Historical Posts
Pure Religion
The modern approach to religion is to argue that there is good and bad in every religion. As long as one is religious, it matters little what religion is chosen.
However, the New Testament clearly differentiates between religion which God accepts and that which He does not accept when it refers to pure and vain (worthless) religion (James 1:26, 27). From the Sermon on the Mount it is clear that Jesus was in full agreement with the concepts presented in the epistle of James (Matthew 7:13-23).
Further, the exchange between Jesus and certain scribes and Pharisees over His disciples failure to wash their hands before eating also confirms what James wrote (Matthew 15:1-14).
Practicing Pure New Testament Christianity Demands Four Specific Things
- Pure religion demands a bridled tongue (James 1:19, 26). The tongue is important because our words are a reflection of our hearts (Matthew 12:34, 35). An unbridled tongue nullifies our religious profession. Christians are commanded: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).
- Pure religion demands a compassionate heart (James 1:27). God has always demanded that His people be compassionate toward those in need (Deut. 24:19-22). This was at the heart of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). We cannot practice pure religion and turn our backs on those who are truly in need.
- Pure religion demands a morally upright life (James 1:21, 27). This theme pervades the entire New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19). We must not allow ourselves to be contaminated by the sins of this world (immorality, materialism, unbelief, etc.).
- Pure religion demands an obedient spirit (James 1:22-25). This is the message Jesus used to close the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27).
The point is this: All the ritual in the world is no substitute for a heart of service and a life of purity and obedience. Are you practicing pure religion?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Pure From Sin
Has your heart been made you pure from sin?
We all have questions that we may ask ourselves from time to time.
- “What did I come in here for?”
- “Where did I put that?”
- “What is on my to do list today?”
Some questions are asked every day for that day; other questions may be asked in retrospect throughout a lifetime.
- “What if I had chosen that job…?”
- “What if I moved there…?”
Perhaps some questions are best left unanswered. However, there is one question that we must ask, and honestly answer, for ourselves. This question has eternal implications and consequences.
Proverbs 20:9: “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?’” Solomon penned these words, and understood the importance of a clean heart before God. David pleaded with God that He would create a clean heart in himself, and would be cleaned from his sins (Psalm 51).
We need to have the same concern for the condition of our heart. We can cleanse our hearts and be pure from sin by drawing near to God (James 4:8). Jesus died on the cross for us, shedding His blood to cleanse us from our sins. By being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16), we can have a heart that is pure of sin. Only then can we say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin.”
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Right to the Tree of Life
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life?
The tree of life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve had the right to eat of it, but lost that right when they sinned (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17-24). The tree is pure, able to provide eternal life to those worthy to partake of it. However, because of sin, one loses the right to partake of the tree (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Because of its pure nature, the tree of life is used symbolically in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is located there (Proverbs 3:18); fruit of righteousness is a tree of life (Proverbs 11:30); fulfilled desire is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12); a wholesome [healing] tongue is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4). The author says that if we possess these pure characteristics, we may be on our way to obtaining the tree of life.
The book of Revelation tells us how we can have a right to the tree. The Lord says, “…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7).” Later John tells us what he sees in the vision: the tree of life is on either side of the river of water of life, bearing twelve fruits; the leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:4). Then John leaves us one reminder: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates of the city (Revelation 22:14).”
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life? Have your sins washed away, keep the commandments of God, and overcome the trials and tribulations of this world through Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Pure Minds – audio
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Most of the time my mind is going in a million different directions.
If you ask me something, and I request some time to think about it and get back with you, I’d better write it down immediately. If not, I’ll forget about it within 30 seconds. I don’t know if it’s the inevitable effects of getting older, or just an easily distracted mind. Or maybe some combination of both.
I suspect I’m not alone.
If Satan can’t get us to abandon Christ, he’ll just make us so busy that the Lord is just another thing on our to-do list.
- Bed made? Check.
- Exercise? Check.
- Kids up and dressed? Check (sorta).
- Quick prayer as I run out the door? Check.
And so the day goes.
Whisper a quick prayer before eating lunch at your desk, and an exhausted Thank-you-for-getting-me-through-this-day prayer before sinking into oblivion to prepare to repeat the next day.
To that kind of mind, my mind and yours, Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Much of my life I’ve thought that meant that I need to keep my heart clean – keep the garbage and sinful thoughts out – but now I’m not sure that’s exactly right, at least not here.
