Faith results in good works

James 2: 14-26

v14 Agreement with a set of Christian teachings - is incomplete faith.  True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts.  If our lives remain unchanged, we don't truly believe the truths we claim to believe. 
17 By serving and obeying God, we cannot earn our way into heaven, but such 'works' show that our commitment to God is real.  Works of loving service are not a substitute for, but a verification of our faith in Christ. 
18 While it is true that our good works can never earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good works.  True faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God.
21-24 Belief brings us salvation; active obedience demonstrates that our belief is genuine.
25 Rahab lived in Jericho, a city the Israelites conquered as they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 2).  When Israel's spies came to the city, she hid them and helped them escape.   In this way she demonstrated faith in God's purpose for Israel.  As a result, she and her family were saved with the city was destroyed.  Hebrews 11:31 lists Rahab among the heroes of faith. 

* I had never really thought about works being a result of faith.. Before salvation the message around me was all .. you must do good.. must do more good then bad.. then after Salvation it became, works does not save.. Salvation is only given as a gift.. I had never really thought about how the two were to be combined.. but when you think about it.. It kinda just falls into place.  You have a desire to do good.  I know for myself if I ignore that desire.. the Holy Spirit doesn't allow me to rest.  It just makes perfect sense.