The Tests Of True Religion

Unfortunately, I wasn't there for the sermon yesterday at church. You're probably going to ask why I bother doing this if i didn't hear it. If so; that is one very hard question. I'm going to state what I see in this passage. But I do have the notes from yesterday. I can on a very little percentage use of that. I have the reference.


James 1:26 - 2:7: "26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?"


Okay, wow. That is one long reference. If you look at the first verse, you notice that the True Christian Religion Bridles The Tongue. This is a hard thing to do. Last night was weird. I had this dream of a man with a horse riding down a hill side. The tongue is a dangerous thing. It can get you in to a lot of trouble. In the same way, it is like trying to control a wild horse or a wild fire. Just when you think you have it down; that little spark or call can set it off. "Matthew 15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."


Pure and undefiled religion in front of god is:" to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. " In other words I believe is caring for orphans and widows in this world and fighting to keep from the wants in this world. God is a defender of the weak and opressed.


Do not hold partiality, or favoritism. God has chose those who are poor, weak and neglected to be the strongest in faith. And, in this world it is easy, SO EASY in fact, that the most rich are the quickest to go down in the world because of one important matter: Rich people normally look at themselves. Poor people do too, but they're not arrogant. They're just very needy. The poor may be weak, and easy to take down, but; they are the strongest at heart. Keep that in mind.

Leemac Over 'n Out