I think Jesus meant that my heart doesn’t need to get too full – full of distractions, to-do lists, chores, deadlines, stresses.
As one commentator puts it, “The ‘pure in heart’ exhibit a single-minded devotion to God that stems from the internal cleansing created by following Jesus” (Craig Blomberg, p. 100).
A single-minded devotion. That’s what I need. It’s what you need.
Something that’s pure is unmixed, unadulterated. Pure water or pure gold or pure milk has nothing added to it to dilute its value.
Same with us. God wants to fill our hearts with him so that there’s no room for anything else. That doesn’t mean, of course, that we won’t have concerns about work or school or bills. But it does mean that we filter everything in our lives through him.
God doesn’t want just one part of our mind.
He doesn’t want just a little slice of it, but he also doesn’t want the biggest slice. He’s not one of many jostling for a little bit of our time and attention.
He wants it all.
And once he’s got it, all those distractions and worries seem so much smaller.
Once he’s got it, then you and I will see God everywhere we look.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 03:13-18 Wisdom: Heavenly vs. Earthly – audio
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Text: James 3:13-18
Introduction
1. In the book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:7-9
2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-17
3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom
4. In this lesson, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: heavenly wisdom vs. earthly wisdom
Body
I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR ORIGIN
A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE
1. It is EARTHLY
a. It is worldly
b. Wisdom that is according to the world’s standards
c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God – 1 Corinthians 1:20
2. It is SENSUAL
a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions
b. Wisdom according to what FEELS right (But that doesn’t make it right)
3. It is DEMONIC
a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels
b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE
1. It Comes from GOD – James 3:17
2. It Comes via PRAYER – James 1:5-8
II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR NATURE
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Full of BITTER ENVY
2. Possessing SELF-SEEKING IN THE HEART
3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:
a. Power
b. Position
c. Privilege
d. Prestige
4. It was this kind of wisdom
a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM
1. It is first PURE – James 3:17
a. Above all else, it is true to God’s Will
b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace
2. Then it is PEACEABLE
a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace – Romans 12:18
b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love – Ephesians 4:15
3. GENTLE
a. That is, kind in one’s dealings with others
b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
4. WILLING TO YIELD
a. Not in matters of truth
b. But in matters of opinion – Romans 14:1
c. In matters of liberty – Romans 14:19-21
5. FULL OF MERCY
a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others
b. Wisely understanding one’s own need of mercy – James 2:13
6. Producing GOOD FRUITS
a. Notice James 3:13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding
b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER – James 1:22
c. Understanding that faith without works is dead – James 2:26
7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY
a. Showing no respect of persons – James 2:1-13
b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis
8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
a. Indicating that all of the above is not an act, a show
b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man
III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR FRUITS
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Causes CONFUSION
2. And EVERY EVIL THING
3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom
a. Is behind denominationalism
b. Is often manifested in politics
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM – James 3:18
1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion
2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing
Conclusion
1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is HEAVENLY WISDOM
2. What kind of wisdom do we have?
a. Those who have EARTHLY WISDOM boast of theirs
b. While those who have HEAVENLY WISDOM show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness
3. What kind of wisdom do we want?
a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels right
b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent
1) To seek such wisdom from God
2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct
4. What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ?
a. EARTHLY WISDOM makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient
b. HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38
5. Have you demonstrated HEAVENLY WISDOM?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:13-16 Christians Must Be Pure And Holy
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Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Introduction
- The word pure means something that’s unmixed, free from pollutants, or foreign substances which contaminate it. If you have something that’s unpure and you want to make it 100% pure, there must be a process to remove the impurities to make it pure. You and I are like a diamond in the rough that needs refining because all have contaminated ourselves with sin – Romans 3:23. If you’re lost and defiled by sin or have fallen from God’s grace, you need to be purified by obeying the truth of the Word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23.
- When you obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are sanctified & holy. You have been separated or set apart from the world and evil and consecrated to God for His purpose. In John 17:17, Jesus teaches us we’re sanctified through the truth of the Word of God.
Saints Must be Pure, Without Spot or Wrinkle, Shining as Lights in the World
- To free yourselves from the pollutants of sin and to be pure, without spot or wrinkle, Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected for the forgiveness of your sins – John 3:16; John 3:36. This started the refining process, but you must be willing to complete the process by taking heed to God’s Word to be cleansed, and made pure – Psalm 119:9-11.
