"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." Hebrews 10:24

Salvation does not come from good things that we do but rather, the good things that we do should come from our salvation. When we by faith believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Jesus as Lord, we are saved. This is justification.

At the end of time the Lord will return and judge the living and the dead. He will welcome those who have been justified, by their faith in Jesus Christ, into eternal life. This is glorification.

From the time that a soul is justified until the time that a soul is glorified, that soul is being cleansed by the Holy Spirit of God from the emptiness of a life separated from Him by sin into a life of righteousness and good works. This is sanctification.

During the long and often difficult process of sanctification, we are to be encouraging one another to good works as the Holy Spirit fills our formerly empty life with the good things of God.

So here is the challenge, my stirring you up to good works: over the next week, contact one of your neighbors somehow. Ask them how they are doing, see if they need anything or if you can help them in some way. Before you leave the conversation, ask them if there is anything going on in their life that you can pray for.

If you are reading this and you are not sure if you have ever by faith believed in the risen Jesus Christ and confessed Him as Lord, please contact me! I would love to talk with you or answer any questions you may have!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)