Read James 1:26-27. One of the reasons why people aren’t involved with or quit church is that the church seems irrelevant and/or doesn’t make a positive difference in the world today. For many, religion has been reduced to ideas and words, rules and meetings, but this is not the kind of religion that James claims is pure and right. For James, the finest expression of religion and worship of God is to serve the poor and be a person of integrity.

• Has there been a time in your life you felt the church was irrelevant or made no positive difference in the world? Has that feeling changed?  Explain.
• If the finest expression of worshipping God is serving the poor, how is your worship these days?

Read Micah 6:8, John 15:12-13 and Matthew 28:18-20. Right religion is about getting the kingdom of God into the world, not just about getting people into heaven. And the Bible mandates three ways the church is to accomplish this task: the great requirement – doing justice to the poor and oppressed, the great commandment - loving with your whole life, and the great commission – taking Jesus' liberating power to the whole world.

• Of the 3 biblical mandates: the great requirement, the great commandment and the great commission, which are you doing well and which do you need to improve?
• Describe a time you truly worked for justice in another person’s life.
• How has Jesus been a liberating force in your life?  What about in the world around you?

Read Acts 13:36. Religion that honors God is a religion that has feet, and you are called to serve God’s purposes in your generation. Just as David was considered great because he served God’s purposes, if you want to make a positive difference in this world you must seek out God’s purpose and plan for your life. But to do so you must get out of your comfort zones and be involved with your feet and hands.

• Do you believe your life is serving the purposes of God? Explain.
• How have you gotten out of your comfort zone lately in serving others?

Read Luke 4:16-21 and Psalm 68:5. How do you get involved with serving the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable? Practically, the most vulnerable in any society are the orphans and widows, and God claims to be on the side of both as defender and protector. If you stand with them and serve them you will not only be in God’s will and plans but on God’s side as well. God has a soft spot for those who are oppressed and you WILL make a difference in this world if you minister and care for such as these.

• How have you served the vulnerable or oppressed recently? Do you need to do more?
• Have you ever worked with orphans? Where were you and what did you do?
• Do you know someone who is vulnerable and needs help right now? What will you do?
• What need do you see that you can get involved in serving them and God’s purposes?