- The challenge for Christians is to live a pure life, while we are being surrounded by individuals that love evil – 3 John 11. This is why we need to increase teaching and practicing Christian morality. In James 1:27, we are admonished to visit those that do not have fathers and widows, and make sure we are unspotted from the world. In Philippians 2:12-15, we are reminded to work out your own salvation that we might be pure, shining as lights.
- Did you know that if you want to see God, you must have a pure heart? In Matthew 5:8, Jesus teaches the pure in heart shall see God. This is why we need to think and mediate on holy things that we might be about doing the holy things of God – Philippians 4:8.
God has Called You to be Holy Because He is Holy
- In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter exhorts the dispersed Christians to be holy. However, many people may perceive in their heart that it’s impossible to be holy.
- Holiness is not dependant upon being morally perfect. Being holy or sanctified is based on your obedience to God to be saved and to be set apart or separated from the world, to be consecrated or dedicated to God for His purpose – 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
- Being holy means being separated from evil. A Christian cannot be holy or sanctified if they’re trying to blend in with being politically correct or in that gray area. A line has to be drawn. You must stand with God for the truth – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the Bible describes Christian’s as the temple of God which is holy. Did you know, Christian’s are to give their lives as a sacrifice to God which is to be holy – Romans 12:1.
- Taking time to be holy will make your life better (Husbands, Wives, employee’s and employer’s) – Colossians 3:18-25. In conclusion, God is holy ( 1 Peter 1:16); God’s son Jesus is holy (Mark 1:24); God’s Spirit is holy (John 14:26); When Jesus comes back, will you be found holy in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
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Keep Thyself Pure
Should we participate in the sins of others?
Paul told Timothy not to partake in other men’s sins, but to keep himself pure (1 Timothy 5:22). Paul also gave a long list of things that are not fitting, and not only those that practice them but also those that approve of them are deserving of death (Romans 1:28-32).
Why should one purify himself?
John said even as Christ is pure, we ought to purify ourselves because we have a hope in us (1 John 3:3). As Christ lived a sinless life to die on the cross to save us from our sins, He rose again and thus we have the hope of eternal life.
What is pure religion?
James said it’s to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
How does a soul become pure?
Peter explains that even as Christ is holy, we should become holy in the way we speak and live. Thus, His blood is precious, without blemish and without spot. When we are washed in the blood of the Lamb, our souls are purified by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:13-22).
How does the mind become pure?
First, we must think on true, noble, just, PURE, lovely, and good things (Philippians 4:8) and do them! Christians should desire the “pure milk of the word to grow” (1 Peter 2:2). As we forget more as we get older, Peter said to stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance (2 Peter 3:1).
Can we serve God with a pure conscience?
Absolutely! Just as Paul did, we can too (2 Timothy 1:3)!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Daniel 01:08-21; 06:01-10 Children Today
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Text: Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10
Introduction
1. The Bible is filled with accounts of many godly men and women who are worthy of our emulation
2. One such person is Daniel, a man who obtained preeminence and power in his lifetime.
a. He started out preeminent among the children of Israel – Daniel 1:3-6
b. He gained preeminence among the wise of men of Babylon – Daniel 1:17-20
c. He was given power over all of Babylon – Daniel 2:48-49; 5:29
d. He received similar power over the Medo-Persian empire – Daniel 6:1-3, 28
3. How was Daniel able to reach these positions of power and influence without compromising his position as a godly man?
4. A close look at the book of Daniel reveals his secret, and shows how we too can be successful without selling our souls
Body
I. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURPOSE
A. DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART… – Daniel 1:8
1. A young boy in a strange land, Daniel was immediately faced with a challenge to violate God’s law by eating the king’s food
2. Despite his youth and the obvious pressures to conform, Daniel purposed in his heart to uphold the law of God, no matter the cost
3. Because of his willingness to put God first, God granted Daniel favor in the sight of others – Daniel 1:9
a. How God did this is not explained, but it happened in the case of Joseph also – Genesis 39:1-4; 21-23
b. By putting God first, God blessed Joseph in such a way that favorably impressed others
