EVERYBODY IS RELIGIOUS, BUT THAT'S NOT NECESSARILY A GOOD THING

Rick Jackson

JAMES 1:26-27

In these verses we see a dichotomy of religion. A religion can be empty and vain or it can be the result of truth showing forth the fruits of its goodness. How can we discern the difference, in our own lives, and in the lives of others?

I. WHAT IS RELIGION?

1. Religion is a system of belief (Gal. 1:14-15)

Even atheists are religious. Their system of belief declares that God doesn't exist. They have no proof of this, in fact, the evidence is all against them, but they believe it nonetheless. They even have their own myth of origins-evolution.

Other people hold to differing beliefs or even non-beliefs but that is what makes them religious.

2. Religion is a series of actions based on belief (Gal. 1:13)

II. WHAT IS WRONG WITH MOST RELIGIONS?

They have:

1. The wrong origin (James 1:16-27)

The problem in a nutshell is where the religion originates. If it has originated anywhere besides the God who created everything and gave us His Word then it is just a fairy tale and of no more value than Little Red Riding Hood or Shrek. You might as well pray to Superman as to Buddha or Thor.

2. Strayed from the right origin (Acts 26:5-11)

3. Opposed the truth while claiming to believe it (Mt. 15:1-14, Jn. 5:39, Acts 17:11)

III. WHAT MAKES BIBLE CHRISTIANITY THE ONLY TRUE "RELIGION"?

1. It has the right origin (James 1:16-17)

2. It has stayed with the right origin (James 1:18-25)

3. It embodies the truth by being it (John 14:1-6)