i can think of many ways of mzn that are so wrong they are undeniable even by those honest people who participate in them, like prison rape, or Christianity.
I have had this conversation with my wife and some of my family members. They've said, "I'm a good person" or "that's a good person" and I respond with, "compared to what?"
@Donitsi-qb6ozyou doing your chores will glorify God if you are thankful that you have a roof over your head where you have stuff that became trash after using the product and have food which needs dishes.
@Donitsi-qb6oz- It can! Jesus Himself said this: " Do all things as unto Me." This means we are commanded to do each and everything as unto Christ, ( which is worship ), Christ never said do all things for Me! For I am not capable of doing anything for Christ! As long as I, or you, or anyone does what they do as unto Christ, Jesus will receive all glory and credit for said act! Then all who receive, what is done as unto Christ, will benefit them to God's standards not mine or religion's or man's.
that's why we need Jesus...for our righteousness. The fruits of righteousness are love peace, joy, kindness, long suffering, and the like. Sins are works of the flesh, are the fruit of idolatry. Christian, don't ever waste your sin. It's the opportunity, to know more about your Lord and Savior Jesus.
Man, is this a toxic relationship. Imagine if your boyfriend never showed up not even once the entire time you were dating him. What's more he's all good and loving and you aren't allowed to criticize him. And you are going to burn for an eternity if somehow you decide to ditch him.
I would say that you @edisonchin2463 ... didn't quite understand His love for you and what consequences are for not knowing Him. He would rather see you turn (toward Him) than burn for forever.... For crimes done in a vapor of time...the punishment is eternal conscious torment? That is not the God of the Bible. .. The wages of sin is death...the GIFT of God is eternal LIFE. God's Only Son Permits Eternal Life! 😇🙏💪
There is no relation to Christ outside of regeneration in which a person is "Created IN CHRIST...unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10) This is also what the prophet Ezekiel spoke about regarding the washing away of sins in baptism as the new birth of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27) But creation in Christ unto good works shows the handiwork and operation of God. It has nothing to do with our free justification by Grace through faith apart from having kept the law. (Romans 3:24) The new creation in Christ unto good works is our calling and is effected in our ongoing sanctification. We do not rely upon any of these works. We simply accept we are called to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8). Notice how good works flow from conversion in Ezekiel 36:25-27; Ephesians 2:8-10; and Titus 3:5-8 in every case. First conversion, then good works inasmuch as we should fulfill our various callings in the context of the commandments. Paul's instructions regarding women make perfect sense in this light (1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5). Precisely the same is true for all men (Titus 2:2, 6; 1 Timothy 2:8) But while we recognise are called to be rich in good works, we do not rely in the slightest upon our works of righteousness knowing that these flow from faith and love to our saviour and merit nothing before God (Philippians 3:9)
@@edisonchin2463yur premise is faulty & yur analysis is inaccurate!…u don’t have a relationship w/ a “boyfriend” or being if he never shows up!…1st chk yur relationship problem/ problems!…2nd you have no relationship w/ him to criticize him!…3rd u chose not to hav a relationship w/ him…so u agreed to being separate from him…hence the result!
Oftentimes, it's easy to do right to people "out there" than it is to be kind to those who live with you and see you behind closed doors. I beilive it is the mundane everyday acts that truly show where our heart is. Who you truly are behind closed doors is who you truly are.
Our hearts are desperately evil. Good works do nothing to fix that. We are born fallen. The only way is to turn to Christ and accept His free (to us) gift of grace and be born again. Thanks again, Melissa, for another great video. Looking forward to that Mary Kay, Amway, etc. vid. you mentioned.
It is the nature of being a spirit in a physical body to focus on the wants and needs of that physical body. If we are awake for 16 hours per day and sleep the other 8, we probably spend over 15 of those waking hours primarily being aware of what that physical body is telling us- I'm hungry, thirsty, anxious to get out of this uncomfortable chair, etc. etc. etc. God is not in a mortal physical body. He isn't constantly thinking of what is going on with Himself. He focused on what is happening with us. So for us to be even a little more like he is means focusing outside ourselves to a dramatically higher degree, which is unnatural and, at first, difficult for the people I've talked to on the subject. It does seem to come more easily to people that have little- less to give up. Perhaps this is why the poor, not the rich, inherit the kingdom of God.
We can’t even turn! We must first hear the Word, then God gives us faith in order to respond positively to the gospel and accept it. It’s God who raises the spiritually dead, not ourselves.
I remember reading about a church opening a free loundry fr the community. It made me realize there are so many ways to help beyond just giving food or money. But faith goes first, and at the end, if you are a true believer good works will be inspired.
It's not that works aren't important or without impact. But works apart from Christ are worthless in the surpassing view of eternity relative to good works done to glorify God. I must do good things not to gain salvation or to make myself feel better, but to glorify God and point others to the Son.
And because you’re at free to do them because you know that it’s aligned with your new life. The reason we seek to stop sinning isn’t because we can actually be sinless now but because by needing Christ, we admit that sin brings death and that we no longer want to be part of it.
Thanks for this, Melissa. Self-righteousness (and its frequent companion, self-pity) is the most difficult obstacle to the gospel. We really need God to humble us and those we seek to convert.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
I love the analogy you gave about jumping to Jupiter. And the ground is depravity... I don't think you mentioned it, but no matter how many times we jump, and no matter how high we jump, we always end up right back on the ground... Right back in our depravity... Unable to maintain the sinlessness required to meet Gods standard of goodness.
I think that people just naturally gravitate towards achievable things, maybe as a desire for control. I can see how it can be a nice alternative, knowing God' holy standard is unattainable by your own works.Even for me, it's sometimes hard to wrap my head around the unbelievable grace of God with how often I see myself daily fall short.
We are justified by our works, so let's not be crazy. Your good works will determine your reward of eternal life. They do matter and they are part of you getting saved.
This was something I needed to hear. Sometimes I find myself leaning more on my "good works" than on the God who redeemed me in His Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing this video, Melissa! God bless
Amen! We cannot be saved without salvation, nor earn our way, we will never be able to bost that it was because of our religious works that covered our sins. Despite pride, there is nothing wrong with working our faith and showing charity. I don't feed the homeless to cover my sin, i don't feed the homeless to look righteous to others, i do it because I love God and the homeless, and i feel this is part of ministry. I know i need salvation, i know i need to repent on many things, i know my own guilt and bitterness towards mankind, my humility is praying Christ will change this in me. Seeing how people struggle opens the eyes to how desperately all of mankind needs Christ, and redemption by true faith.
My cousin in India told me our good works are like a dirty rag to God. God is Good , we are nothing without Him, and ALL things are possible with Him 🙏✝️
Spot on. Thank you, Melissa. This is something I have had a hard time putting into words at all. I appreciate you taking the time and trouble to do that.
Thank you for this. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is an excellent example of how apparent "charity" can be an innocuous disguise for self-righteousness and Pride. In short: justification through works. Self worship. And I am definitely running with the "Soteriological vs. Ecclesiastical" contrast 😅!
Melissa....You are so good at thoroughly explaining scripture. I highly respect your teaching. Thank you for your love of God and His Word. It is so valuable to anyone working out their salvation before the Lord returns. xo
My 30 year old self would have really benefited from this. I struggled a LOT with "know them by their love" being either hospitable or being a volunteer. To many people, "showing" love is equated to seeing love acted out so this made sense and still does but it shouldn't be where we stop and "check the box" or feel "safe" in our efforts. "Showing" love can be prayer, it can be discipleship, live as Jesus showed us to, (yes!) respect and love your own family, and of course it *must* include sharing the Gospel-the MOST loving thing we can do...yet not forsaking caring practically for the needs of others. I think churches and Christians need a "both/and" mindset on this weird separation of either service work or more private "showings" of love. Why are we even choosing??
I took an ethics class in college which talked about this very thing. We were discussing how toddlers get angry and can recognize when something isn't fair...but they weren't taught the idea of fairness yet.
I am not a good person just forgiven. I was once a hopeless sinner and now I am just a sinner with hope. Unfortunately from what I see churches have become self righteous social clubs that look down their noses at the unwashed masses.
Did Jesus die to have you remain a sinner "with hope"? Every sinner has a hope; sadly, many won't accept that gift. Paul admitted his past but nowhere did he present that as his future. I'm not just forgiven. I'm cleansed by the Blood. I have been reconciled to Him. I am sanctified toward holiness. I am justified by Him. I am in constant regeneration. I am forever in His debt for saving me from the power of sin. I have died so He may live within me. Lastly, I know the Spirit lives within me to glorify Jesus so I may live a holy life and His righteousness..
@@n9wff Well said. Rom.6 teaches that believers have died with Christ, and been raised with Him. it goes on to say that we are dead to sin, and that sin shall not have dominion over us. If we accept these truths by faith we are made stronger. We are still capable of sinning because although we are no longer in the flesh, the flesh is still in us, and will be until we receive our resurrection bodies. However the difference now is that we do not have to sin. The old sinful flesh no longer has any authority over us. We need every day to pray for God's grace that we may walk after the Spirit and have victory when we are faced with temptation.
Titus 3,8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men". 😊
We are so corrupted we don’t even know God’s definition of good works. According to Pew 52% percent of US Protestants think good works are required for heaven. We are seeing the fruit of the generation who didn’t realize the Beatles were invading with the British Raj cultural exchange-Karma system for all, including the Church.
Titus 3:8 is surround by the subject of doctrine. Keeping good works = keeping correct doctrine. Verse [5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done. It is not what we do as much as what doctrine we espouse.
I like that as a band name. 😁 My brother, Jacob, may he rest in piece, made up a good one too! "Spoon Bender and the Potentials" (Matrix reference). I would love to see it used! ❤
Great video! These are great points. A good thing to mention also is that Christians are supposed to give without anyone knowing whereas many unbelievers gloat about charity works. Also, good works are much more than charity and stuff like that.
Im really starting to like your message Melissa! I sent this to my daughter and asked her to listen to your messages! Be filled with the love of Christ, stay humble and may God our Father bless you and your Ministry! In Jesus of Nazareth, our Messiahs' name, Amen🙏
You are so intelligent and articulate and led by God’s word and his Holy Spirit. Add that to your absolute beauty and adorable way of communicating. It’s a win-win and I know your husband‘s a blessed man he has the total package in you! Blessings to your family
Melissa, exactly. People (Christians included) have no idea of just how ungodly we actually are. We are not good. God see's every secret thing about us and every desire of our heart. We are saved by grace and we need that every moment of every day.
Thanks for sharing this message! This is the third day in a row the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector has popped up in front of me ❤ It's so good, so humbling to think about how good we are not, how much we need Christ.
