4
No.
For the Orphan and Widow
Those whose stability is impacted by the dissolution of their families are consistently included among the groups that God has special concern for. In fact, Psalm 68 describes God as "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows." So it makes perfect sense that God's new covenant family, the church, is meant to be a place where these same groups are cared for and advocated for. In this sermon, we consider what it might look like for us to be a church that does justice for the orphan and widow, which James tells us is a crucial aspect of "pure and undefiled" religion before God.
Main Scripture
James 1:26-27
Date
February 1, 2026
Speaker(s)
Cameron Heger
Reflection Questions
Why do you think James highlights "visiting orphans and widows in their affliction" as one of his 3 key markers of "pure religion"?
Why did the fracturing of family make certain people especially vulnerable in the ancient world? How does it do the same today?
What groups today sit adjacent to "orphans and widows" in our culture?
How does this command relate to the New Testament conception of the church as a family?
How might you personally be involved in the care of orphans, widows, and related groups?
How does the spiritual adoption that Jesus offers us all relate to this command?