1. Let’s Keep It Simple 7-24-11

2. The simplicity of true “religion” James 1:26-27 – 26 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. James 1:26-27 (NKJV)

3. Matthew 25:14-30 We were all born with a sinful nature Jesus died for us so that we could be released from that sin As a result, He gave us gifts, or talents, to be used for His glory We will need to give an account of how we used those gifts

4. God’s accounting We will need to account for ever idle word spoken – Matt 12:36 An account for our stewardship – Luke 16:2 An account of our actions for His judgment – Romans 14:12 People who continue to go on sinning without repentance – 1 Pet 4:5

5. I thought this was about simplicity He gives us very clear instruction about how we should use His gifts and talents Matthew 25:31-40,46 – Hungry – give them food – Thirsty – give them drink – Stranger – take them in – Naked – cloth them – Sick – visit them – Prison – visit them

6. God’s Accounting Revisited Words Stewardship Actions Continue in sin without repentance

7. This really ought to be simple…..shouldn’t it?