The work is us loving others and sacrifice of self creating blessings from the Lord Jesus Christ which can cancel out sin in a number of ways. On top of obedience to the word of God.🎉❤
@@HerefortheLove I’ll tell you what it’s not. It’s not supporting people in perverted lifestyles and turning a blind eye to people who steal from stores. If you have to ask the question, maybe you need to spend more time in bible study and prayer?
@@stevensonrf I also know that Jesus tells us in Matthew to not call anyone Father on earth because there is ONE father. You might also want to read and study your Bible more because you look like you allow people to call you father. Matt 23:8-12
This idea of doing ''good works'' , even by those who go to church, is the point of Matthew 7: 20-23 They were "good people, doing good works", yet failed to come to a place of belief , fully recognizing the life of Who Jesus is, what the Cross means, and that the sin of ''unbelief'' of who Jesus is, trusting in His work on the Cross, to be the propitiation for their sins.. There can be no reliance on ones goodness or good works for entrance into the Kingdom. The 2nd criminal on a cross next to Jesus, expressed repentance, & belief in Christ.
A few weeks ago, my pastor said that this idea that people are basically good is only popular in societies and cultures that have never experienced the wrath of an oppressive government. Those that have, know how ludicrous such an idea is.
Melissa, You are so right on and why the church is in general weak. I do think at times your new age concerns affect your take on some scriptures like " calling those things as if they are." Yes we have the power of the tongue given to us by God to proclaim things. Regardless, you are a treat to listen to.
Your Jupiter analogy is genuinely what changed my life. Until then, I never understood Jesus's sacrifice or why we needed him. Hearing your first video about this made it all click: God's standards, our innate sense of justice we were given as images of Him, the fact that nomatter how good I think I am I will never come close to God's goodness.
Love the reminder at the end. It’s easier to do a “good” work than to keep yourself pure. Beautiful. And like you said good is an opinion. The man handing a homeless person $ may think he is doing a good work…. But what if he is just feeding the man’s addiction….. is that then good. A lot of pastors in Germany in Hitler’s time thought they were doing a good work listening to those in authority and sat back while tons of Jews died…. God does in fact look at the heart. Which is both beautiful and terrifying 😏
I’m 75 years old and I’ve wrestled with this. My take away is that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Man has been taken to mean all people are our brothers. I think Scripture is saying we help our brothers and sisters in Christ first, but we do good to all men but don’t become enablers. We live in a broken world and it is needy, but unfortunately people don’t see their need for righteousness to stand before a holy God. How do we discern to what organizations to give?
Indulgences? .... just saying, Much food for thought! Many thanks, Luke 10:27-28 NKJV - So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
I've considered these questions as well. I'm wondering if we consider our kindness as light. Many Christians seem to think that. I'm 71, been a Christian since I was a kid. When I was 50, I started asking myself, "Do I truly understand who God is?" I started from scratch. I knew Jesus said ," if you've seen me, you've seen the Father." I started from there. Wow, it changed everything. God was revealed fully by his son.
God desires that people from all walks of life would seek Him and come to Him. So He does not put up needless barriers to make it difficult. But sometimes, we do. And in doing so, we turn people away from the God who invites them in. Let us be people that welcome others as they are so that Jesus can do His transformative work in their lives.
Moral fortitude is one of the only characteristic traits that make any human “good” If you can’t admit when you are wrong and acknowledge it by speaking up you aren’t good! We all make mistakes and if you can’t own your mistakes you are not good. Owning your mistakes means making up for them making the mistake mended. If you don’t mend a mistake it becomes a failure. Failures are just mistakes that have never been mended. Sadly we live in a time where parents failed to raise their children with moral fortitude so only few possess the trait.
I found the reverse to be true, some claim to love God, but don’t show it to their neighbours or fellow Christians. and we know what scripture says on that note.
Mark (Mrk) 10:18 CJB [18] Yeshua said to him, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good except God! We started off as a good creation but were separated from God our creator by our sinful nature. We are all sinful.
Narcissists have the greatest conspicuous works of everyone. But inwardly they’re envious, vindictive, spiteful and cruel. They do that stuff in private, which is why nobody ever believes their victims.
the example you gave of person with boots of ground. You totally described someone I know. I would like to categorize these types as narcissists, something prevalent in our culture
David Pawson says that we not only have to repent for the bad we've done but also for the....GOOD we've done. This "language" can really trip people up, but Melissa explains this notion very well.
If someone does good for the sake of being good or for themselves, whether selfishly or whatever, they will end up empty and agrry. Eventually their human nature will surface, especially if the receivers arent grateful enough or they receive no praise or reward. Eventually it will catch up with them and they will be angry and bitter. If good is done in the name of Christ, for the sake of God, because of his joy and your gratefulness, then it brings love, life, forgiveness, happiness, etc.
Totally agree with Melissa! You don't need God, or church, to be good. In fact, you don't need either of them at all. However, it seems that God ened people to tell him how great he is.
yes we are saved by grace but we are also called to do good works. Titus 2:14 1 Timothy 6:18 Hebrews 10:24 Etc… So yes good works won’t save us but they are part of the sanctification process
It goes like this . We are saved by grace through faith but once saved we love Lord Jesus and being changed we start doing good deeds It's a change of heart.
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. - Isaiah 64:6
I’m reminded of a comment by R.C. Sproul. Not a direct quote, but he said something to the effect of: if God is standing at one end of a line and you, without the salvation of Jesus Christ, are standing at the other, H*tler is standing right next to you, in terms of righteousness.
