How can you concretely live and bear witness to an authentic Christian faith today?

Answer 1

James 1:27 - 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. The Bible has much more to say on the subject, of course, but in this passage James boils it down to its essence. "Visit" doesn't mean "drop by and chat," the original Greek word means "to look after." An "authentic Christian faith" demonstrates great concern for the well-being of others by actions, not just words, and is shown in a life of generosity and service toward the down-trodden, for which "orphans and widows" serve as an example. The idea is "those in need." Jesus Himself said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) "To keep oneself unspotted from the world" means to shun and avoid vice; to remain unsullied (as much as possible) by the temporary, fleeting, worldly cares and pleasures that serve to distract and draw one away from God and form obstacles to the cause of Christ. Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.