verse, Good works are part of our walk....'For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.' and then again in James 2:14- 26 says in essence that faith without the display of that in everyday life, is a lie or dead.

In other words, actions speak louder than words....If you just say you have faith in Jesus but do not display that be the manner in which you live, don't extend yourself to others to try to show them the love of Jesus and the mercy and forgiveness of God, through practical means, than essentially you are lying about your faith in Jesus. If you say something with your words, you better back it up with your actions even at your expense and sacrifice!

Now does that mean that everyone needs to get involved in a cause that is being promoted by a group, church or individual? NO. What you need to be is available to the Holy Spirit to minister to those in need around you. To extend the mercy, forgiveness and grace of God to those around you, when you see it, even your enemies.

I have a pet peeve here....I see too many people involved in ministries that are half way around the world sending money and going on short 'vacation trips'. to involved themselves. When the very same things are taking place in our own back yards....Or getting involved in causes that look to erradicate some evil from the face of the earth and yet Jesus is never mentioned or barely mentioned.

There are not enough good works, not enough money, not enough causes or rallies that can erradicate sin and destruction from the earth and create a utopia here on our terms - that's just secular or christianized humanism....take a good look around....it is getting worse....the bible is accurate, sin increases to more sin...not less, regardless of how much man may say we want it....man has a sinful nature and doesn't want it tobe better, they just don't want to pay the consequences... but that's not how it works....the Wages of Sin is DEATH, destruction, degredation....in many areas, on many terms....



Jesus Christ, is our hope, our Salvation, our Remedy - Unless that is brought to the foreground, nothing changes -

Only if HE is lifted up will men be drawn to Him and be changed.....

Jesus gave a great command and commission, 'Go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.....making disciples....' This was the order, with ever increasing circles of influence, start very locally, YOUR FAMILY, your neighbors, your friends, your community, town, school, county, country, then to the ends of the earth.....

I've known too many people running across the world but not doing what's necessary in their own homes or next door...escapism - feeling good about themselves while neglecting the more important matters. Read Screwtape letters by CS Lewis, it's one of the ploys Satan uses to keep us essentially ineffective.

I correct my kids when they want to go do yard work at a friends house, take care of your responsibilities at home first, then you have the liberty and freedom to move forward.....

NOW - I'm not saying going around the world is wrong...PAUL is a perfect example of being and long distance minister...But He took care of essentials close at home first....then moved out from that point.

So Go and allow the TRUTH of what Jesus has done to set you free from your sin and share that compassionately with others. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you what areas of ministry you are to be involved, how you can best support or be involved. based on your responsilibilities in your life.

Do not over commit yourself, Do not excuse yourself, Do not give to anyone out of compulsion or guilt or emotional ploys...Give when Christ tells you to...Ask questions, get financials. Be wise. Be honest.

Just because someone has a ferverent zeal for something doesn't me God has called you to it....I know - I started a ministry for unwed mothers years ago and assumed everyone I met or spoke to should be supporting it....I was immature.

Pray, and then Go - Unafraid and Unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!


Check out the website www.GraciousVine.com or www.JoannaFruhauf.com