Many looking at the church from outside can identify hypocrites – people who call themselves Christian but live as if it makes no difference to them. Outsiders may understandably conclude that the church is like this always.

However, the truth is far more complex. Jesus identifies two forms of religion – fake and real. Fake religion is all words, projections, and power-plays; people using religion to get what they want.

Real religion is substantially different. It flows from within a person who loves God entirely (‘heart, soul, mind and strength’ as Jesus put it).

So how to do we distinguish fake religion from the real thing? People inside and outside the church need to know. Jesus addresses this question in his final piece of public teaching before he goes to the cross.

Main Text

Mark 12:38-44

Preacher

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast