15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16) and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (James 2:15-16; NKJV)    

   There is power in words.  We are told to watch our words (James 3).  The Bible teaches that the power of life and death is in the tongue (Prov 18:21). In a larger sense,people are saved from their sins because they have heeded God's Word (James 1:21). Much of what we are to do as Christians consist of preaching and teaching the word of God to those around us (Mark 16:15-16).  The word of God is indeed sharp and able to penetrate the deepest parts of man (Heb 4:12).  I want to make it clear that I believe in the power of God's Word!  There are times that people need more than to hear words of love, they need acts of love.

     In our text listed above, James instructed the early church about the importance of having faith and the resulting acts produced by that faith.  In other words, James talked about the importance of having faith and works.  There are many who believe that since we are saved by grace through faith instead of works that we don't have to have any works.  James' teaching clearly contradicts that belief.  He even goes as far as to say that faith without works is a dead faith!  The remainder of that chapter is essential reading if one is to understand how faith and works go together in the life of the Christian. 

      Verses 15 and 16 are especially relevant for us today in consideration of our SPECIAL OFFERING.  James created a scenario that centered on a brother or sister being naked and destitute of daily food and one of us only saying nice things to them but failing to  address their physical needs.  He rhetorically asked, "What does it profit"? The implication is that the kind words alone were useless unless they were accompanied by action.
         
     Last week we learned that Haiti suffered a 7.0 earthquake followed by another one this week that was over 6.0  Many Haitians have lost everything.  Many of them are literally "naked and destitute of daily food".  Many have only clothes on their back.  We are having a SPECIAL OFFERING TODAY on their behalf.  We also have listed (in right-hand column of today's bulletin) organizations that were featured in the Christian Chronicle where monies etc....can be sent for this cause.

     Please remember that well wishes, kind thoughts, and even prayers are needed and will be needed for awhile.  Those organizations coordinating the relief efforts need our financial support.  In addition to our support of this work, in Olney we are asking that we all might find it in our hearts to give something to this most worthy cause based on our own capabilities.  Consider the words of the Apostle Paul:  12) For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he  does not have.  13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14) but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance may supply your lack - that there may be equality.  15) As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."  2 Corinth. 8:12-15 (NKJV)
   
    Bro. Eli