True Christian Religion
Pastor Tan Thai · Jul 10, 2011
This sermon based on James 1:26–27 explores how to identify a genuine Christian. Pastor Carl Russell argues that true faith is not proven by religion or profession, but by three concrete evidences in a person's life.
The sermon opens with a practical question the pastor frequently receives: How can one know if a person is truly a Christian? Pastor Russell first clarifies what does not constitute proof of genuine faith: it is not adherence to a religion, not verbal profession, not church attendance, and not performing great works in Jesus' name. He cites James 2:19 and Matthew 7:21–23 to show that even demons believe, and that many who perform miracles will be rejected by Christ because He never knew them.
The heart of the sermon focuses on James 1:26–27, where James presents three evidences of true faith. First, a genuine Christian bridles the tongue. The pastor uses the image of a horse's bit and bridle to illustrate the power of words. He quotes James 3:2–10 and Matthew 12:33–37 to emphasize that words reflect the heart, and every careless word will be judged. He also highlights the painful reality that verbal abuse is as prevalent inside the church as it is in the world.
Second, a genuine Christian ministers to those in need. The pastor draws on James 2:14–17 and Matthew 25:31–46 to demonstrate that faith without works is dead. Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, and imprisoned. He presents specific statistics about hunger in New Mexico — the hungriest state in America — to challenge the congregation to recognize their responsibility toward those around them.
Third, a genuine Christian avoids sin and keeps oneself unstained by the world. The pastor explains that Jesus raises the moral standard beyond outward actions: hating someone in the heart is murder, and looking at another with lust is adultery. He emphasizes that sin includes not only acts of commission but also sins of omission — knowing the right thing to do and not doing it — citing James 4:17.
The sermon concludes with a direct challenge: If today were judgment day, would your life provide enough evidence to prove you are a genuine Christian? The pastor reminds the congregation that good works do not save us — we are saved by faith — but good works are the indispensable fruit and proof of genuine saving faith.