STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST

SERMON MENU SELECTIONS

4/20/2008 ~ Pure Religion


Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:
to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and ... ~ James 1:27

Are you a Christian because you go to church
~ or because you feel it in your he♥rt?

How does one weed out the falsehoods?
Some people think Christianity is hypocrisy
→ for those who continue sinning within its’ ranks.
- We need to be victorious for God.

... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? ...
~ James 4:1-4

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when has been approved, he
will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised ... ~ James 1:12-14

God asks us to battle with our own sin.
~ People sin because it’s fun.

... choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God
than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, ... ~ Hebrews 11:24-26
     └─> Moses chose God over earthly pleasures.

God has to become our greatest joy.
We must pray God our desires give us contentment
over seeking self-satisfaction and fleeting pleasures.

... when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full-grown, brings forth death. ~ James 1:15

... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance ... ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
                        └─> Often easier said than done.

Let us not bring shame to our Lord.
We should not let routine sin in our lives
so as to accept it as something normal.

... speaking lies in hypocricy, having their own conscience seared
with a hot iron ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-3

... pray. Is there anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone
among you sick? Let him call for the elders ... ~ James 5:13-14

Repent.
God has made one boat for salvation.
Those that will not help themselves or ask for it are undeserving.
Don't jump ship.

... reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we
would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. ~ 1st Corinthians 11:28-31

Many look to outward signs to find their religious value.
Evil spirits and miracles are not here today as in the first century.

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.
~ Proverbs 14:30

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. ...
~ James 5:15

Address your sin; call on an elder so you may have fellowship with God.

┌─> One man for God means much.        
... And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain,
and the earth produced its fruit. ~ James 5:16-18

Pray against sin, it works.

Religious Values of the Bible

 ~ AGAINST ~
?
or
~ FOR ~

 		?

... and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. ~ James 1:27

God wants us to care about His needs.

... inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me. ... ~ Matthew 25:31-46
└─> The litmus test.                    

~ Do you love those I asked you to care for?
→ Adopt people in need.

... be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ...
~ James 1:21-24

More than just hearing.

... into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful
hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed ... ~ James 1:25

Do what you read in action.

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue
but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. ~ James 1:26

Not part of religion or God’s church if you have no self control.

... For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. ~ James 2:10-13

For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26

Without mercy, you have no religion.



 

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