Pastor Lawton's Sermon

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May 23, 2010 -

"Religion Isn’t a Bad Word"

Sermon Outline

Religion Isn’t a Bad Word
James 1:19-27 (p.854)

Religion

1. Worship of a god
2. Acts of worship – rituals
3. Religion & Relationship
1. Are compatible

A 2005 poll, conducted by Newsweek and Beliefnet, asked, "Why do you practice religion?"
To forge a personal relationship with God—39 percent
Jerry Adler, "Special Report: Spirituality," Newsweek (9-5-05), p. 48; submitted by Kevin A. Miller, Carol Stream, Illinois.
               
The Negatives

1. Religion
1. Self-centered
1. Not in love with God but ourselves
2. Rituals for the sake of rituals (Hosea 6:6)
1. No obedience, honor, and loyalty
3. As a means to salvation it will fail us
1. Legalistic
2. Empty
2. Relationship
1. We are unfaithful
2. Self-centered
3. Abusive
4. Superficial

Faith & Obedience

1. Faith must be evident in the way we live (James 2:14 – 17)

1. Obedience must come with salvation
1. Different than empty rituals      
2. Obedience is a fruit (v.20)
1. The result of receiving Christ     

Right Expressions of Faith

1. Control of the Tongue (v.26)
1. Do not use words to destroy
2. A common area of hypocrisy (James 3:9-10)
3. Can have a great impact with words of encouragement and edification
2. Pure Religion (v.27)
1. 100%
2. No contaminates or impurities
3. Social Concerns
1. The need is great
2. Our responsibility
4. Moral Behavior
1. Our values and beliefs  and actions should not be polluted by the world
2. What pleases God
3. Imitating God (Christlikeness)

It’s okay to stick out when we are practicing “pure religion”, in fact it’s expected.

Going Deeper

1. What behavior in your life, might be inconsistent with your faith?  Why do you think this inconsistency is wrong?

1. Read the book of James this week and reflect on how our words and actions should reflect our faith.  As you read the book what other actions or lack of action does James identify as inconsistent with faith?

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