It is not enough just to hear the Word of God. Something needs to be done about it. It is folly to suppose that one’s responsibility to God has been discharged when he has gone to church and lis tened to the Word preached. The thing that counts is the response that the hearer makes to God’s message (v. 22). Verses 26 and 27 show some of the outworkings of true Christianity. The Christian life is practical. It expresses the vitality of its faith through works that are in harmony with its life (2:14-17). The fruit tree ought to bear fruit. It will bear fruit answering to the nature of the tree unless hindering influences interfere. So in the Christian life faith and works are expected to dwell together. Man is justified by« faith, but the justified man works. There is a connection here that dare not be severed. Growth Through Exemplification 1 John 3:16-18 If the Christian would grow he ought to follow the example of his Lord in the matter of self-forgetting and learn to live for others. In doing this spiritual maturity will soon be in evidence. Helps for the Children Growing By Helping James 2:14-17; 1 John 3 :1 7 ,1 8 Memory Verse: "By love serve one an other" (Gal. 5:13b). God’s Word frequently reminds Chris tians that there must be more to their Christian life than faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. James says: “ Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Those who profess to know Christ as Saviour cannot close their eyes to the needs of those around them. They must willingly and lovingly work for Him each day. Their time and money and talents should be wholly His to use as He desires. They will help the poor, care for the sick and aid in any time of ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “ Our heavenly Father never takes anything from His children unless he means to give them something better.” 4—G eorge M ueller ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ need. Each time that they help others they will find that they are growing in their spiritual life. Those who speak of their love for the Lord Jesus and do nothing to help those who are in need do not truly have God’s love dwelling within them. Perhaps your family or your Sunday school class knows of an individual or a family in need of money or food or cloth ing. By aiding in the time of need you may have an opportunity to tell them of the Lord Jesus who can supply every need. Any aid that you give should be done in the Saviour’s name and be used as a way of talking about Him to others. If those whom you aid see the love of the Lord Jesus in your actions, they will have a desire to know Him as Saviour too. You will discover the joy of serving your Lord in small ways, and you will find yourself growing more like Him as you obey His commandment: “by love serve one another.” END.
The name of our organization describes our program. The prayerful support of Christian friends enables us to take spiritual and material help to needy, heart- hungry Jews in this and other lands. PRAY FOR US. The Friends of Israel Missionary and Relief Society, Inc. 728 K W I T H E R S P O O N B U I L D I N G , P H I L A D E L P H I A 7 , P A . CBMC Christian Business Men's Committee **.An evangelistic program that appeals to active Christian laymen”
Plan now to attend weekly ' meetings in your locality . . . Prepare for the Inter national Convention: Bilt- more Hotel, Los Angeles, this October.
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