Yes, but it more than that. I was not truly blessed until I submitted to my Lord through works. No they may not be necessary for salvation but I believe you cannot truly know God till you submit completely to him and reach out to his lost children. Also the verses I quoted make it impossible for me not to "carry the cross" with him.
A lot of the posts have failed to address the verses.
Thanks again for your post.
Great verses you have chosen. It seems like many churches encourage a collective relationship with God. True faith means having a personal relatiomship with the Lord.
No they may not be necessary for salvation but I believe you cannot truly know God till you submit completely to him and reach out to his lost childrenI don't believe they are. As far as the second part is concerned:
1Corinthians 12:27-30
12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
12:29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?
12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?