"The trouble is we don't know who we are instead." It's why when good things happen to bad people we have to downplay it. It's why we don't want stories where evil doesn't recieve justice. (just look at It's a Wonderful Life) It's why the Pharisees looked down on others and thought so highly of themselves.
"If the Savior’s example carries no practical influences to our hearts, we are lost to the most tender sympathies of our nature....to be happy with him where he is, we must be on earth what he was. We must be, like him, steadfast to the cause of truth and piety, however unsupported and opposed- we must manifest unshaken friendship to mankind, though requited by their enmity- and adore the goodness of God, notwithstanding clouds and darkness surround his throne.- Let us prepare for sufferings; and when we enter our garden of Gethsemane, let our heartfelt prayer be, Father, not as I will, but as you will." - Charles Brooks
Misquoted and applied John 13:35 - “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love for one another as Christ followers is the focus of this verse.
There is some key concepts to consider in this question. First, as was stated, Romans 1 explains the problem is idolatry versus worship of the true God. Idolatry is the ground for sin, whether worship of self or another different than the God of the bible. As was also discussed implicitly is what makes something or someone good and how good is good enough to qualify being good. Third, as has often been said, Jesus did not come to make bad people good (although this will be the byproduct) but to make dead people alive. Because we are dead in our sins, Christ came and conquered sin and death. Fourth, Jesus taught that apart from Him we can do nothing. This proclaims that eternal living is a cooperative relationship involving our faith and God's power through His Spirit that produces eternal living in us (Galatians 5).
So true, I'm in total agreement with everything said here. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus but I am no member of a church building. I'm not knocking it but I come together with them here and there. Blessings in Christ Jesus Amen 🙏.
I’m a lot more blunt than this. I tell people that until (as you said) die to yourself and live for Christ, your good works are shallow. You will be judged on your faith. End of. I learned bluntness while working as a corrections officer.
I'm finding the first command, love God with all heart, soul, mind and strength to be as difficult as a jump to Jupiter. In fact I don't even know what that looks like, or loving another "as yourself".
I've been a Christian for nearly 20 years and ill never tire of hearing someone else share that God's standard is like jumping to Jupiter. Good points Melissa that if good works saved then all religions would be correct. I liked how c.s Lewis put it too. He said something along the lines of its not about doing good, but doing good the way God wants it done. Let's say you gave 500$ to the homeless but orphans needed it more? How does one decide to do good and to whom without the spirit of God and not know that it's their own bias?
The Church is like a 3-legged stool. We need good works of charity, the Gospel of discipleship, and sound theological teaching. Like St. Paul said, "Faith (theology), Hope (discipleship), and Love (charity), these three, but the greatest of these is Love." The Church needs the works of charity because it is the message to the world, but without the other two, it cannot stand. When you have all three, the Church is revealing the Kingdom in all its glory.
In the words of Saint Paul: "Moreover, brothers, I declare unto you the Gospel, which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; By which also you are being saved, IF you HOLD FAST what I preached unto you, UNLESS you have believed IN VAIN." (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2)
Good deeds dont cancel out bad deeds. Were still accountable for all the bad stuff we did that's why Jesus died for us.
Yep. If you’re getting your theology from Home Alone 2, then you might be in trouble. 😉
Couldn't have said it better myself.
So then how does Christ's good deed undo our bad deeds?
@@FilthyXylophone becauss jesus is perfect. His blood was shed as a perfect human being. A sinner cannot save a sinner.
@everykneeshallbow8861 right, he was sinless. Meaning he did only good things and no bad things. So his works earned our salvation.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. Prov 21.2 ESV
I appreciate you putting the version
i can think of many ways of mzn that are so wrong they are undeniable even by those honest people who participate in them, like prison rape, or Christianity.
An Egyptian idea.
I have had this conversation with my wife and some of my family members. They've said, "I'm a good person" or "that's a good person" and I respond with, "compared to what?"
Good response!
Boring philosophers.
(We all get the opportunity some time.)
Anything done in this earthly life that doesn’t glorify God and isn’t done in His Power is not worth much.
@Donitsi-qb6ozyou doing your chores will glorify God if you are thankful that you have a roof over your head where you have stuff that became trash after using the product and have food which needs dishes.
@Donitsi-qb6oz- It can! Jesus Himself said this: " Do all things as unto Me." This means we are commanded to do each and everything as unto Christ, ( which is worship ), Christ never said do all things for Me! For I am not capable of doing anything for Christ! As long as I, or you, or anyone does what they do as unto Christ, Jesus will receive all glory and credit for said act! Then all who receive, what is done as unto Christ, will benefit them to God's standards not mine or religion's or man's.
"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.". James 2: 10
that's why we need Jesus...for our righteousness. The fruits of righteousness are love peace, joy, kindness, long suffering, and the like. Sins are works of the flesh, are the fruit of idolatry. Christian, don't ever waste your sin. It's the opportunity, to know more about your Lord and Savior Jesus.
This is legit my favourite verse of the Bible. It kills Legalism and self-righteousness in one fell swoop!
Religion makes you work but Jesus sets you free! It's not about works, it's all about having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
And yet we were saved to do good works
Man, is this a toxic relationship. Imagine if your boyfriend never showed up not even once the entire time you were dating him.
What's more he's all good and loving and you aren't allowed to criticize him. And you are going to burn for an eternity if somehow you decide to ditch him.
I would say that you @edisonchin2463 ... didn't quite understand His love for you and what consequences are for not knowing Him. He would rather see you turn (toward Him) than burn for forever....
For crimes done in a vapor of time...the punishment is eternal conscious torment?
