1. Why Do We - - Support Orphans?
James 1:26-27

2. James 1:26-27
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.  27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

3. Words to Study

4. Words to study
Term to Study – ORPHAN
Greek word – orphanos – means without support, guide, guardian, teacher
I will not leave you orphans; (comfortless – KJV) I will come to you.  (John 14:18)

5. Words to Study
Term to Study – VISIT
Greek word – episkopos – means to look to the affairs of others, translated – bishop, overseer
Visit – is not – sit and chat about the weather
Visit – is – see to their needs, meet those needs

6. Why are there so many orphans?
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7. 6 Devastating “D’s” Plus an “A”
1. Death of parents
2. Disease
3. Divorce

8. 6 Devastating “D’s” Plus an “A”
4. Desertion
5. Delinquency – in prison
6. Drinking / Drugs

9. 6 Devastating “D’s” Plus an “A”
7. Abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse

10. Why do we support orphans?
Should the church give financial support to orphans?

11. God is a friend to the orphan
Principles to Study
God is a friend to the orphan
We were all orphans at one time (without guide, teacher, support)
Bible gives instructions for their care
Law of Moses gave instructions

12. We are to follow Jesus’ example 1st century church cared for them
Principles to Study
We are to follow Jesus’ example
1st century church cared for them
We have the same command today
Individual or the church? BOTH

13. In the 1950’s some congregations choose NOT to support orphan homes
Added NOTE:
In the 1950’s some congregations choose NOT to support orphan homes
Anger and hostility cause a split
A division developed and they refused to fellowship those who supported an orphan home

14. Many used the term “anti”
Added NOTE:
Many used the term “anti”
We are all “anti” some things – sin, Satan, drug abuse, profanity, adultery, stealing, lying, etc.
Use of the term “anti” adds to the division, and the separation