Christ “great commission” was to preach the good news of the kingdom not the good news of the soup kitchen. Disciples were to be made not “bread Christians”.
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus showed that praying for our physical needs was proper but not the first priority or second or even third.
So the works of charity are fine but they are not a substitute for disciple making and cannot overshadow it.
Like the good tree's good fruitage was evidence of what the tree was so what we do or produce is evidence of the faith we already have as Paul cites examples in Hebrews chapter 11 by saying, “by faith” this was done, some act took place.
In fact vs. 6 says “without faith its impossible to please God”.
“And of course Rome teaches salvation by good works. We've heard for days now that Mother Teresa was saved by her good works and her charity despite the fact that she admitted she had no faith in Christ.”
Sad if true.
Sadder if knowingly false.
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus showed that praying for our physical needs was proper but not the first priority or second or even third.
So the works of charity are fine but they are not a substitute for disciple making and cannot overshadow it.
AMEN!