That is not the God of the Bible. ..
The wages of sin is death...the GIFT of God is eternal LIFE.
God's Only Son Permits Eternal Life!
😇🙏💪
There is no relation to Christ outside of regeneration in which a person is "Created IN CHRIST...unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10)
This is also what the prophet Ezekiel spoke about regarding the washing away of sins in baptism as the new birth of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
But creation in Christ unto good works shows the handiwork and operation of God. It has nothing to do with our free justification by Grace through faith apart from having kept the law. (Romans 3:24)
The new creation in Christ unto good works is our calling and is effected in our ongoing sanctification. We do not rely upon any of these works. We simply accept we are called to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8).
Notice how good works flow from conversion in Ezekiel 36:25-27; Ephesians 2:8-10; and Titus 3:5-8 in every case. First conversion, then good works inasmuch as we should fulfill our various callings in the context of the commandments.
Paul's instructions regarding women make perfect sense in this light
(1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5).
Precisely the same is true for all men (Titus 2:2, 6; 1 Timothy 2:8)
But while we recognise are called to be rich in good works, we do not rely in the slightest upon our works of righteousness knowing that these flow from faith and love to our saviour and merit nothing before God (Philippians 3:9)
@@edisonchin2463yur premise is faulty & yur analysis is inaccurate!…u don’t have a relationship w/ a “boyfriend” or being if he never shows up!…1st chk yur relationship problem/ problems!…2nd you have no relationship w/ him to criticize him!…3rd u chose not to hav a relationship w/ him…so u agreed to being separate from him…hence the result!
Oftentimes, it's easy to do right to people "out there" than it is to be kind to those who live with you and see you behind closed doors.
I beilive it is the mundane everyday acts that truly show where our heart is. Who you truly are behind closed doors is who you truly are.
Amen.
Our hearts are desperately evil. Good works do nothing to fix that. We are born fallen. The only way is to turn to Christ and accept His free (to us) gift of grace and be born again. Thanks again, Melissa, for another great video. Looking forward to that Mary Kay, Amway, etc. vid. you mentioned.
You can't buy your way into heaven or pay your way out of hell.
It is the nature of being a spirit in a physical body to focus on the wants and needs of that physical body. If we are awake for 16 hours per day and sleep the other 8, we probably spend over 15 of those waking hours primarily being aware of what that physical body is telling us- I'm hungry, thirsty, anxious to get out of this uncomfortable chair, etc. etc. etc.
God is not in a mortal physical body. He isn't constantly thinking of what is going on with Himself. He focused on what is happening with us. So for us to be even a little more like he is means focusing outside ourselves to a dramatically higher degree, which is unnatural and, at first, difficult for the people I've talked to on the subject.
It does seem to come more easily to people that have little- less to give up. Perhaps this is why the poor, not the rich, inherit the kingdom of God.
We can’t even turn! We must first hear the Word, then God gives us faith in order to respond positively to the gospel and accept it. It’s God who raises the spiritually dead, not ourselves.
@@rickw.7923you never know... There might be an invisible man watching as you poop.
It'll be out very soon!
I remember reading about a church opening a free loundry fr the community. It made me realize there are so many ways to help beyond just giving food or money. But faith goes first, and at the end, if you are a true believer good works will be inspired.
It's not that works aren't important or without impact. But works apart from Christ are worthless in the surpassing view of eternity relative to good works done to glorify God. I must do good things not to gain salvation or to make myself feel better, but to glorify God and point others to the Son.
And because you’re at free to do them because you know that it’s aligned with your new life. The reason we seek to stop sinning isn’t because we can actually be sinless now but because by needing Christ, we admit that sin brings death and that we no longer want to be part of it.
Amen! HALLELUYAH to Almighty Abba and His Worthy Lamb and His Holy Spirit!!!!
“Love each other as I loved you”. That is the new standard.
nothing is new under the sun
I love that verse...and yes it was a summery of the old testament laws 😊 @prudentpenny
Thanks for this, Melissa. Self-righteousness (and its frequent companion, self-pity) is the most difficult obstacle to the gospel. We really need God to humble us and those we seek to convert.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
I was in a church like this. They believed only in helping in their own church. No evangelizing etc. Got out there.... Great message Melissa.
I love the analogy you gave about jumping to Jupiter. And the ground is depravity... I don't think you mentioned it, but no matter how many times we jump, and no matter how high we jump, we always end up right back on the ground... Right back in our depravity... Unable to maintain the sinlessness required to meet Gods standard of goodness.
Amazing comment! ❤
I think that people just naturally gravitate towards achievable things, maybe as a desire for control. I can see how it can be a nice alternative, knowing God' holy standard is unattainable by your own works.Even for me, it's sometimes hard to wrap my head around the unbelievable grace of God with how often I see myself daily fall short.
We are saved by grace, not works❤ that truth is so freeing! And because of His grace, I show my faith by my works. Still learning!
We are justified by our works, so let's not be crazy. Your good works will determine your reward of eternal life. They do matter and they are part of you getting saved.
Paul says one thing, James says another, that's what's great about the bible, you can pick and choose the salvation that suits your lifestyle.
@@becausecontextmatters5260then your hermeneutic is bad
This was something I needed to hear. Sometimes I find myself leaning more on my "good works" than on the God who redeemed me in His Son Jesus Christ.
