Podcasts about Good works

If I do more quiet times to get closer to God, will there be more good works He prepares for me? Is there a connection between the Law and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Do we need to be under a pastor to maintain our anointing?

“Do Good Works Have anything to do with Salvation?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between faith and actions in salvation, addressing common misconceptions. The conversation also touches on how to respond to claims that other religions are more welcoming to LGBT individuals and challenges regarding the Church’s stance on various social issues. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:23 – A while back Wes Huff did a video in which he gave several reasons why he's not Catholic. One of them was that he believes in the sufficiency of faith, which he juxtaposed with the Catholic teaching that our good works contribute to our salvation. His argument was as follows: 1) P1: If works were a basis for our justification, then we would have something inherent to contribute to our salvation. 2) P2: But we don't have anything inherent to contribute to our salvation. 3) C: Therefore, works cannot be a basis for our justification. 17:30 – My fallen-away-Catholic family members say that other religions are better because they tend to be more welcoming to LGBT. How do I respond? 29:17 – I'm not Catholic because the Catholic Church is an open hate community against the LGBT and supports fascism and your ultimate goal is to establish a theocracy. 42:00 – Catholicism doesn't make any sense. Plus promoting conversion therapy isn’t good.

August 24, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 22:24-30 or John 1:43-51Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 5:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-7:50; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24–28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Is it greater to serve or to be served? Throughout the world, the answer is obvious: it is better to be served. Kings exercise lordship, and it's good to be the king. But the King of Kings has a different answer. He is the King who says, “the first shall be last” and “Blessed are the Poor.” He is the one who came down from the heavens to serve. The eternal Son took on flesh and dwelt among us, not as a conqueror but as a servant. This continues to be a comfort to us because our God is the one who gave his life on the cross to cleanse us from our sins and did not stop there. Our God continues to sanctify his people, and He has created Good Works for us to do as fellow servants and Children of God. However, God has not stopped serving us. He continues to serve us every Sunday when the saints on earth gather together to receive the Word and Sacrament from our pastors. God's work began for us and continues to be for us as our generous King gives freely to his people for all eternity. Jesus shows that the greater one is the one who serves. If God Himself serves us, we, as His people, continue to serve our neighbor.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, chose Bartholomew to be an apostle to preach the blessed Gospel. Grant that Your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

For God's Glory For Our Assurance For Gaining Others

Send us Fan Mail  Today's study is our last one in 1st Timothy, and we discuss the charge Paul gave Timothy to instruct the rich not to be high‑minded or trust in uncertain riches. We should rather trust in God who gives us all things richly to enjoy. He stressed our need to do good, be generous, distribute to those in need, and communicate our blessings, which lays a foundation for eternal life. We should also keep what is committed to us, avoiding profane and vain babblings, while rejecting false knowledge, because some have erred from the faith over these things. We believe this si a wonderful finish to a wonderful book… come study God's Word with us!

Sunday Evening, August 9, 2026Given by Dr. Kevin DeYoung | Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant ChurchHow to Think About Good WorksHeidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 32Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app

The Disciples Corner

Heidelberg Catechism—Lord's Day 32

The second in our three-part series, "Good News, Good Works, for the Good of the Nations," where we stop and take a look at who we are as a church.

