James 2 (also read Matthew 5:7 and 5:17-20) is fairly difficult to apply in a Presbyterian church. After all, most Presbyterians assume that the seats in the back pew are the seats of honor. In any case, this message encourages sharing the gospel with the poor in word and deed as signs of genuine faith. The two major themes are partiality and works.

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Labels: faith, good works, honor, James, Matthew, partiality

Titus 3 is written to Christians and shows Christians why good works are worth it. They are not worth it for what we will get can out of them. We cannot save ourselves by doing good works. In fact, for an unbeliever to do good works might even be detrimental because they then may fail to see their need for Jesus' righteousness. But for those who believe good works are worth it because there is nothing in it for us. They allow us to give thanks to God for His mercy by showing mercy to others. And they are worth it because there is something in it for others -- because they benefit others, they profit others.

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Labels: good works, manners, righteousness

Titus 2 shows us what a Spiritually healthy and attractive lifestyle looks like. This way of life can be characterized as respectable living, respecting one another, and doing works demanding respect. Life is a quest for godliness among those who know Jesus Christ. And others whom we evangelize should find this something that they want for themselves because they see it in us.

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Labels: godliness, good works, health, lifestyle evangelism, respect

Ephesians 2:1-10 and Deuteronomy 7:1-8 both show the theme of election in Christ for good works. Deuteronomy points to the final judgment ahead of time. Thus the message began with a model sharing the law to drive people to Christ because we all need to be ready to jump at the final judgment. This is one way we can find those that God loves but are not yet a part of the church. Indeed spreading the good news is a natural reaction to Paul's words reminding us of the way things were, moving us with the riches of God's mercy and grace, and sending us to do good works that God prepared beforehand for us.

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Labels: evangelism, final judgment, good works, law, riches