THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The children in 4th grade had some "visitors" to class who were dressed like characters from the past.
One child asked Abe Lincoln, "What's your address?" He answered, "My Gettysburg address is 'Fourscore and seven years ago.'"
Ben Franklin was asked, "What do you SAY?"
He answered, "A stitch in time saves nine. Silence is golden. Haste makes waste. A watched pot never boils."
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Titus 3:8
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
KJV
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A "saying" that is faithful, means that it endures time.
In the text above, Paul says that there are two things which endure time. One is that people who believe in God should be doing "good works."
In fact, Paul says, that we should "maintain good works." To me that means to constantly be planning and doing things that are of God. There are no "good works" outside of servantship to Christ!
Some "good works" are: praying, studying the Bible, worshipping God, attending church and serving there, and telling other people about Jesus.
Notice the second thing Paul says, "...These things are GOOD and PROFITABLE to men." In other words, doing those things that are of Christ will help the world around us.
In comparison to the majority of the world, a person can be a "good ole boy," and never do "good works!" There are many fine upstanding citizens of the world who don't gossip, steal, intentionally hurt others, etc.
But comparing ourselves to the world is not the right comparison.
Jesus said people would be judged and then rewarded according to their WORKS (Matthew 16:27). Whether those "works" have been FOR Christ or not will determine if they are "good works."
The person who does "good works" will be "constantly" involved in the things that are pertinent to the Kingdom of Christ. And THAT'S what's "profitable" to the world for our Lord.
The reward of those "good works" will endure time AND eternity!
Love ya,
Bruce