Heidelberg Catechism—Lord's Day 32

I. Certainly Present II. Meriting Nothing III. Pointing to Christ

This episode continues the study of the Judgment Seat of Christ, which takes place soon after the Rapture, where believers' works will be assessed for eternal rewards. We explore key biblical passages on this important event, and gain insights into how faithfulness in our Christian life will lead to greater eternal glory, honour, authority and opportunities to serve God. Learn why understanding this doctrine is crucial for a strong Christian life, and how it impacts the way we live today. *There are 4 major Passages on this Judgment for Reward. *1. Romans 14:10-13. *2. 2Corinthians 5:9-10. *3. 1Corinthians 4:2-5. *4. 1Corinthians 3:10-15 *The 3 SYMBOLS of GOOD WORKS: *1. GOLD symbolises the DIVINE NATURE. When were born again, we received the nature of Christ (the fruit of the Spirit) within our spirit (Romans 5:5). So, WORKS of GOLD are produced from the NATURE of CHRIST in us, which we PRESENTLY POSSESS through the New Birth. As we walk in the SPIRIT and the LOVE of God, we produce WORKS of GOLD. Without love there is no reward (1Corinthians 13:3). *2. SILVER in the Bible represents REDEMPTION, so WORKS of SILVER are works done in grateful response to God's GRACE in REDEMPTION, which He accomplished for us in Christ (on the Cross). Our gratitude for His grace causes to serve Him. These works spring from FAITH in what HE HAS DONE for us. *3. PRECIOUS STONES are works of obedience to the commands of God, motivated by a desire to please God, and receive His FUTURE PRAISE and REWARD, rather than the praise of man. *The 3 SYMBOLS of DEAD WORKS (the opposites to the 3 kinds of good work). *1. WOOD represents HUMAN FLESH. These are works done in our own strength (power) and self-will, independently from God. They might look good to man, but they are wood. *2. HAY represents HUMAN MERIT, works done in self-righteousness, rather than in response to God's grace. *3. STRAW represents HUMAN OPINION and WISDOM, works that proceed purely from human reasoning, rather than obedience to God. So, *(1) We must examine the POWER energizing our WORKS. Are we depending on the power of the Spirit through prayer, or on our flesh – our natural strength? *(2) We must examine the MOTIVE for our WORKS. Is it love for God and man? Are they to glorify God, or to glorify ourselves? *(3) We must examine the OBEDIENCE of our WORKS. Do they spring from God's will, or are we just following traditions and rituals we happen to like? What a motivation to live for Him now, doing GOOD WORKS of GOLD, SILVER and PRECIOUS STONES, that will endure into eternity, rather than wasting our life turning out WOOD, HAY and STRAW!

This episode continues the study of the Judgment Seat of Christ, which takes place soon after the Rapture, where believers' works will be assessed for eternal rewards. We explore key biblical passages on this important event, and gain insights into how faithfulness in our Christian life will lead to greater eternal glory, honour, authority and opportunities to serve God. Learn why understanding this doctrine is crucial for a strong Christian life, and how it impacts the way we live today. *There are 4 major Passages on this Judgment for Reward. *1. Romans 14:10-13. *2. 2Corinthians 5:9-10. *3. 1Corinthians 4:2-5. *4. 1Corinthians 3:10-15 *The 3 SYMBOLS of GOOD WORKS: *1. GOLD symbolises the DIVINE NATURE. When were born again, we received the nature of Christ (the fruit of the Spirit) within our spirit (Romans 5:5). So, WORKS of GOLD are produced from the NATURE of CHRIST in us, which we PRESENTLY POSSESS through the New Birth. As we walk in the SPIRIT and the LOVE of God, we produce WORKS of GOLD. Without love there is no reward (1Corinthians 13:3). *2. SILVER in the Bible represents REDEMPTION, so WORKS of SILVER are works done in grateful response to God's GRACE in REDEMPTION, which He accomplished for us in Christ (on the Cross). Our gratitude for His grace causes to serve Him. These works spring from FAITH in what HE HAS DONE for us. *3. PRECIOUS STONES are works of obedience to the commands of God, motivated by a desire to please God, and receive His FUTURE PRAISE and REWARD, rather than the praise of man. *The 3 SYMBOLS of DEAD WORKS (the opposites to the 3 kinds of good work). *1. WOOD represents HUMAN FLESH. These are works done in our own strength (power) and self-will, independently from God. They might look good to man, but they are wood. *2. HAY represents HUMAN MERIT, works done in self-righteousness, rather than in response to God's grace. *3. STRAW represents HUMAN OPINION and WISDOM, works that proceed purely from human reasoning, rather than obedience to God. So, *(1) We must examine the POWER energizing our WORKS. Are we depending on the power of the Spirit through prayer, or on our flesh – our natural strength? *(2) We must examine the MOTIVE for our WORKS. Is it love for God and man? Are they to glorify God, or to glorify ourselves? *(3) We must examine the OBEDIENCE of our WORKS. Do they spring from God's will, or are we just following traditions and rituals we happen to like? What a motivation to live for Him now, doing GOOD WORKS of GOLD, SILVER and PRECIOUS STONES, that will endure into eternity, rather than wasting our life turning out WOOD, HAY and STRAW!

