Sep 17, 2012
James 1:16-27
The Point James is Making . . .
· Don’t talk about what you believe; live out what you say you believe.
Truth Statement: To talk about religion but not live out genuine faith is worthless. (James 1:26)
We may have become so inoculated by our religiosity that we have become desensitized or numb to the truth regarding our heart.
A Practical Truth About Real Life . . .
Real faith displayed in real life involves meeting real needs. (James 1:27)
· James mentions three needs:
1. To visit orphans—literally means to care for; look after; select
2. To visit widows
3. To keep oneself unstained from the world—literally means that we are to be set apart.
To Care for Orphans . . .
· There are 104,000 children currently in foster care in the United Sates that are legally available for adoption. (Focus on the Family, www.icareaboutorphans.org)
· There are over 500 children available for adoption through foster care in the state of Arkansas. (C.A.L.L.—Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime, www.thecallinarkansas.org)
· The United States has over 300,000 churches.
Implication:
It is the responsibility of the Christian community to engage in the care for orphans. The question is not “Should I be involved,” but “God, how are you leading me to be involved?”
· Adoption
o Adoption is the story of the gospel.
§ Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4-6; Romans 8:12-17, 23-24
· Foster Care
· Host Home
· Sponsorship
· On Mission