Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 1

[femionas]

My response to Ben.

Here are some additional things to consider about good works and witnessing:
The authority to witness comes from Jesus Christ himself. Mathew 28:19 -20 says, that Jesus gives the authority to witness. The Holy Spirit gives the power and boldness to witness and the willingness to witness is a personal decision. Furthermore, when the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, he prompts us to do things that glorify God. John 14:26. Our desire to please God grows as our understanding of him grows, and that desire to please God results in good works.
In another analogy, God wants to produce fruits in our lives, Galatians 5:22 – 23 He is he vine dresser, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. The branches are naturally attached to the vine. From the vine, they get support and the ability to produce fruit. Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches, if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit John 15:5. This is the purpose of the vineyard – to produce “much fruit” Good works follow salvation. So bearing in mind that, we are not saved by good works (Ephesians 2:8 -9} but when we are saved, we should produce good works that will glorify our Father in heaven.