Thank you for sharing this video, Melissa! God bless
Amen! We cannot be saved without salvation, nor earn our way, we will never be able to bost that it was because of our religious works that covered our sins. Despite pride, there is nothing wrong with working our faith and showing charity. I don't feed the homeless to cover my sin, i don't feed the homeless to look righteous to others, i do it because I love God and the homeless, and i feel this is part of ministry. I know i need salvation, i know i need to repent on many things, i know my own guilt and bitterness towards mankind, my humility is praying Christ will change this in me. Seeing how people struggle opens the eyes to how desperately all of mankind needs Christ, and redemption by true faith.
My cousin in India told me our good works are like a dirty rag to God.
God is Good , we are nothing without Him, and ALL things are possible with Him 🙏✝️
The actual
Interpretation is like menstrual rags.
Spot on. Thank you, Melissa. This is something I have had a hard time putting into words at all. I appreciate you taking the time and trouble to do that.
Melissa makes good God-driven content. Her channel is a real blessing.
my first time to watch...seems to be safe to listen
Thank you for this. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is an excellent example of how apparent "charity" can be an innocuous disguise for self-righteousness and Pride. In short: justification through works. Self worship. And I am definitely running with the "Soteriological vs. Ecclesiastical" contrast 😅!
Melissa....You are so good at thoroughly explaining scripture. I highly respect your teaching. Thank you for your love of God and His Word. It is so valuable to anyone working out their salvation before the Lord returns. xo
My 30 year old self would have really benefited from this. I struggled a LOT with "know them by their love" being either hospitable or being a volunteer. To many people, "showing" love is equated to seeing love acted out so this made sense and still does but it shouldn't be where we stop and "check the box" or feel "safe" in our efforts. "Showing" love can be prayer, it can be discipleship, live as Jesus showed us to, (yes!) respect and love your own family, and of course it *must* include sharing the Gospel-the MOST loving thing we can do...yet not forsaking caring practically for the needs of others. I think churches and Christians need a "both/and" mindset on this weird separation of either service work or more private "showings" of love. Why are we even choosing??
Thank you Melissa. Finally a voice for truth.
Love and appreciate you sister Melissa. Your leadership is so effective.
I was in Titus just yesterday and wrote: Doing good outside of the Will of God is dead works.
Absolutely, but doing good works inside the will of God will lead to eternal life. Because eternal life merited according to our good works.
I took an ethics class in college which talked about this very thing. We were discussing how toddlers get angry and can recognize when something isn't fair...but they weren't taught the idea of fairness yet.
It's only not fair to them because of their own selfish wants
this is what im going through; Melissa, the Lord bless you eternally, we need more people shining like this.
I am not a good person just forgiven. I was once a hopeless sinner and now I am just a sinner with hope. Unfortunately from what I see churches have become self righteous social clubs that look down their noses at the unwashed masses.
Did Jesus die to have you remain a sinner "with hope"? Every sinner has a hope; sadly, many won't accept that gift.
Paul admitted his past but nowhere did he present that as his future.
I'm not just forgiven.
I'm cleansed by the Blood.
I have been reconciled to Him.
I am sanctified toward holiness.
I am justified by Him.
I am in constant regeneration.
I am forever in His debt for saving me from the power of sin.
I have died so He may live within me.
Lastly, I know the Spirit lives within me to glorify Jesus so I may live a holy life and His righteousness..
@@n9wff Good for you.
@@n9wff Well said. Rom.6 teaches that believers have died with Christ, and been raised with Him. it goes on to say that we are dead to sin, and that sin shall not have dominion over us. If we accept these truths by faith we are made stronger. We are still capable of sinning because although we are no longer in the flesh, the flesh is still in us, and will be until we receive our resurrection bodies. However the difference now is that we do not have to sin. The old sinful flesh no longer has any authority over us. We need every day to pray for God's grace that we may walk after the Spirit and have victory when we are faced with temptation.
Like Melissa?
This provokes a lot of deep thinking and praying. Thank you.
Titus 3,8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men". 😊
We are so corrupted we don’t even know God’s definition of good works. According to Pew 52% percent of US Protestants think good works are required for heaven. We are seeing the fruit of the generation who didn’t realize the Beatles were invading with the British Raj cultural exchange-Karma system for all, including the Church.
Titus 3:8 is surround by the subject of doctrine. Keeping good works = keeping correct doctrine. Verse [5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done. It is not what we do as much as what doctrine we espouse.
Melissa, thank you, your clips is helping me a lot. God bless
"Jumping to Jupiter" - I think you just inadvertently created a book title. Or maybe a band name.
I like that as a band name. 😁 My brother, Jacob, may he rest in piece, made up a good one too! "Spoon Bender and the Potentials" (Matrix reference). I would love to see it used! ❤
Excellent teaching Melissa! Love the Lord your God with all your heart,soul and mind. Yes! Ray Comfort has an awesome youtube - LIVING WATERS
Great video! These are great points.
A good thing to mention also is that Christians are supposed to give without anyone knowing whereas many unbelievers gloat about charity works.
Also, good works are much more than charity and stuff like that.
Your videos are excellent, dear Sister. May our sovereign Creator, Savior, and King bless you and your family!!
Jumping to jupiter, that's a great analogy, ill be using that when I minister to others
Im really starting to like your message Melissa! I sent this to my daughter and asked her to listen to your messages! Be filled with the love of Christ, stay humble and may God our Father bless you and your Ministry! In Jesus of Nazareth, our Messiahs' name, Amen🙏
You are so intelligent and articulate and led by God’s word and his Holy Spirit. Add that to your absolute beauty and adorable way of communicating. It’s a win-win and I know your husband‘s a blessed man he has the total package in you! Blessings to your family
Well said Melissa! Glory to God for what He has done in your heart and Ray Comfort's heart for proclaiming His truth
Melissa, exactly. People (Christians included) have no idea of just how ungodly we actually are. We are not good. God see's every secret thing about us and every desire of our heart. We are saved by grace and we need that every moment of every day.
