Pure, Undefiled Religion

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:27

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT-

For a number of years now, there has been much focus on pitching religion against relationship with Jesus. The words "religion" and "religious" will be in this Sunday's text, and one question to ask though is - what is religion? In James, these words refer to public, ceremonious worship. The root of these words mean to wail, clamor, frighten, or trouble.

Read James 1:22-27

Notice verse 26 - the Scripture says - If anyone thinks he is (one thing) - religious and does (something else) not bridle his tongue and deceives his heart, this person's religion (public worship) is worthless. James has just described worthless religion.

Next, in verse 27, James describes religion that is pure and undefiled before God. How does James describe this religion?

For further preparation for Sunday, it will be helpful to read the following passages: James 3:1-12 Matthew 15:8-20 Isaiah 58

PRAYER & THANKSGIVING Ask God to give the church patience, perseverance, long suffering and wisdom through these difficult times. And may we consider it pure joy when we face these trials.

Ask God to place people on your heart to love and encourage in Christ this week.

Ask God to give us wisdom as we seek Him regarding ministry to our youth and children.

Ask God to keep His church unified through these difficult days.

Continue to pray for Mike and Sandy Jaeger.

Sunday School & Life Group Options

We have started back up our Sunday School classes. Pray and contact one of the leaders below to ask questions and sign up for a SS Class. The following are opportunities to gather and grow in fellowship & faith in Christ:

-After Service-

Encouragers SS Class In Main Sanctuary contact: John Hilvert 870-405-7111

Will van der Hoeven' Class Lobby Class Room and Zoom A Study of Isaiah contact: Will van der Hoeven 512-636-3821

Wirt McKee's Class Zoom only Diving Deeper into Sermon contact: Wirt Mckee 870-404-5398

There will also be Sunday School for both children, and youth during the Sunday school hour. For children, contact: Luke Humphries 870-510-7573

For youth, contact: Eric Smeltzer 870-421-4341

-Life Groups-

There are two different Life Groups that meet on Monday evenings:

contact: Russel Tucker 870-350-0809 contact: Nathan Jackson 970-301-1676