It’s a debate that is as old as Christianity itself: faith vs. works. The Bible says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him? . . . faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14, 17). But the Bible also says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

I’m not a theologian and certainly can’t solve this age-old question. But I am humbled and surprised to learn how the message in my book has compelled people to put their faith into action.

A pastor in Jacksonville, Florida, called to tell me, “I simply wanted to say ‘thank you’ for reminding me that knowing the gospel, receiving the gospel, telling the gospel, and living out the gospel are inseparable.”

A stay-at-home mom in Pennsylvania was inspired by the book to eat cornmeal for six days in solidarity with the poor and hungry. She blogs about how it made her sick—but also grateful. And instead of birthday presents, her daughter asked party guests for personal hygiene items that she delivered to a local women’s shelter.

A corporate CEO gave the book to every member of management and set a goal to generate $1 million annually by 2013 “to be put to work for the Kingdom of God.”

Wow. These stories are not only an encouragement, but also an affirmation that the gospel itself was born of God’s vision of a changed people, challenging and transforming the prevailing values and practices of our world.

Salvation cannot be separated from service, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). What do you think your faith is calling you to do?