The Weekly SERMON Volume No. 2016 Issue No. 37 Date: November 6, 2016 Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706 Phone: 570.829.5216 [email protected]

Good works play a vital role in our Christian life. Though no one ever is or ever has been saved by works, the Bible has much to say about the role of works in the life of believers. Four times in Titus we read of the “good works” we are to do

Titus 2:7, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity… “ Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works…” Titus 3:14, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Last week we focused on the first three points from the message “Unto Good Works.” In this letter we examine the last two.

First: We are saved unto good works. In Ephesians 2:10 we read, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Second: Good works bring glory to God. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Third: Good works are to be a blessing to others. In I Timothy 6:17-18 we read, "Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not highminded nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”

Four: Believers will be judged for their good works. In I Corinthians 3:11-15 we read, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold silver, precious stones, wood hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." Our works will be the subject of our judgment as believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ immediately following the rapture of believers. Our rewards will be the result of the sincerity and earnestness of our works/service for our Lord.

Five: Good works are the legitimate testimony of my faith. In James 2:18 we read, "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." I can say I have faith all I want, but the legitimate evidence of my faith is how I live my life. We are saved by faith — period! But my faith is displayed by my works. Our works carry much more weight than our words. Someone has put it this way: "Your talk talks, and your walk talks; but your walk talks more than your talk talks." Our witnessing and soul winning have greater credibility when our living backs up our preaching, May God's blessing be upon you this week as you read and meditate from I Thessalonians 4:13-18 on "Rapture – Vanished without a Trace." To easily access the Weekly SERMON message, go to and click on the http:/ link at the bottom of this page. In His Amazing race Pastor David Miklas