This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this “faithful saying,” and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/the-maintenance-of-good-works Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this "faithful saying," and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root.

This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this "faithful saying," and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root.

This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this "faithful saying," and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root.

This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this "faithful saying," and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root.

Teaching from 1 Timothy 2:8–15, Caleb Cole examines Paul's controversial instructions concerning women, teaching, submission, and authority. By considering the situation in Ephesus and comparing this passage with Paul's broader support of women in ministry, Caleb explains why biblical order and the voices of both men and women are necessary for the church's mission. (00:00) - Why This Passage Cannot Be Avoided (03:27) - Reading 1 Timothy 2:8–15 (04:32) - Epistemology and Our Assumptions (06:28) - Egalitarianism and Complementarianism (08:03) - Unity in Essentials, Liberty in Nonessentials (10:29) - Equal Value and Different Roles (11:26) - The Ephesian Context and Artemis (14:46) - How to Interpret Difficult Scripture (16:19) - Instructions for Men: Pray and Worship (17:01) - Modesty, Good Works, and Worship (23:20) - Teaching and Exercising Authority Explained (26:25) - Authority and Submission in Marriage (29:55) - Paul's Support for Women in Ministry (32:32) - Men and Women Sharing the Gospel Together (34:32) - An Invitation to Follow Jesus

In this new three-part series, "Good News, Good Works, for the Good of the Nations," we'll stop and take a look at who we are as a church.

Lord's Day 24

Does everyone have their own truth? Can good works outweigh our sin? Todd sits down with William, a political science student at Kennesaw State University, to discuss objective truth, the gospel, and whether anyone can be made right with God through good works. Segment 1 • Does everyone have their own truth? • William explains his view of God and Christianity. • Todd challenges the idea that sincere belief determines reality. Segment 2 • William attempts to explain the gospel. • Does Jesus' death automatically remove everyone's guilt? • Why God's holiness and justice make the gospel necessary. Segment 3 • Can good works outweigh our sin? • What does it really mean to be born again? • Todd explains why salvation cannot be earned. Segment 4 • Todd reflects on the conversation with William. • Practical lessons for sharing the gospel on a college campus. • Why evangelism should focus on Christ instead of winning arguments. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Randi and Sara spend some time talking about Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, an organization that is near and dear to their hearts - like so many nonprofits throughout the region. And be sure to listen til the end because once they start spilling the nonprofit tea, they also share all the collaborations and "side hustles" happening in our region. 

Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin discuss how Titus needs to practice what he preaches and be a model of good works.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/titus-2-a-model-of-good-works/The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We all are born into the world looking for someone looking for us, and…we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives.”~Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and author “Instructions for living a life.Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.”~Mary Oliver (1935-2019), Pulitzer Prize-winning poet “What you pay attention to shapes what you care about. And what you care about shapes what you become.”~Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and professor at New York University “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” ~Augustine (354-430), North African theologian “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in “The Weight of Glory” “There is no duty we so much underrated as the duty of being happy.”~Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), Scottish writer “…if we doubt or do not believe that God is gracious to us and is pleased with us, or if we presumptuously expect to please Him only through and after our works, then it is all pure deception, outwardly honoring God, but inwardly setting up self as a false god…. [God] has promised His grace freely, and wills that we begin by trusting that grace, and in it perform all works, whatever they may be.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546) in his “Treatise on Good Works” “God wants so much to be trusted.”~David Wilkerson (1931-2011), Christian leader and founder of Teen Challenge SERMON PASSAGEPsalm 67 (NASB95)1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us—   Selah.2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth.          Selah.5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.7 God blesses us, That all the ends of the earth may fear Him. Numbers 6 (NASB95)22 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;25 The Lord make His face shine on you,And be gracious to you;26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,And give you peace.'27 So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” 

Send us Fan MailPaul tells us in his epistles that we should follow the pattern he has laid out. This is important, as he gives us the practical information in this last section of this epistle.Support the show

What hobbies impacted you? Maybe sports kept us out of trouble, music helped us through hard times, reading cultivated our imagination, or woodworking reduced stress. We become devoted to things we enjoy, especially when they've played an important role in shaping our lives. We give time, effort, and attention to these things. Titus 3 reminds us that the gospel ought to radically change our lives.

