DOING THE WORKS OF GOD

(1) INTRODUCTION TO THE MESSAGE

I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4)

All your accolades, achievements, accomplishments and applauses will mean nothing in eternity if you have not found and done the will of God for it is written Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work (John 4:34).

The Scriptures says that How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him (Acts 10:38).

A Missionary to India tells how he once met and talked with Mahatma Gandhi and put this question to him: “What should we Christians do to help the men and women of India?” Gandhi replied: “I would suggest four things” (Below are the first three)

“First that all Christians and Missionaries live more like Jesus Christ. Second that you practice your religion without adulterating it or toning it down. Third, that you emphasize love and make it your working force, for love is central in Christianity.”

As a believer you should live more like Jesus, you must understand that you are in the world but not of the world for the whole world lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:19). Today many churches have now become worldly, they are now integrated, blended and interwoven together that if you are not deeply spiritual you will be deceived into believing that all is well without realizing that things are topsy-turvy. For those who cannot compare spiritual things with spiritual things and scripture with scripture I believe that you will understand what I mean with this quotation from Animal Farm by George Orwell, “Twelve voices were shouting in anger, and they were all alike. No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which is which”.

According to the confirmed and uniform testimonies of the New Testament Jesus Christ went about doing good for as it is written Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17) and concerning Jesus Christ it is written that And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin (1 John 3:5). He came to take away our sins through

(a) Salvation

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

(b) Justification

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-2)

(c) Sanctification

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Acts 26:18)

(d) Holy Ghost Baptism

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8)

Now that you are saved, justified, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost are you doing the work of God? or are you an enemy of the cross of Christ ? for it is written that (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) -Philippians 3:18-19. Some professed Christians are the enemy of the cross of Christ for as it is written For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

(2) The Mark of An Enemy of the Cross of Christ

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:16)

It is all tied down to your work

(3) The Works of God

The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works (Psalm 145:8-9)

You must have read or heard of the story of the good Samaritans for it is written that And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:37)

Yes go and do likewise For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10)

Finally It is written that Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Mathew 5:48)

God willing This message will be divided into the following topics in the following days in relation to you

(1) The LORD is gracious

(2) Full of compassion

(3) Slow to anger

(4) Great mercy.

(5) The LORD is good to all

(6) His tender mercies are over all His works.