Someone asked Jesus the question, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” To that he answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28–29). It is in this work that we can perform good works. The Westminster Confession states, 

These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith, and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life (XVI, 2-10).

In his commentary on Philippians, James M. Boice observes, “We are to act in light and wonder of ‘so great a salvation.’ Good doctrine always leads to practical Christianity. Because God has already entered your life you have his power at work within you. As God works in you, work out your salvation by expressing it in action” (Philippians 2:12–13). 

ACTS Ministries provides opportunities for Tenth Church to express its faith in action. These opportunities bring us beside people in need. Conveniently, most ministries of ACTS occur on Sunday—right after morning worship or just before evening worship. By establishing his sabbath God provides us with the time and space to share our faith in the Lord Jesus and to show his love and concern for others. According to the Westminster Confession, “This Sabbath is to be kept holy unto the Lord when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works . . . but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy” (XXI, 7-8). 

ACTS mercy ministries uses a three-fold model of becoming involved, establishing relationships, and offering hope. One example of this model can be seen in an incident at our nursing home ministry. One resident had great difficulty getting dressed and was unable to attend the ACTS worship service. She managed to call out to the worship leader after the service was over and explained why she had missed the worship service when he came into her room. When she asked what he preached about he gave his entire sermon on “salvation in Christ.” Immediately afterward she prayed to receive Christ as her Savior. That evening she passed away into eternal life and joy. The leader was involved in the ministry, had established a relationship and offered the hope of Christ to another person.

Is your gift evangelism? God can use that gift in ACTS Ministries. Can you help someone read the Bible? Can you cook or serve food? God can use you. Do you have musical gifts? God can use your vocal or instrumental gifts. Can you lead a Bible study? God can use that gift, too. The fact is you can be involved. You can serve two hours a week, one hour a month, even one half hour a month. Our sovereign God will bring the increase. What matters is that you serve. 

Dr. Boice writes, “We are not justified by works. If we are trying to be justified by works, we are not Christians. But neither can we claim to be Christians if we do not have works” (Matthew 25:14–30). “Surely, we are missing the boat if Sunday is not a day of spiritual refreshment [and] evangelistic opportunity” (Romans 14:5–6).

To get on board, contact David Apple.