How should we interpret the "if you continue" verse in Colossians 1? My coworker is blessing everything in our warehouse! How was Jesus born without sin? How should we view Israel today in light of Jesus? Is God trying to break us? What does it mean to pray for something but to be "willing" for it not to happen? What are the good works God prepared in advance for us?

JUL. 16, 2026You're called to do "good works"."Being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Col 1:10 NKJVMany people know how Helen Keller overcame the difficult physical challenge of being left without hearing, speech, and sight after contracting fever as a baby and how she eventually learned to communicate by learning Braille. Her life inspired millions of people. One of her ardent admirers was author Mark Twain. She was invited to visit every president at the White House from her childhood on. What many people don't know, however, is how hard Helen worked as an adult. After graduating with honors from Radcliffe College, she worked to help others until her death at the age of eighty-eight.She authored numerous articles. She gave lectures for the American Foundation for the Blind and raised millions of dollars for them.On her eightieth birthday, she was given the Helen Keller International Award for those who give outstanding help to the blind. In the Bible, Paul prayed for the Colossian Christians: "That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him" (Col 1:10 NKJV). And he gave them two ways in which they could do this: "Being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (NKJV). Faith and works; spirituality and service; ministering to the Lord and meeting the needs of others. That's how Helen Keller lived. You say, "But my goal is to please the Lord rather than people." Here's how you do that: "With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men" (Eph 6:7 NKJV). Hymn writer Charles Meigs wrote: "Others, Lord, yes others, let this my motto be. Help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee."You're called to do "good works" Help me to live for others.Share This DevotionalSend us Fan MailSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

Send us Fan MailAs we continue to look at the practical issues, Paul speaks of the works done by those as leaders in the assembly. This episode looks at how works impact the individual, as some would say they are necessary for salvation and others would say, as the Apostle Paul does, that they are the result of our salvation and are not necessary to become a member of the Body of Christ.Support the show

God glorifies Himself by justifying us apart from any works of our own, and by producing in us works that could not have come from us.

In this week's Sermon Extra, Pastors Nick and Michael discuss what the Bible teaches about heavenly rewards. If salvation is entirely by grace through faith, why does Scripture also speak of being judged according to our works? Do rewards in heaven undermine the gospel of grace, or do they reveal something important about God's purposes for His people?

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr are answering a common question these days. It seems most popular to believe that being regenerate will […]

1 Timothy 5:9-16 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss what good works look like by considering the kinds of good works enrolled widows need a reputation for.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=26124The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that those who keep up the good work of faith enjoy the full assurance of hope. Though salvation by grace is held out in the gospel, we must be diligent to prove the genuineness of our faith in Christ until the end if we are to receive what has been promised.

BIG IDEA “The good life isn't earned, only received.” FALLEN CONDITION We trust our works for what only God can give. Like the bewitched Galatians, we know the gospel and yet live as though our performance, our persistence, and our religion will finally earn what was always meant to be received. The harder we climb the tower, the further we get from Home. SOLUTION IN CHRIST Christ kept the covenant we could not. He became the seed of Abraham, buried in death and raised by the Spirit, so that by faith we receive what we could never earn: the gift of the Spirit, a Father, and a place in the family of every nation Abraham was promised. VISION FOR THE GROVE The Grove to become a community that stops trying to build Eden and starts receiving it. A people who do great things in the world not to reach the presence of God, but from it. To become unlikely friends who become family, living proof that the promise made to Abraham is being kept in this room. Links: Website: https://thegrovechurch.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegrovechurchofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/thegrovechurchofficial Sermon Audio: https://soundcloud.com/thegrovechurchofficial Podcast: https://tr.ee/c0BcdkUV3C Support Our Ministry: https://grovechurch.churchcenter.com/giving If this video was helpful to you, please like, comment, and subscribe — and share it with someone who needs hope today.

