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Why do good?

Have you ever walked into an old cathedral?

One of those grand church buildings that populate the European landscape? They are beautiful aren’t they? Often there are stone carvings surrounding the entrance or populating the rooftop. There are paintings lining the the walls, and stained glass windows.

It truly is breathtaking. It is the result of sometimes hundreds of years of expert craftsmanship. And it was all created for one purpose – to bring glory and honor to God.

In Ephesians 2:10 we read:

Just as the expert stone cutter, or artist crafted the cathedral unto the Lord, so God has created us. We are his beautiful workmanship.

Made for a reason

Psalm 139: 13-14 says:

How beautiful it is that the Lord has formed us!

But as Ephesians 2:10 says, we are created for more than simply staring at a screen all day, we are created for a reason. We are created in Christ Jesus for Good Works. For the purpose of, as talked about this week “bearing fruit.”

Works and Faith

Which can be a difficult message in today's modern Christianity.

Because as Protestants we are terrified of the notion that we are saved by works. We run from it with everything we have. We have been taught since our youth that we are saved by nothing but Gods grace, and faith alone.

And this is true, just before Ephesians 2:10 we read verses 8-9:

Praise the Lord, saved by grace through faith. 

But wait — there’s more

But too often we stop there. And the Bible does not stop there. It gives us verse 10. Where, in light of the amazing truth we see in verses 8 and 9 we are challenged to do good. To help the poor, to visit the orphans and widows, to give generously.

We are to give, because we have received the gift of God. 

So, I guess my summary of this weeks message is this:

You are beautifully handcrafted by God.

Don’t keep yourself…to yourself.

Go and do good.

Be Blessed,

Aaron

Theophilus Newsletter