The Lord Y'shua (Jesus) askes us to be, 'the light of the world. A city on an hill that cannot be hid.' He says Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
We know that confession of our belief publically is an aspect of salvation. The Apostle Paul puts it clearly,For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)
But as in all things in life there is complexity, which the Bible conveys so well that it seems there is no end to its wisdom. James adds,
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.(James 2:19)
James well remebered the cry of Legion the mad man of the tombs who confessed the same truth Peter was commneded for, but was of no use to God until he was healed and in his right mind. He had publically confessed Jesus was the Son of God, saying
"What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" (Matthew 8:29)
James is very strong, saying that words are not enough,
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 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. (James 2:17-18)
But what works does James mean? How can we live up to his expectation? James goes on to give two examples: neatly covering a wide demographic with a Hebrew male and a Gentile female.
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (James 2:21-25)
These good works are not charity but are related specifically to actions in accordance with Yahweh Elohim's word regarding what he would do.
How in the modern world can we do things that affirm God's word?
The following will suggest things we have found that you our reader may wish to do, or be part of. None will be conventional 'charity' as James in context not talking about charity. James in context speaks of not having respect of persons, and bridling our tongue, but it is clear that the best of these type of actions, are ones that affirm the great promises made by Yahweh Elohim. We are happy for suggestions to be made also for our consideration.
It was the team matriarch's 75th Birthday and I thought what can I give? What would be the Greatest Gift to someone we love?
Many Christians might prefer to call the great and mighty God of Israel “Father”, without fully understanding what it means.
The Bible uses powerful word pictures, and the one of the prisoner waiting for release is of great importance for our lives. At the time of Passover it is worthwhile considering the prisoner with the idea of the joy of freedom.
The following is utterly speculative, and investigates based on known facts how and why God might have brought about the removal of JFK in the light of what has been said in the Bible about who rules in the nations.
This article was born as it was found that the Greek word from which we have philanthropy, philanthropos, only occurs once in the Bible, with the noun form philanthrōpia occurring only twice. Even more intriguing we found that much is said about 'philadelphia' the Greek word for brotherly love.