Send us Fan MailAs we continue to look at this passage, we see the works which are supposed to be there. This episode discusses the works done by those in the positions of authority.Support the show

Series: N/AService: B - Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Mark KempleSunday evening sermon Mark Kemple

INTIMACY 2026

If we want to excel and be rich in doing good to others, we need to be convinced and truly believe that God has done unfathomable good to us.

Do Catholics believe we have to earn our salvation? Are we saved by faith alone? What role do good works actually play in the Christian life? In this episode, Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher Trummer discuss faith, works, grace, justification, salvation, and sanctification from a Catholic perspective. They explain why Catholics do not believe we can earn salvation by our own efforts, while also showing why Scripture repeatedly teaches that real faith must bear fruit in love, obedience, perseverance, and good works. This conversation looks at passages from Ephesians, Romans, James, Matthew 25, John 15, Philippians 2, and more. The goal is not to reduce salvation to self-reliance or religious performance, but also not to fall into passivity. The Christian life is a life of grace-filled cooperation with God. We are saved by grace. We receive that grace through faith. And that faith, if it is living, works through love. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: why faith and works is controversial 01:10 Salvation, justification, and different Christian language 02:10 The objective offer of grace and how we receive it 03:00 Salvation as past, present, and future 05:00 Catholics do not believe we earn salvation 06:20 Ephesians, Romans, and salvation by grace 07:05 The good thief and the essence of salvation 08:00 What Catholics mean by “works” 09:20 Justification and God's initiative 10:40 Persevering in grace 11:45 “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” 13:00 Once saved, always saved? 14:10 John 15, bearing fruit, and remaining in Christ 15:30 Can salvation be lost? 17:00 Serious sin as a rupture of relationship 18:30 Confidence, certainty, and perseverance 20:40 Matthew 25 and the final judgment 24:25 The rich young man and keeping the commandments 25:20 What is faith? 26:30 James, demons, and faith without works 27:40 Biblical faith as the response of the whole person 29:30 Merit, grace, and heavenly reward 32:10 Abiding in Christ through obedience 33:35 Necessary does not mean earned 34:25 Revelation, the talents, and reward 36:00 The danger of passivity 37:15 Human cooperation with God's grace 38:05 Righteousness, holiness, and imputed righteousness 42:00 God's grace actually transforms us 43:30 The prodigal son and imperfect repentance 45:10 The danger of self-reliance 46:30 Pelagianism and trying to save ourselves 48:40 Trying to “muscle” love 49:30 Not self-reliance, not passivity 50:15 Cooperation with grace in concrete action 51:30 Saints, effort, and grace-filled work 52:30 Working without worry, haste, or desperation 54:00 Avoiding the “holy bunker” 55:00 Final takeaway: grace, grit, and fruitfulness 55:40 Closing prayer

Good Works Collective is a job ministry that is helping people find more than just the next job. They are building people up spiritually and equipping them to enter into new careers. They are building self-esteem and community that is allowing people to find purpose and God's calling in their work. They are helping break down the barriers that can prevent those that are just working to make ends meet, to help them find careers that allow for purpose and fruitfulness.

Good Works Collective is a job ministry that is helping people find more than just the next job. They are building people up spiritually and equipping them to enter into new careers. They are building self-esteem and community that is allowing people to find purpose and God's calling in their work. They are helping break down the barriers that can prevent those that are just working to make ends meet, to help them find careers that allow for purpose and fruitfulness.

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Rome ExaminedThe post Responding to Roman Catholic Teaching, Part 6: Good Works – Bryan Wolfmueller, 6/23/26 (1741) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Titus 3:12–15 || Good Works, Greetings, and Grace || Josh King by Meridian Church

1 Timothy 2:8-15 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss Paul's instructions to men and women. Both are about removing violence and competition in order to pursue peace and good work.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=25884The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

