"We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified....I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galations 2:16,21)

If getting closer to God was based on the things we do, we may as well start building a ladder to heaven while we're at it! Many people think of the Old Testament as representing God in His mercy, while the New Testament represents His grace. That grace is what He has been aching to share all along! Mercy is what embraces that prodigal son when he is covered in filth, but grace is what throws the extravagant party that was perfectly unmerited. God wants to shower us with heavenly gifts with heaven constantly, but I think if we are asking from only our perspective, our gains are limited. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and faith is prayer in motion! Clean our hearts Father, and let Jesus reign supreme. I just got done watching a great Sid Roth video, something which may be hard for many of you to swallow, but if you are in the mood to 'stretch your spiritual boundaries', check this out!

http://www.sidroth.org/site/News2?abbr=tv_&page=NewsArticle&id=7173&security=1041&news_iv_ctrl=-1