Very good presentation. Yes, it is often difficult telling those doing good" and those performing a task for the glory of God. Be a blessing.
What a good topic
Good theology, Thankyou.
Jupiter Analogy! Very nice work on this - good way to explain this idea of our goodness standards vs. God's
Ps. AMEN. The moral LAW!!! A GIFT from God ❤
Thanks for sharing this message! This is the third day in a row the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector has popped up in front of me ❤ It's so good, so humbling to think about how good we are not, how much we need Christ.
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾
His grace and mercy be upon you and your loved ones 🕊️🥛🍯
The work is us loving others and sacrifice of self creating blessings from the Lord Jesus Christ which can cancel out sin in a number of ways. On top of obedience to the word of God.🎉❤
Very well explained!!!🌸
Christians are called to practice authentic charity not social work.
although social work is helpful still
@@LanguageBLOX1_Alt Sorry no. Jesus does not call us to be social workers.
@@HerefortheLove I’ll tell you what it’s not. It’s not supporting people in perverted lifestyles and turning a blind eye to people who steal from stores. If you have to ask the question, maybe you need to spend more time in bible study and prayer?
@@stevensonrf I also know that Jesus tells us in Matthew to not call anyone Father on earth because there is ONE father. You might also want to read and study your Bible more because you look like you allow people to call you father. Matt 23:8-12
@@HerefortheLove “in your religion”? Apparently it’s not the Christian religion.🤣
This idea of doing ''good works'' , even by those who go to church, is the point of Matthew 7: 20-23 They were "good people, doing good works", yet failed to come to a place of belief , fully recognizing the life of Who Jesus is, what the Cross means, and that the sin of ''unbelief'' of who Jesus is, trusting in His work on the Cross, to be the propitiation for their sins.. There can be no reliance on ones goodness or good works for entrance into the Kingdom. The 2nd criminal on a cross next to Jesus, expressed repentance, & belief in Christ.
Truth, Works without Faith is nothing.
SO GOOD!! Thank you for articulating this so well!
A few weeks ago, my pastor said that this idea that people are basically good is only popular in societies and cultures that have never experienced the wrath of an oppressive government. Those that have, know how ludicrous such an idea is.
Melissa,
You are so right on and why the church is in general weak.
I do think at times your new age concerns affect your take on some scriptures like " calling those things as if they are." Yes we have the power of the tongue given to us by God to proclaim things.
Regardless, you are a treat to listen to.
Your Jupiter analogy is genuinely what changed my life. Until then, I never understood Jesus's sacrifice or why we needed him. Hearing your first video about this made it all click: God's standards, our innate sense of justice we were given as images of Him, the fact that nomatter how good I think I am I will never come close to God's goodness.
Prevenient grace.
Job was corrected about this issue, we are not all knowing, we are absolute beginners 😊
Love the reminder at the end. It’s easier to do a “good” work than to keep yourself pure. Beautiful.
And like you said good is an opinion. The man handing a homeless person $ may think he is doing a good work…. But what if he is just feeding the man’s addiction….. is that then good.
A lot of pastors in Germany in Hitler’s time thought they were doing a good work listening to those in authority and sat back while tons of Jews died….
God does in fact look at the heart.
Which is both beautiful and terrifying 😏
This is so good, Ty
Spot on video Melissa. Very well explained ❤
Nobody is good but God. Even we were dead in our dins Christ died for us - we are daved by grace.
Well said Melissa!! Thank you!❤
I’m 75 years old and I’ve wrestled with this. My take away is that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Man has been taken to mean all people are our brothers. I think Scripture is saying we help our brothers and sisters in Christ first, but we do good to all men but don’t become enablers. We live in a broken world and it is needy, but unfortunately people don’t see their need for righteousness to stand before a holy God. How do we discern to what organizations to give?
Indulgences? .... just saying,
Much food for thought! Many thanks,
Luke 10:27-28 NKJV - So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
Very well said my sister god bless, love you.
I've considered these questions as well. I'm wondering if we consider our kindness as light. Many Christians seem to think that. I'm 71, been a Christian since I was a kid. When I was 50, I started asking myself, "Do I truly understand who God is?" I started from scratch. I knew Jesus said ," if you've seen me, you've seen the Father." I started from there. Wow, it changed everything. God was revealed fully by his son.
God desires that people from all walks of life would seek Him and come to Him. So He does not put up needless barriers to make it difficult. But sometimes, we do. And in doing so, we turn people away from the God who invites them in. Let us be people that welcome others as they are so that Jesus can do His transformative work in their lives.
Love the way you explain this
Moral fortitude is one of the only characteristic traits that make any human “good”
If you can’t admit when you are wrong and acknowledge it by speaking up you aren’t good!
We all make mistakes and if you can’t own your mistakes you are not good.
Owning your mistakes means making up for them making the mistake mended. If you don’t mend a mistake it becomes a failure.
Failures are just mistakes that have never been mended.
Sadly we live in a time where parents failed to raise their children with moral fortitude so only few possess the trait.
Beautiful!
Good goes both ways too. Many times if someone wants to do good other side don't follow same back.
