Actions Speak Louder than Words

 

I’ve been reading a book for a while now called “Looking for the One.” It was recommended by our pastor and I love the wonderful stories and the format. It has been taking me some time to complete it because it is set up more like a devotional than a book just to read. As I was going through the pages I kept reading about the “Salvation Poem.” Have you heard about this? I guess I am a little embarrassed that I did not know about it. Here it is:

I found there is a group called the Salvation Poem Project. As far as I can tell they have been around for about 14 years. There message is simple and most of their resources are free. They have a song about this poem that is easy to learn and easy to share. Any time we can simplify the message of Salvation, I am all for it. 

As I was reading Acts 16 and 17 this morning, I was thinking about the sinners prayer and this Salvation poem that has been developed. I love it, and the message is good. But, I always want people to know the easy part is saying the words. My question is always, what is the fruit of your faith. 

Your salvation doesn’t rest on what you do. You are completely Saved by Faith alone. But the last two lines of this poem are critical to continue the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

There are three people in these chapters of Acts that absolutely lived out their faith. Lydia, the Jailer, and Jason, all put their own lives on the line to spread the gospel There lives were changed, made new, and they indeed were living life for Jesus.

“She [Lydia] and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. ;If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my home.’ And she urged us until we agreed.” (Acts 16:15)

“Then he [the jailer] brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household. And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds.. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.” (Acts 15:30-34)

“They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council…. The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. So the officials forced Jason and the other believers to post bond, and they released them.” (Acts 17:5b,6, 8-9)

These three devoted followers of Jesus took their confessions of faith and put them into action. They lived their new life for the Kingdom. What about you are your actions louder than your words? Are you living a life in complete submission, being fully devoted to Jesus?