Sunday Sermon

Lifeline of Hope Dave Shaner November 14, 2004

Introduction: Many claim they have religion but the way they live makes you wonder. James gives us a description of what real religion looks like. Do you have religion?

Text: James 1:26-27

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Religion that is pure...

I. ... stresses ______________ _______________.

A. I Peter 1:14-16

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

B. To be holy is to be set apart for God so he can use us.

II. ... cares and addresses the ______________ of others.

A. Helping other people in need is how I keep myself holy.

B. Psalm 68:4-5

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds--his name is the LORD--and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

C. Titus 3:14

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

D. Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

III. ... works in ______________ ways.

A. Christianity is always personal but never private.

B. There are many figures that show the corporate nature of the church. Romans 12; I Corinthians 12; Revelation 1:9; Galatians 6:16; James 1:1; I Peter 1:1

C. James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

IV. ... is ______________ by _____________.

A. Generosity is the nature of God.

B. Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

C. Daily work and tangible good can be seen as spiritual.

V. Lifeline of Hope

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