Real Religion-James 1:26-27

English nonconformist pastor, Joseph Alleine wrote of real religion, "Oh, search, and search again; take thy heart solemnly to task. Woe unto thee if, after all thy profession, thou should be found under the power of ignorance, lost in formality, drowned in earthly-mindedness, envenomed with malice, exalted in an opinion of thine own righteousness, leavened with hypocrisy and carnal ends in God's service, embittered against strictness. This would be a sad discovery that all thy religion were in vain." James, the ever practical apostle, writes this letter dubbed the 'New Testament Proverbs' to drive a marker in the ground to beware of religious deceit! There is true religion and mock religiosity. Attendance at worship services, rote prayers, church membership, partaking of the ordinances--but all devoid of the regenerating power of the Gospel is as futile as idol worship. We cannot allow concern with external functions to leave our inner natures unchanged. We should, however, enjoy offering God the inner form of a changed heart and the outer form of service. James Adamson said, "devout godliness does not consist merely of regular and punctilious praise of God and scrupulous obedience to His rules relating to specifically religious observance" but shows itself in demonstrable ways of love and holiness compelled by love for Christ, brought through the Word. Join us Sunday as we finish our look at James 1 with our study, "Real Religion" (James 1:26-27).