Mark continues our series STORIES FROM THE MARGIN with a special message about God's heart for the orphan. Among many passages, we consider James 1:22-27.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Much of the sermon was an incomplete survey of God’s commandments and provisions for the orphan. Why do you think God cares so deeply for the orphan?

2. Read the passage above. Consider the imagery of the mirror and forgetting oneself. Why might inaction cause one to forget their spiritual identity?

3. What does it mean to look intently into the perfect law? How does that law give freedom?

4. Read verse 27 again. Oftentimes, the care for the orphan is paired with care for the widow. Why are they often combined?

5. What do you make of the phrase “polluted by the world?” How does that intersect with the care of the widow and orphan?

6. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing or challenging?

7. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday.

End in prayer for those without the care of a family system- whether orphan or widow. Is anyone feeling prompted to a particular action?