Good Works

Acts 9:31-43,    James 2:14-26

I: Phillip the Evangelist. Among Active Faith has Moved Us this Past Week, and Our Nation Mourns.
1. A deacon called to full time.
2. Held a revival in Samaria.
3. Phillip won many to Christ, and left them active in Christian service.
4. Every man leaves a trail of Blessings or Cursing behind him as he travels thru life. People are left closer to Heaven or Hell by our passing.

II: Peter the Apostle.
1. Peter entered into the results of Phillips Ministry.
2. Eneas was held and Peter stayed in the Home of a Tanner.
3. There was no antagonism between Peter and Phillip.
They were Laborers together.
4. The work of Phillip needed the finishing touch of Peter.
5. Peter was continuing the work of Jesus.
6. Here was proof of Spirit lead work.

III: Dorcas the Beloved.
1. “Full of good works.” A vision a dream of what needed to be done.
2. “Which she did!” She with deft finer did the things that her heart knew ought to be done.
3. By her good works she opened doors for Peter to preach the gospel, (Holy Spirit led).
4. Her death was mourned by those whom her life had blessed.

IV: “Faith without Works is Dead.” James 2:14-26
1. Faith has no room for partiality. You must love your neighbor as you do yourself.
2. “What good is there in a man’s saying that he has faith, if he has no good deeds to prove it?” (Dorcas proved her faith).
3. “Faith by itself, if it has no deeds to back it up, is dead.” vs. 17
4. “Faith without good deeds is worthless.” vs. 20
5. “A man is shown to be upright by his good deeds.” (His word not as strong as his deeds).

No one can convince others that they are Gods child and have saving faith abiding in them apart from actions to prove it. Dorcas left a burning example of active faith.

“To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to Him it is sin.” Jas. 4:7

No need for Preacher, Pressure, or Prestige, but Jesus.