B. EVERY CHILD OF GOD NEEDS TO BE A PERSON OF PURPOSE
1. No one respects a wishy-washy person, someone with no direction in their lives
2. Whereas a strong sense of purpose often breeds respect and admiration in others
3. What should be the purpose of the Christian?
a. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:33
b. to seek the will of God and fulfill it in our lives, no matter the circumstances
4. As Jesus promised, this will guarantee God’s favor toward us and in turn likely gain us favor in the eyes of those around us
II. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
A. HE REFUSED TO COMPROMISE HIS CONVICTIONS
1. As a young man, by refusing to eat the king’s meat or drink his wine – Daniel 1:8
2. As an old man, by refusing the gifts of Belshazzar – Daniel 5:13-17
3. Under the threat of persecution, by refusing to obey the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:10
B. PEOPLE ADMIRE PERSONS OF PRINCIPLE
1. Outwardly they may ridicule them, but inwardly they wish they had the same intestinal fortitude
2. And when they need someone that can be trusted, and depended upon to carry through with an assigned task, who do you think they will turn to?
3. God also admires individuals who will stand by their principles, and by their words – Psalm 15:1-5
III. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURITY
A. HIS OPPONENTS COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT
1. He was faultless when it came to management of his business affairs – Daniel 6:1-4
2. This would help to explain his rise to positions of great responsibility and power
3. Of course, his purity in business affairs was related to
a. His overall purpose to please God first
b. And the fact that as a man of principle he could be trusted
B. THE CHRISTIAN IS ALSO TO MAINTAIN PURITY OF CONDUCT
1. Whether young or old – 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:6-8
2. Whether slave or free – Titus 2:9-10
3. People who maintain purity in their dealings with others are often given positions of great responsibility and privilege, because they can be trusted to use them wisely
IV. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRAYER
A. A GLIMPSE OF HIS PRAYER LIFE – Daniel 6:10
1. He knelt in prayer, a demonstration of his humility
2. He prayed three times daily, a demonstration of his continual dependence upon God
3. He gave thanks in the midst of persecution, a demonstration of his gratitude and the fact that he had not lost sight of God’s blessings
4. His prayers were a custom since early days, demonstrating his persistence and faithfulness in his service to God
5. Is it not likely that his custom to pray so diligently helped him to remain a man of purpose, principle and purity, despite his rise to power and preeminence over the empire?
B. CHRISTIANS WOULD DO WELL TO FOLLOW DANIEL’S EXAMPLE
1. “Let us learn the lesson that the finest of God’s servants must maintain regular and fixed prayer habits in order to continue steadfast in devotion to the Lord.” (Strauss)
2. As Christians, we too are to pray often – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Colossians 4:2
3. If our efforts to live purposeful, principled, and pure lives are not what they should be, could an undisciplined prayer life be the reason?
4. Are we willing to Dare To Be A Daniel in regards to prayer?
Conclusion
1. There is a false assumption that to “get ahead” in this world one must conform to the sinful practices of the world
2. But even today there are many Christians who demonstrate that when one dares to be a Daniel they can succeed in the affairs of men without selling their souls to the world
3. How about you? Will you Dare To Be A Daniel by becoming a person of:
a. PURPOSE?
b. PRINCIPLE?
c. PURITY?
d. PRAYER?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 01:26-27 Religion, Pure and Undefiled – audio
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Text: James 1:26-27
Introduction
1. What kind of religion do we have? Is it like a:
a. SPARE TIRE (used only in the case of an emergency)?
b. WHEELBARROW (easily upset and must be pushed)?
c. BUS (ridden only when it goes your way)?
2. Whatever kind of religion we have, it is of no value unless it is pleasing to God in heaven
3. We can find what constitutes pure and undefiled religion before God – James 1:26-27
4. To be sure that our own religion is acceptable before God, let’s notice some attributes of pure and undefiled religion
