The sermon text for this morning comes from the book of James beginning at chapter 1 verse 26

ending at chapter 2 verse 13 if anyone thinks he is reli- Chapter 2,

V. 13.

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, and the Father is this, to visit orphans

and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

My brothers show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Lord of Glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and

fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in.

And if you pay attention to the one who wears fine clothing and say,

you sit here in a good place,

while you say to the poor man, you stand over there,

or sit down at my feet.

Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves

and become judges with evil thoughts.

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world

to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love

him.

But you have dishonored the poor man.

Are not the rich, the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?

Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

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