The best way for us to truly show our faith in Christ is through our actions. If we don't back up our faith with our works then our faith is dead and makes no difference in our lives.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@gmal.com Garth Heckman So what am I talking about today?  But we get our gifting, our passions our talents and our purpose all confused. What is what? Gifting is a natural ability. Athletics, singing, math, Art Passion is something we love doing. Performing, creating, teaching, playing Talents are typically something we have practiced to achieve.  And sometimes these all weave together for the perfect storm.    But none are the sum total of our purpose!    The Bible doesn't give just one single sentence for a person's purpose;  it unfolds it like a grand narrative with a few core pillars.    OT and NT a person's ultimate purpose is generally broken down into three main relationships:    -  your relationship with God,    -  your relationship with others,    -  and your relationship with the world around you.   1. To Know God and Bring Him Glory MGLG At the very foundation, the Bible states that humans were created by God and for God. Your primary purpose is to be in a relationship with Him and to reflect His character to the world.   Reflecting His Image: In Genesis 1:27, it says humans are made in the "image of God." Think of this like a mirror—our job is to reflect His love, justice, kindness, and creativity into the world. Bringing Him Glory: MGLG -The prophet Isaiah quotes God as saying, "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made" (Isaiah 43:7). BOTTOM LINE: LOOK LIKE GOD AND MAKE HIM LOOK GOOD       2. The Twin Pillars: Love God, Love People When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment in the entire scripture was, He simplified the entire Old Testament law into two direct actions. This is often looked at as the "Ultimate Summary" of human purpose.   MATTHEW 22:37 The first commandment Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and spirit. Second greatest is to lover your neighbor as yourself.        3. Cultivate the World (The Cultural Mandate) Purpose in the Bible isn't just spiritual; it's also practical and action-oriented. Right at the beginning of the human story, God gave mankind a specific job description regarding the earth itself. In Genesis 1:28, humans are told to "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." This is often called the Cultural Mandate. It means humans are designed to be stewards—caretakers of creation. Your purpose includes taking raw potential (whether that's land, a business, a family, or a talent) and cultivating or literally squeezing everything out of it to help life thrive. 4. Walking in Unique, Prepared Good Works   the Apostle Paul writes about how Gods purpose intertwines with our purpose which is good works.  We are uniquely crafted for specific contributions to this world.   "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10   The word used for "handiwork" or "workmanship" in the original Greek text is poiema (where we get our word poem). The Bible views your life as a unique masterpiece designed to carry out specific good deeds that match your exact strengths, personality, and experiences. Does "Handiwork" Tie into "Good Works"? Thematically yes, strongly: The verse's logic flows from identity (we are God's crafted masterpiece) to purpose (created for good works God pre-planned). Being God's poiema equips and orients us toward the erga agatha. Good works are the outworking and goal of His creative work in us—not the cause of salvation, but its fruit (tying back to vv. 8–9).   Picture this: His work in us, created us for his works through us to fulfill his purpose.      Handiwork vs. Good works in Eph. 2:8,9 Two different words. Gods work is a masterpiece Our work is a labor. ONE IS OUR IDENTITY THE OTHER IS OUR ACTIVITY     Life experiences we see in scripture and the real world.  Their life experiences were not random or wasted but formed the precise preparation, character development, skills, relationships, and credibility God used for their callings.** The Bible shows a consistent pattern: God shapes people through seasons of obscurity, suffering, failure, cultural exposure, and incremental faithfulness long before the "big moment." These experiences built humility, dependence on God, specific competencies, empathy, and strategic positioning.     David (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel) **Key experiences**: Rejected by His father born illegitimate, Shepherd boy overlooked by family, given menial jobs, trials by lion/bear protecting sheep, anointed privately as future king, served Saul as musician/warrior, faced Goliath with past faithfulness as proof, 13 plus years as fugitive hiding in caves from Saul, attracted misfits and losers, forced to work with the Philistines his enemies.    - **How it prepared him**: Learned how to deal with rejection and turn to God. Shepherding taught leadership, courage, and reliance on God (Psalms reflect this). Defeating Goliath came from tested faith in small battles. Wilderness years forged trust in God's timing (refusing to kill Saul), developed military strategy, and created a loyal following. These equipped him to unite Israel, establish the kingdom, write worship that endures, and prepare the way for the temple/Solomon. His "rejection" years were kingship training.

This week, one of our Auburn Elders, Andy Leisewitz, brings our TITUS series to a close. As followers of Jesus, we are called to devote ourselves to good works—engaging in practical acts of love that meet the needs of those around us. Join us as we explore what it looks like to live out the gospel through a life of faith.