The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

  1. Biblical ideals
    1. Mt. 6:33
    2. I Cor. 13:13
    3. I Cor. 15:3-4 
  2. Core of biblical religion – James 1:27
    1. What does it mean
      1. Pure– get ride of junk in souls
      2. Undefiled – function as a Christian without our vigor being impaired
    2. Where did James get it?
      1. The Bible
        1. Deut 10, 14, 16
        2. Ps 146, 10, 82
        3. Isaiah 1
        4. Jeremiah 7
        5. Ezekiel 22
        6. Zech. 7
        7. Luke 4
        8. Acts4
        9. 2 Cor.8-9
    3. James doesn’t make it up
      1. From God
      2. From Prophets
      3. From Psalmists
      4. From Jesus
      5. From Apostles
  3. Summary of the quality of all Christians
    1. Concern for widow
    2. Concern for

Suggestions for using this Bible study

1.       Begin by reading each passage in your own Bible.   Read the larger context so you can be sure of how the writer is using the passage cited.  This kind of study will take time, but will allow you to be more confident in the presentation.

2.       Read over the study and write out what you think is the main point.  Pray over that main point.  Are you doing it in your own life or have you too become sidetracked?   Pray that God would show you want keeps people from doing his will.  Ask that you might be sensitive to the hearts to which you speak.

3.       Begin the lesson with a prayer.  Confess your own sin or inadequacy in the prayer and mention the things God has shown you in your private prayer time before him.   Ask God to lift these things from you and your listeners.

4.       Edit and change the Bible study so that it fits your ability and style.  This Bible study was not meant to be read to a church or class.  It is only intended to point in a direction and to provide material that can be altered to suit a particular situation.

5.       Practice the Bible study out loud.  Time the Bible study.  Think of a couple of illustrations you might use.  Be careful with illustrations.  Our culture is so entertainment orientated that people might remember your illustrations and not God’s word.

After the study is over, ask a person you respect to give you substantial feedback.  Do not make this request in the hallway, but allow the person the time and situation to offer ho