scripture: james 1:26-1:27

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m not religious, but I am very spiritual”? What does being spiritual even mean? And what makes them spiritual? I guess it’s because they say they are. That’s really all you need to do to be spiritual. For many, that’s the extent of religion or spirituality, Its what we say. I came up with a list of modern spiritual phrases people use, and provide what they really mean… Follow your heart. I don't want the responsibility of giving you any type of real advice. Do what you think is best. Find your inner peace. You need to calm down…. You’re being too loud. (notice my very hip Taylor Swift reference) Prayers. As a substitute for actually, physically coming along side, I will pretend like I am praying for you. Everything happens for a reason. Man, that really stinks what happened, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Good luck! Sending positive vibes. This one is more complex. Man, I really hope it all works out, but I’m keeping my distance. I’m super busy with my own life anyway. Besides, I don’t really have any answers or solutions for the problems you face. These popular spiritual phrases are nice enough, but they are powerless to change or transform lives. I see these as worthless, throwaway lines, that are actually kind of selfish. They don’t require any real spiritual action. You can say stuff like this to people without doing anything to help them. They aren’t spiritual, they just sound spiritual. They provide false hope to the hearer. The one saying them can feel better about their actual spiritual condition. They don’t provide lasting transformation, they don’t change sinful hearts, & they certainly can’t provide eternal life. They are just a way for people to say they spiritual like things, just not the kind of spirituality Jesus teaches. How can we know if we are truly spiritual? How can we make sure we aren’t victims of fake spirituality or religion? (James 1:26-27) "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows while they are suffering in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

God calls us to care for widows and orphans, and to live a holy life.

Meriam-Webster defines Practical as: relating to or manifested in practice or action. The object of the apostle James is to describe what enters essentially into religion; and what it will do when it is properly developed. The phrase “pure religion” means that which is genuine and sincere, or which is free from any improper mixture; that which God sees to be pure and undefiled.

Meriam-Webster defines Practical as: relating to or manifested in practice or action. The object of the apostle James is to describe what enters essentially into religion; and what it will do when it is properly developed. The phrase “pure religion” means that which is genuine and sincere, or which is free from any improper mixture; that which God sees to be pure and undefiled.

Merriam-Webster defines Practical as: relating to or manifested in practice or action. The object of the Apostle James is to describe what enters essentially into religion; and what it will do when it is properly developed. The phrase "pure religion" means that which is genuine and sincere, or which is free from any improper mixture; that which God sees to be pure and undefiled.

South Bay Chinese Alliance Church is a multi-cultural church located in San Pedro, CA. Sermons are in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

South Bay Chinese Alliance Church is a multi-cultural church located in San Pedro, CA. Sermons are in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Dispelling the theory that Christianity is "not a religion, but a relationship" and providing the Biblical definition of what religion truly is. It is serving others with encouraging words, helping hands and a pure heart. Scripture Reference: James 1:26-27

Today Craig Knowles Looks to conclude our study in chapter 1 of James. What is Pure Religion?

A changed life is the test of true religion.