a. Indicated in this verse
b. It’s immediate context
Body
I. A PRACTICING RELIGION
A. IT INVOLVES DOING SOMETHING ON OUR PART
1. This is clearly implied in the phrase to visit, and to bridle our tongue
2. The context prior to this verse also makes it clear that we must be doers and not hearers only – James 1:22-25
3. This echoes the teachings of Jesus Himself – Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46
B. IF WE ARE NOT DOERS, WE ARE DECEIVING OURSELVES (James 1:22)
1. And usually, it is ONLY ourselves we are deceiving!
2. We are certainly not deceiving God, nor Satan
3. And it unlikely that we fool others, especially our children
II. A PRACTICAL RELIGION
A. GOD DID NOT INTEND FOR OUR RELIGION TO CONSIST SOLELY OF GOING TO CHURCH
1. Extending OUR HEART TO GOD IN WORSHIP is certainly important
2. But so is extending OUR HAND TO MAN IN SERVICE! – James 1:27
B. THROUGHOUT THE N.T., MUCH EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON DOING GOOD
1. From the writings of Paul – Galatians 6:10; Titus 2:14; 3:8, 14
2. From the author of Hebrews – Hebrews 13:16
3. From the apostle John – 1 John 3:17-18
III. A PERSONAL RELIGION
A. IMPLIED BY THE USE OF SINGULAR PRONOUNS IN THE TEXT
1. anyone – James 1:23
2. he, his – James 1:23
3. himself, he – James 1:24
4. he, this one – James 1:25
5. anyone, he, his, this one’s – James 1:26
6. oneself – James 1:27
B. NOW, THERE IS A PLACE FOR CORPORATE GIVING
1. That is, where we give in conjunction with others to meet a need
2. For example, in helping needy Christians – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
C. BUT IT WAS NEVER INTENDED TO REPLACE OUR INDIVIDUAL AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
1. Some might think:
a. That their giving on Sunday fulfills their responsibility to the poor, the widows, and the orphans
b. That it fulfills their obligation to preach the gospel
2. God still expects us to fulfill our personal service to the poor, widows, and orphans as we have the ability and opportunity
3. Just as we find in the Old Testament
a. Though the third year tithe was for the widows and orphans – Deuteronomy 26:12
b. They were to always help them whenever they had the opportunity!
IV. A PURE RELIGION
A. THIS SOUNDS REDUNDANT, BUT IN OUR DAY IT MUST BE EMPHASIZED!
1. Our society has become increasingly immoral and materialistic
2. Such is wreaking havoc upon many in the Lord’s church
3. What we hear and see may only be the tip of the iceberg!
B. OUR RELIGION IS FOR NOTHING, UNLESS IT IS
1. PURE – without blemish
2. UNDEFILED – untainted
3. Capable of keeping us UNSPOTTED from (by) the world
C. BUT IF WE ARE SINNERS (as affirmed in 1 John 1:8), HOW CAN WE EVER BE PURE, UNDEFILED, AND UNSPOTTED?
1. It is possible, only BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST!
a. Which can cleanse us and make us pure if we walk in the light with God – 1 John 1:7
b. This involves keeping the commandments of God – 1 John 2:3
1) For example, experiencing the INITIAL CLEANSING of the blood when we obey the commands to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
2) And, experiencing the CONTINUOUS CLEANSING of the blood when we confess our sins to God – 1 John 1:9
2. It is possible only BY THE HELP OF GOD!
a. Who not only provides the blood of Christ to cleanse us from sin
b. But also a way of escape in times of temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. Yes, with Christ’s blood and God’s help, it is possible to be pure, undefiled, and unspotted by the world!
4. And this is what makes the religion of Jesus Christ UNIQUE!
a. Other religions may be practicing, practical and personal
b. But only the true religion of Jesus Christ can present one pure in the sight of God! – John 14:6
Conclusion
1. What kind of religion do YOU have?
a. Is it a PRACTICING religion?
1) Does it go beyond the walls of a building?
2) Does it go beyond the printed pages of the Bible?
3) Does it go beyond a superficial hearing of the Word?
b. Is it a PRACTICAL religion?
1) Does it consist of more than JUST going to church, reading, and praying?
2) Does it reach out and manifest itself in compassion to those in need?
c. Is it a PERSONAL religion?
1) Going beyond what we may do in conjunction with others?
2) Including our personal involvement apart from what others may do?
d. And is it a PURE religion?
1) Involving our initial cleansing from sin by the blood of Christ as we in faith repented and were baptized?
2) Involving our continual cleansing by the blood of Christ as we confess our sins and repent of them?
3) Does it include a putting away of sin with the help of God so that we might be unspotted by the world?
2. If not, then whatever religion we have is USELESS and we are simply DECEIVING OURSELVES!
3. Let’s always encourage one another to be sure and have a pure and undefiled religion before God!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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