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Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffFaith without works is dead! This truth is of utmost importance, as God emphasizes critical matters through repetition in His Word. The necessity of combining faith with works is vital for a true Christian life. While grace and faith are the means of salvation, as seen in the words of the apostle Paul, works do not save us but are essential to our purpose. God calls us to perform good works, having prepared them for us to walk in, as they are a fundamental part of our spiritual journey. We cannot truly be Christians without them. There is no contradiction between the teachings of Paul and James on this matter. Paul affirms that faith is required and that good works are also necessary. James declares that faith and works are inseparable, likening faith without works to barrenness, unproductive and unprofitable. Just as a fertile land needs both sun and rain to produce, a Christian needs active faith and active works to grow spiritually and reproduce godly life. Works toward God involve doing His will and obeying His laws, while works toward neighbors mean serving and doing good for them. Such actions promote the growth of godly character and exemplify true Christian living. Faith with works is life—eternal life!
Basic Doctrines: Faith Toward God
Bible Study by StaffWhat is faith? Is it something we work up or does God give it to us? Do we have the faith to be saved? Do we really trust God?
How Can We Measure Our Faith?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsHow do we obey this call to test ourselves, to know whether we are in the faith? A good place to start is to see how God measures faith, beginning with Abraham.
What's Wrong With Works?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughAccepting the blood of Christ has a cost. If we are to uphold the terms of the covenant, we must give up the sinful life we led in the flesh and obey God.
How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany read the Bible erratically, agreeing with the parts that fit their beliefs but ignoring or rejecting those that bother them, like some of Paul's writings.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is pleased to save those who humble themselves, allowing Him to perform a mighty work through them, and putting everyone in debt to Him.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJust as a dead person does no works, so a faith that does not include works is also dead. A person in whom living, saving faith exists will produce works.
Peace with God Through Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should never be tripped up when we see bad things happen to good people or vice versa, realizing that history is indeed following God's timetable.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
Belief and the Firstfruits
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod has blessed the firstfruits with precious belief and knowledge which must be protected, guarded, nourished and exercised so it will not slip away.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Importance of the True Gospel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe way back to unity is to embrace the vision that once kept us focused on the same goal, giving us active, kinetic, dynamic and explosive power.
Continuing on to Completion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of God's grace, those who are called late will reap as much as those who are called early. Whenever we are called, we must continue faithfully.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJames had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.