AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY
Part 1 – Real or Fake?
James 1:26-27
April 19, 2020
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor
INTRODUCTION
A. There is a difference between real religion, which is supernatural, and false religion, which is superficial.
B. James 1:26-27 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
C. We are saved ONLY by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
D. Titus 3:5 God saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
1. WE KNOW THAT OUR CHRISTIANITY IS FOR REAL BY HOW WELL WE CONTROL OUR TONGUE. (James 1:26)
A. James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
B. Matthew 12:34 For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
C. Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
D. James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
2. WE KNOW OUR CHRISTIANITY IS FOR REAL BY HOW MUCH WE CARE FOR OTHERS IN NEED. (James 1:27)
A. James 1:27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress…
B. Psalm 68:5 A Father to the fatherless, a Defender of widows, is God in His Holy dwelling.
C. The orphans represent those who need protection; the widows represent those who need provision.
D. When we care for others in need we care for Jesus.
Matthew 25:40 Inasmuch as you did to one of the least of these My brothers (and sisters), you did it for Me.
E. 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
F. Our willingness to love and help those who are hurting, no matter who they are, is an evidence that our Christianity is for real.
G. When a person is being responsible as a worker and with their money and still needs our help, the test of our Christianity is whether we are willing to help.
H. We have developed a special team of leaders made up of both pastors and volunteer leaders who are overseeing Sugar Creek Baptist Church’s help for those who are members and regular attendees who have lost their jobs with this pandemic. We can’t help everyone, but we can help our own. We don’t have a ton of money, but we want to help in every way we can. If you have lost your job, go to our church’s website and read the qualifications and process for application this team of church leaders has created to help our church help you. We will abide by the team’s qualifications and process for application.
3. I KNOW MY CHRISTIANITY IS FOR REAL BY HOW PURELY I LIVE MY LIFE. (James 1:27)
A. James 1:27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
B. The verse is talking about being different from the world.
C. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 Therefore you come out from them and be separate, says the Lord…”