Worthless Religion
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 in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:26–27
+
Worthless Religion
The tongue is the window into the heart. Jesus warns us that it is the stuff that comes out of the mouth that defiles a man, not the things that go in. The old playbook of the devil is saturated with different techniques to change the Word of God to a lie, but even so, we are good at foolish talk, arrogant talk, course talk, and even evil talk. Our tongues are good at hating and explaining everything in the worst way. The tongue must be held accountable. Like a horse needs a bit and bridle, so also the human tongue needs the Law to keep it in check. The Law must be applied and used and the Gospel supplied that the heart is not deceived. What is the result? The tongue declares the wonder of the faith planted in the Christian’s heart. The tongue speaks the Word of God and testifies to the faith that God supplies. The tongue speaks of the good gifts and the good works, but it must be trained. It must point the whole body to the cross. The only way that is possible is by the cross. The work of Jesus makes new what is stone: the heart. For Christ creates in us a clean heart and a right spirit that moves out in love to orphan and widow. He makes new and makes us holy that we would be unstained by the world.
James 1:26–27
+
Worthless Religion
The tongue is the window into the heart. Jesus warns us that it is the stuff that comes out of the mouth that defiles a man, not the things that go in. The old playbook of the devil is saturated with different techniques to change the Word of God to a lie, but even so, we are good at foolish talk, arrogant talk, course talk, and even evil talk. Our tongues are good at hating and explaining everything in the worst way. The tongue must be held accountable. Like a horse needs a bit and bridle, so also the human tongue needs the Law to keep it in check. The Law must be applied and used and the Gospel supplied that the heart is not deceived. What is the result? The tongue declares the wonder of the faith planted in the Christian’s heart. The tongue speaks the Word of God and testifies to the faith that God supplies. The tongue speaks of the good gifts and the good works, but it must be trained. It must point the whole body to the cross. The only way that is possible is by the cross. The work of Jesus makes new what is stone: the heart. For Christ creates in us a clean heart and a right spirit that moves out in love to orphan and widow. He makes new and makes us holy that we would be unstained by the world.
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedienceSurpassing GloryA Faithful ResponseLooking to the FutureReturn to the Lord!A Performative WordFour Horns