So we build these churches and join in these congregations that say good things and do good works. As we hear these good things and do these good works and our churches become more successful and full of people, two very curious things happen – we forget why we are doing them; and we believe that we are saved because the church and the people are so awesome. Do not be fooled… NONE of our works are counted as righteousness and NOTHING nice that we can do for another person counts toward our salvation. As the scripture teaches, “People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” The things that we do as individuals and as churches do not lead us TO salvation – they should be a result OF our salvation… the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us.