Touchofgrey,
Hi again. I just want you to know that I did read what you wrote and I understand your concern about Paul's letters. However, you dont need to think that way simply because we have a very early church father, Clement of Rome (30-100 AD) who wrote extensively. He knew Paul, Luke and Peter. Paul even mentioned Clement in one of his letters, Phillipians (57 AD). Clement taught justification by faith as Paul did. Justification means righteounsess. They are the same word.
That is not to discount good works. Works come through a person who is saved. It is not forced. As Paul taught, we walk in the works that God prepared for us.That comes after we believe God's grace. We should always care for the sick, help the poor, etc, and when given the opportunity, share the gospel. These things are not forced but a changed heart desires to help. But we are not all teachers. We have varying gifts and faith works through love..
If you want to read Clement you can do so here ccel.org
ok enough hijacking my own thread! I hope that helped to resolve your question about Paul's writings.