Something Comforting

I. something comforting                    
   1. 1 Cor. 1:18-31; 2:1-5
   2. Rom. 15:18-19
   3. 2 Cor. 3:5; 4:5; 10:17-18; 11:30; 12:5-10
   4. Gal. 6:14
   5. Col. 2:8
   6. 1 Thess. 2:5 "for we never came with flattering speech..."

II. Story of man who went to Heaven...

III. definitions:
   1. When we contrast "works" and "grace" or "faith", we're contrasting "works of law" with "work-producing grace" or a "working faith."
      "Works of faith" and a "working faith" are one and the same while "works of law" and "faith without works" are both condemned (Gal. 5:1-6 and James 2:14-18)
      Being circumcised was a "work of law", visiting orphans and widows (James 1:27), or helping those in need (Matt. 25:34ff) and practicing hospitality (Heb. 13:1-3) are acts of love and faith.
      In reality, a "grace" person works more than a "works" person, but he does it for an entirely different reason.  A "grace" person gives more than a "works" person, and again he does it for another reason.  A "works" person gives 10%, the "grace" person is free to give everything.  A "grace" person is more committed than a "works" person, because a person who bases his salvation upon his own efforts can never be secure, while someone who bases his salvation upon the power of God will never doubt.
      In other words, what we do can mean everything or nothing, depending upon our reason or motivation for doing them.

IV. This sermon was the result of a special request by Sergio...