Superficial or Supernatural (0513)

####Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: James 1:26-27

Is your religion superficial or supernatural? Is it real, powerful and vibrant to you; or is it just an illusion?

In James 1:26, we read, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” There are great dangers of having a superficial religion. It's only something that seems to be, but there is no reality to it. It also lacks restraint.

If your religion is real, it's going to show in the way that you talk. One of the prime marks that a person has been saved is his speech pattern. The Christian with a real, supernatural faith uses his tongue to praise God and witness to others. But the superficial one criticizes, curses, lies, exaggerates. Nothing can do more damage to the Church than people who seem to be religious but don't control their tongue.

Superficial religion also lacks results, “...this man's religion is vain.” That word “vain” means fruitless and non-productive. It can do you no good. There is nothing to it.

Adrian Rogers says, “If you don't have Christ on the inside, then your religion is superficial. If you have Christ on the inside, then your religion is supernatural.”

James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction and to keep themselves unspotted from the world.”

Supernatural religion begins with a relationship with God. It reaches upward, recognizes God as Father, and places your hand in the hand of God so that He can lift you out of your sinful nature.

And when a man has been saved through Jesus Christ, he will have a heart of compassion. He will reach out to those in distress and minister to those in need.

Supernatural religion is a daily practice, not just on Sundays. And when you have a supernatural religion, you will keep yourself unspotted from this world by relying on the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not by trying, it's by trusting.

####Apply it to your life
Take a second to evaluate your religion. Is it superficial or is it supernatural? Take some time today to repent of the superficial parts of your religion, and delight in the supernatural power of Jesus Christ.