Pure Religion
In years past and in some cases today, you hear people talk about having religion. In their thought process they think that following a religious system is what will allow them entrance into Heaven. As I am sure you know, it is about a relationship with Jesus Christ and accepting his gift of salvation or deliverance from sin. The description of religion biblically is quite different than what you hear from those who are outside of a relationship with Christ. The book of James gives the biblical definition of what true religion truly is. Lets look at:
James 1:27
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Notice what James said. Biblical religion is taking care of children without parents and women without a living husband. In some cases, the widows have young children who are in need of care. Scripture refers to their being in distress. They are ones who have needs that are in most cases rather urgent. We need to help with those needs as much and as quickly as possible. The other description of having pure religion is that you have such a solid relationship with the Lord, that when anyone attempts to turn you away from what is God's plan for your life, it will not happen, because you are washed in the water of the Word.
Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
Notice James said what Jesus is telling us here. If someone is in need, you take care of them and in doing so you are taking care of the Lord's basic needs and giving him shelter. This is pure and genine religion.
36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
Jesus further says, that because you clothed someone translates to clothing me. Further, if you cared for someone who is sick or showed care for someone incarcerated, you have done it unto the Lord. The scripture below reiterates it.
37“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
39When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Scripture tells us to care for those in ministry. With the Levites, they were the tribe of the Israelites which were set apart to carry out the "ministry". If we are faithful to be obedient to care for those in full time ministry, God promises he will bless us in all of our work. Do you want proof? Read this.
Deuteronomy 14:29
Give it to the Levites, who will receive no allotment of land among you, as well as to the foreigners living among you, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, so they can eat and be satisfied. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all your work.
The only way someone can truly say they are "religious" is they care for orphans and widows, at least to be pure and genuine in their religion. Don't call me religious, I follow Christ.
James 1:27
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Notice what James said. Biblical religion is taking care of children without parents and women without a living husband. In some cases, the widows have young children who are in need of care. Scripture refers to their being in distress. They are ones who have needs that are in most cases rather urgent. We need to help with those needs as much and as quickly as possible. The other description of having pure religion is that you have such a solid relationship with the Lord, that when anyone attempts to turn you away from what is God's plan for your life, it will not happen, because you are washed in the water of the Word.
Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
Notice James said what Jesus is telling us here. If someone is in need, you take care of them and in doing so you are taking care of the Lord's basic needs and giving him shelter. This is pure and genine religion.
36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
Jesus further says, that because you clothed someone translates to clothing me. Further, if you cared for someone who is sick or showed care for someone incarcerated, you have done it unto the Lord. The scripture below reiterates it.
37“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
39When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Scripture tells us to care for those in ministry. With the Levites, they were the tribe of the Israelites which were set apart to carry out the "ministry". If we are faithful to be obedient to care for those in full time ministry, God promises he will bless us in all of our work. Do you want proof? Read this.
Deuteronomy 14:29
Give it to the Levites, who will receive no allotment of land among you, as well as to the foreigners living among you, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, so they can eat and be satisfied. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all your work.
The only way someone can truly say they are "religious" is they care for orphans and widows, at least to be pure and genuine in their religion. Don't call me religious, I follow Christ.
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