I found the reverse to be true, some claim to love God, but don’t show it to their neighbours or fellow Christians. and we know what scripture says on that note.
God called his creation good, and we're part of his creation, made in his image.
Mark (Mrk) 10:18 CJB
[18] Yeshua said to him, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good except God!
We started off as a good creation but were separated from God our creator by our sinful nature. We are all sinful.
Narcissists have the greatest conspicuous works of everyone. But inwardly they’re envious, vindictive, spiteful and cruel. They do that stuff in private, which is why nobody ever believes their victims.
the example you gave of person with boots of ground. You totally described someone I know. I would like to categorize these types as narcissists, something prevalent in our culture
Yes. READ THE TORAH. Shabbat Shalom
David Pawson says that we not only have to repent for the bad we've done but also for the....GOOD we've done. This "language" can really trip people up, but Melissa explains this notion very well.
If someone does good for the sake of being good or for themselves, whether selfishly or whatever, they will end up empty and agrry. Eventually their human nature will surface, especially if the receivers arent grateful enough or they receive no praise or reward. Eventually it will catch up with them and they will be angry and bitter. If good is done in the name of Christ, for the sake of God, because of his joy and your gratefulness, then it brings love, life, forgiveness, happiness, etc.
I love your jumping to Jupiter example!
Totally agree with Melissa! You don't need God, or church, to be good. In fact, you don't need either of them at all. However, it seems that God ened people to tell him how great he is.
We are saved by grace...not works
The Christian Gospel VS. The RCC
yes we are saved by grace but we are also called to do good works.
Titus 2:14
1 Timothy 6:18
Hebrews 10:24
Etc…
So yes good works won’t save us but they are part of the sanctification process
It goes like this . We are saved by grace through faith but once saved we love Lord Jesus and being changed we start doing good deeds It's a change of heart.
Faith without works is dead.
@@muppetonmeds "Your works are filthy rags unto the Lord" [w/ regards to salvation].
How are you saved, "Muppet"?
Love your videos. Thank you.
Thank you Melissa
I LOVE YOU!
For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
And all of us wither like a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
- Isaiah 64:6
I’m reminded of a comment by R.C. Sproul. Not a direct quote, but he said something to the effect of: if God is standing at one end of a line and you, without the salvation of Jesus Christ, are standing at the other, H*tler is standing right next to you, in terms of righteousness.
"The trouble is we don't know who we are instead."
It's why when good things happen to bad people we have to downplay it. It's why we don't want stories where evil doesn't recieve justice. (just look at It's a Wonderful Life) It's why the Pharisees looked down on others and thought so highly of themselves.
"If the Savior’s example carries no practical influences to our hearts, we are lost to the most tender sympathies of our nature....to be happy with him where he is, we must be on earth what he was. We must be, like him, steadfast to the cause of truth and piety, however unsupported and opposed- we must manifest unshaken friendship to mankind, though requited by their enmity- and adore the goodness of God, notwithstanding clouds and darkness surround his throne.- Let us prepare for sufferings; and when we enter our garden of Gethsemane, let our heartfelt prayer be, Father, not as I will, but as you will." - Charles Brooks
Misquoted and applied John 13:35 - “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Love for one another as Christ followers is the focus of this verse.
There is some key concepts to consider in this question. First, as was stated, Romans 1 explains the problem is idolatry versus worship of the true God. Idolatry is the ground for sin, whether worship of self or another different than the God of the bible.
As was also discussed implicitly is what makes something or someone good and how good is good enough to qualify being good.
Third, as has often been said, Jesus did not come to make bad people good (although this will be the byproduct) but to make dead people alive. Because we are dead in our sins, Christ came and conquered sin and death.
Fourth, Jesus taught that apart from Him we can do nothing. This proclaims that eternal living is a cooperative relationship involving our faith and God's power through His Spirit that produces eternal living in us (Galatians 5).
So true, I'm in total agreement with everything said here. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus but I am no member of a church building. I'm not knocking it but I come together with them here and there. Blessings in Christ Jesus Amen 🙏.
I’m a lot more blunt than this. I tell people that until (as you said) die to yourself and live for Christ, your good works are shallow. You will be judged on your faith. End of. I learned bluntness while working as a corrections officer.
I'm finding the first command, love God with all heart, soul, mind and strength to be as difficult as a jump to Jupiter. In fact I don't even know what that looks like, or loving another "as yourself".
I've been a Christian for nearly 20 years and ill never tire of hearing someone else share that God's standard is like jumping to Jupiter. Good points Melissa that if good works saved then all religions would be correct. I liked how c.s Lewis put it too. He said something along the lines of its not about doing good, but doing good the way God wants it done. Let's say you gave 500$ to the homeless but orphans needed it more? How does one decide to do good and to whom without the spirit of God and not know that it's their own bias?
The Church is like a 3-legged stool. We need good works of charity, the Gospel of discipleship, and sound theological teaching. Like St. Paul said, "Faith (theology), Hope (discipleship), and Love (charity), these three, but the greatest of these is Love." The Church needs the works of charity because it is the message to the world, but without the other two, it cannot stand. When you have all three, the Church is revealing the Kingdom in all its glory.
In the words of Saint Paul:
"Moreover, brothers, I
declare unto you the Gospel,
which I preached unto you,
which also you have received,
and wherein you stand;
By which also you are being
saved,
IF you HOLD FAST
what I preached unto you,
UNLESS you have believed
IN VAIN."
(1 Corinthians 15:1, 2)