REFLECTION:
James 2:18-26 “How can we be put right with God? Is it by Faith or by
Actions?” What is it that can put us right with God? There are lots of different
ideas around on how we can find peace and harmony with the universe and
with God. Most fall into the area of things that we can do that might
accumulate merit for us and so earn us the thumbs-up. Because this approach
depends on how many “good works” we might do in the hope of saving
ourselves from punishment on the day of judgement, we might call this way
“Salvation by works”. The alternative is to receive salvation as a gift from
God. In the gospel, we receive God’s gift as an act of grace and we receive it
by faith, by believing in Jesus Christ. This conversation has been going on for
centuries. Are we saved by the good works we do, or by the grace of God,
through faith in Jesus? Some are so firm on salvation by faith that they despise
good works and avoid them, lest they be accused of seeking salvation by
works. In today’s reading, James argues that we are saved by grace, through
faith, but this saving faith will manifest itself in works that are pleasing to
God. Here is an outline.
1. Can our Faith alone save us?
a. By my works I will show you my faith (18).
b. Faith without actions is dead (26)
c. Just believing in God is not enough – even the demons believe (19)
2. Can our Actions (or good works) alone save us?
a. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of
the law” Romans 3:20
b. “Because by the works of the law no one will be justified” Galatians 2:16.
3. Faith and Actions must work together.
a. How was Abraham put right with God? (21)
b. It was because of his faith that God accepted him as righteous. (23)
c. But his faith was made perfect through his actions (22)
d. We are saved by grace... through faith... to do good works.
(Ephesians 2: 8-10)
To Think About:
When people look at your life and wonder if you are a Christian, would there
be enough evidence, or good works to convince people of your faith in Jesus
Christ? Could you, like James, show your faith by your works? James 2:18.
HYMNS
TIS 134 Praise my soul the king of heaven
MP 996 Jesus God’s righteousness revealed
MP 473 My hope is built on nothing less
MP 1151 Amazing Grace (My chains are gone)
DO YOU LOVE OUR ELM TREES? Our Elm Trees were planted around the year 1900 and are heritage listed. As a part of our planning approval for the new building, we have had to supply a comprehensive plan for the preservation of these historic trees. A first step in their preservation is to remove the heavily compacted layer of top soil which is affecting the health of the trees root system. This coming Friday Sept 20th, a team of labourers will be excavating the top layer of the ground around the trees and replacing it with a specially designated gravel and a layer of mulch under the supervision of an arborist. We are seeking to provide some ablebodied volunteers from the church to help with this. If you are able to help, please advise Graeme.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP Would you like to grow in your faith? Why not consider coming along on Wednesday nights. Together we read the bible and learn from each other. Different people lead the studies. Marien is leading us at the moment. We share some light refreshments and finish at 9pm with prayer. Each Wednesday night in the Supper room at 7:30pm. S
PRING SPECIALS Now that our Winter Warmer fund drive is finished welcome to our new and tasty Spring Specials. We will have a variety of food to sell over the next few months to both excite and tantalise your taste buds! Starting off we have FRIED RICE WITH A SPRING ROLL, SALT & PEPPER SQUID CHIPS & BATTERED CHICKEN WITH A VARIETY OF SAUCES TO CHOOSE FROM. Don't miss out......it's still ONLY $5. All money raised goes towards the building fund. LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 21st September – Heinz & Vic
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 22nd Sept: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; James 3:1-12; Mark 9:30-37 T
HIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Holy Trinity Hastings ; The Diocese of Brisbane; Archdeaconry of Maroondah; Geelong Grammar School–Pastoral service; All Saints’ Ascot Vale–Pastoral Service; St Andrew’s Corio-Norlane–Pastoral service; St Luke’s Frankston East–Pastoral service; St Paul’s Cathedral–Confirmation and reception; The Church of Nigeria; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia, Fay, Natasha, Betty, Rosalind, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Kanthi, Monty & Amy
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