Good Works: The Fruit of Faith

REFLECTION QUOTES

“Dull as dirt, you can’t assert the kind of light
That might persuade a strict dictator to retire
Fire the army, teach the poor origami
The truth is in, the proof is when
You hear your heart start asking
‘What’s my motivation?’

And try as you may, there isn’t a way
To explain the kind of change
That would make an Eskimo renounce fur
That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
Unless you can trace this
About face to a certain sign

Out of the shaker and onto the plate
It isn’t Karma, it sure ain’t fate
That would make a deadhead sell his van
That would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks and science seeks a rationale
That shall excuse this strange behavior

When you let it shine, you will inspire
The kind of entire turnaround
That would make a bouncer take ballet
Even bouncers who aren’t happy
But out of the glare with nowhere to turn
You ain’t gonna learn it on, ‘What’s My Line?’

Shine, Make ‘em wonder what you’ve got
Make ‘em wish that they were not
On the outside, looking bored

Shine, Let it shine before all men
Let ‘em see good works and then
Let ‘em glorify the Lord”

~ “Shine” by the Newsboys

SERMON PASSAGE

Titus 3:8-15 (ESV)

8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.