James, the brother of Christ, wrote this letter to Jewish Christians who lived outside of Palestine. Some of them were tempted to let their "intellect" pass for their true faith. It is easy to say we have faith, but true faith will produce loving actions toward others. James' argument is this: faith should transform us; the world should see a remarkable difference in our behavior.
When we receive God's Word into our hearts, it will change our thinking. Once our thinking has changed, then we need to become doers of the Word. This is where "works" becomes an issue, and James emphasizes the importance of works in the Christian life throughout the rest of the book. This letter could be considered a "how-to book on Christian living."
James discusses the "heroes of faith" in chapter two including Abraham and Rahab. He points out that both were justified by works. Some people say that this contradicts Romans where Paul says we are "justified by faith." (Romans 3:28) However, the issue of justification by faith is not the issue of this book. James assumes we know that we have been born again by faith. He assumes we know we have received the righteousness of God without works, but we cannot dismiss the significance of works - for our works become the greatest witness we have to the world around us. (quote by Rose Weiner)
So, I started thinking about the different "works" I have seen at Oak Hill. Here are a few that you will recognize:
The Mission Team that traveled to Nepal to trek and share the gospel
The 2,000+ cans of food given to Rushton's Hope started by the children in Awanas
The unselfish gift of Solomon's Porch and the work that went into the completion of it
The various Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and gifts given to needy families by Sunday School Classes and individuals
The offerings given to Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong by our church families
The building of a ramp by men in the church for a stoke victim
The innumerable plates of food and dinners taken to people that are sick or hurting by individual church members
The numerous book bags and school supplies given to needy children in the Griffin area
The weekly visitation by our Hospital Visitation Team
The visits and phone calls by our Deacons to Oak Hill visitors and members
The wonderful Sunday School Teachers who prepare to teach every week
I know you can add many more to the above list, but you get the idea. Wouldn't you rather see a testimony than hear one? The world thinks the same way. They hear evangelists on television and radio, and they are waiting for us to be that example before them. They are waiting for us to be living witness known and read by all men. They want to be able to examine and scrutinize our lives and still see Jesus Christ in every word and every action. So, be a doer of the word and not a hearer only.
The Gospel is written a chapter a day
By deeds that you do and by words that you say.
Men read what you say, whether faithless or true.
Say, what is the Gospel according to you?
