If our Christianity does not produce a life of obedience, then it's worthless. Our faith is a sham. Great saints do and teach Christ's words.

First, if we're not witnessing the gospel, then there's no reason to claim Christ. Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.” If we don't live for Christ, then we are good for nothing. He did not save us for ourselves. We are bought to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 — "for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." This is the unwavering result of grace. We can't claim Christ, unless he is everything. There's no cheap saving faith.

The gospel is a radical departure from the world. It's a life of following Jesus, though it costs us. Luke 14:28 - "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Do you have this life, or is your testimony false? Are you in Christ, or a stranger to his work? The faith of God's elect is unto godliness and zeal. It's deliverance from sin. Don't separate free justification from diligent service: They go together. Abraham was justified by faith, and also by works. James 2:24 - "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." He believed God and was counted righteous, without works. He also offered up Isaac, because his faith was real. God given faith produces good works. It's not just talk.

Secondly, our light is to shine before others. Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” People are to see our good works. They are to see us serving, and then serve themselves. They're to believe, because of what they see in us!

This high calling is thrilling, challenging, and filled with grace. God's throne of mercy is designed to give us this good thing! Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This is the principle concern of prayer: Nothing is more important than honoring God with our lives. Nothing is more blessed than living for Christ to be known!

The goodness of God gives meaning to our lives. He gives us purpose. No longer live for self, and your joy will be full. John 15:11 — "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The Spirit will meet you. Grace will come with power. We'll be in the will of God, and see that it's satisfying [Rom 12:2]. The contentment we've craved is here!

Thirdly, to be called great, we must obey and teach others. Matthew 5:19, “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Ours is not to minimize God's word, so we can be “nice.” It's not to do and yet be silent, like a self absorbed monk on a mountain. It's not to teach, while living in sin! Put faith and love together. Do good works: Diligently obey, and help others see. Minimize nothing! Maximize the commands and lift others up. Never say, “We're saved by grace, so obedience is unimportant.” Never be turned from zeal!

This is the life of Christ: He walked by faith and obedience. Acts 1:1 — "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach," This is what life is about. Trust God to work inside you.

Finally, we'll never enter heaven, unless our obedience is real! Matthew 5:20, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” We cannot be saved by a fruitless faith. We cannot be justified and deny good works. Titus 3:8 - "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people." There's no salvation apart from faith that works by love. Galatians 5:6 — "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” It's all a sham, unless we obey!

The gospel is God transforming us from death to life. It's awakening and reviving. It's deliverance from sin, and transport into another kingdom. Colossians 1:13 — "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son," It's darkness becoming light. Ephesians 5:8 — "for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light"

Let the gospel clothe you, and put on Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14 — "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Use God’s power. Believe the gospel in its life changing character. Take Christ for real!