A Prosthetic Religion
Jerry Watts
Matthew 15:1-9
The title of this message might be to some a little unusual, but stay with me because, I believe, this is an important and contemporary message for the church of America in the 21st century.
The first time I remember seeing or having knowledge of a prosthesis was in the movie turned TV series, ''The Fugitive.'' You remember the 'one-armed' man who killed Dr. Richard Kimble's wife.
Today prosthetic devices have come a long way and helps mankind. In the past 50+ years, we have had many of our young men and women to return from war missing limbs. It has been prosthetics which helped them to resume some semblance of normalcy. I am thankful for the Wounded Warrior program, but wished our country would step to the line and serve those who served us.
Here's my point: a prosthetic device (arm, leg, hand, foot, etc) is a great help to allow the person who needs it, an opportunity to function at a normal capacity and many do well with the helps. HOWEVER, any person you speak with you has a prosthetic device will tell you, that while it is good, it's not the same, in 4 ways, sensitivity, functionality, flexibility, and longevity.
The half-brother of Jesus, James, speaks of a ''Pure and undefiled religion''. When he speaks of 'religion', he is not talking about the traditions and meetings which so many of today believe is religion, he is talking the 'real thing', the authentic commitment, and the visible display in life which is an outgrowth of our commitment to the invisible Lord. He is speaking of an authentic relationship to Christ which results in a life-change that reflects Christ.
Before we read our text, consider; why are churches so powerless, why are God's people so fearful, why doesn't God's house attract the hurting and the helpless, and why is it that, as God's people, we don't really expect God to show up to work in marvelous and miraculous ways?
Could it be that we have inadvertently ad ...
Jerry Watts
Matthew 15:1-9
The title of this message might be to some a little unusual, but stay with me because, I believe, this is an important and contemporary message for the church of America in the 21st century.
The first time I remember seeing or having knowledge of a prosthesis was in the movie turned TV series, ''The Fugitive.'' You remember the 'one-armed' man who killed Dr. Richard Kimble's wife.
Today prosthetic devices have come a long way and helps mankind. In the past 50+ years, we have had many of our young men and women to return from war missing limbs. It has been prosthetics which helped them to resume some semblance of normalcy. I am thankful for the Wounded Warrior program, but wished our country would step to the line and serve those who served us.
Here's my point: a prosthetic device (arm, leg, hand, foot, etc) is a great help to allow the person who needs it, an opportunity to function at a normal capacity and many do well with the helps. HOWEVER, any person you speak with you has a prosthetic device will tell you, that while it is good, it's not the same, in 4 ways, sensitivity, functionality, flexibility, and longevity.
The half-brother of Jesus, James, speaks of a ''Pure and undefiled religion''. When he speaks of 'religion', he is not talking about the traditions and meetings which so many of today believe is religion, he is talking the 'real thing', the authentic commitment, and the visible display in life which is an outgrowth of our commitment to the invisible Lord. He is speaking of an authentic relationship to Christ which results in a life-change that reflects Christ.
Before we read our text, consider; why are churches so powerless, why are God's people so fearful, why doesn't God's house attract the hurting and the helpless, and why is it that, as God's people, we don't really expect God to show up to work in marvelous and miraculous ways?
Could it be that we have inadvertently ad ...
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