WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.879 And they broke into my office with the help of one Mary Nichols. 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:09.679 And they dropped a note on my desk and put balloons on my chair. 00:00:11.779 --> 00:00:14.820 I'll just read you the two words of the card. 00:00:16.660 --> 00:00:19.780 Dear Mike, be of good courage. 00:00:21.140 --> 00:00:23.059 Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:27.280 And he closes, the Holy Spirit is your helper. 00:00:28.219 --> 00:00:28.780 Or she. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.339 You are loved. 00:00:33.140 --> 00:00:39.600 It's good encouragement when your task on a day is to speak about biblical justice. 00:00:41.019 --> 00:00:42.539 At such a time as this. 00:00:43.579 --> 00:00:46.719 So would you just join me one more time in praying to God. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:52.480 That he would give strength and clarity as we turn to God's word. 00:00:53.019 --> 00:00:54.719 To see what God says about justice. 00:00:54.980 --> 00:00:55.340 Let's pray. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:00:58.019 God, we know that you're an all just God. 00:00:58.020 --> 00:01:03.359 And Father, would you now pour out your spirit upon us. 00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:10.320 That we may see what you have to say about justice. 00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:13.579 And that we would be a people. 00:01:15.199 --> 00:01:18.159 Formed by your words and will. 00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:24.979 When it comes to doing justice to fellow image bearers. 00:01:27.339 --> 00:01:29.359 God, would you meet us now in your word. 00:01:30.459 --> 00:01:31.780 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:01:33.239 --> 00:01:33.679 Amen. 00:01:33.680 --> 00:01:33.820 Amen. 00:01:36.820 --> 00:01:47.960 Well, over the last several months, I have had a number of people come up to me and ask if Christ the King Church is a quote unquote social justice church. 00:01:47.959 --> 00:01:52.759 And that phrase social justice can be pretty confusing to some people. 00:01:54.179 --> 00:01:57.039 I had a conversation with a brother here just a couple weeks ago. 00:01:57.239 --> 00:02:01.959 And he was just clueless as to why this is such a problem. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:09.000 Because some people think when they hear social justice that it just means doing what's right for people in society. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:20.300 Other people, when they hear the words social justice together, what they hear is a threat upon the church of Jesus Christ. 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:32.639 We all know and have seen how that phrase political justice, social justice, when it shows up online or in conversations, things can get hot really fast. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:35.379 Here's why. 00:02:37.239 --> 00:02:48.299 In the early 20th century, mainline Protestant churches abandoned the one true gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:02:49.339 --> 00:02:59.019 And that is that Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead in order to save sinners from their sin and the wrath to come. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:06.320 Well, in the early 20th century, mainline Protestant churches abandoned that one true gospel. 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:11.219 And they replaced it with what's come to be called the social gospel. 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:20.340 Don't worry about it, buddy. 00:03:22.939 --> 00:03:24.860 Let the spirit of God blow. 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:31.040 But the point I was making was this. 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:46.580 20th century, mainline Protestant churches, they abandoned the one true gospel and they replaced it with a social gospel that was committed to the redistribution of wealth and power to people in need. 00:03:46.660 --> 00:03:53.719 And the idea there was salvation is an economic and political well-being. 00:03:55.219 --> 00:03:58.040 And Christ the King Church, we're nowhere close to that. 00:03:58.039 --> 00:04:07.859 We are not going to advocate anything close to that because it's only the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings about the eternal well-being of every sinner. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:14.359 So this morning, here's my task. 00:04:15.379 --> 00:04:18.000 I want to hashtag reclaim justice. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:23.079 Are we a social justice church? 00:04:23.180 --> 00:04:24.639 Well, it depends how you define it. 00:04:25.180 --> 00:04:32.339 But we are a biblical justice church just as we are a biblical gospel church. 00:04:33.879 --> 00:04:35.939 Here's what you need to know about this morning's sermon. 00:04:36.399 --> 00:04:38.279 It's not going to answer all your questions. 00:04:38.680 --> 00:04:40.360 It may even raise more questions. 00:04:40.360 --> 00:04:55.420 But my goal is to reclaim the biblical understanding of justice so that we as a church can have clarity in the midst of confusion and that we can together move forward in confidence on mission for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:55.420 --> 00:04:57.420 That's my goal. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:57.699 That's my goal. 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:01.080 And so here's a phrase you're going to hear. 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:03.740 It goes something like this. 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:08.520 God is just and we must be just like him. 00:05:09.700 --> 00:05:13.300 God is just and we must be just like him. 00:05:13.400 --> 00:05:17.420 And so let's start with a definition of justice. 00:05:17.420 --> 00:05:18.800 That's at the top of your notes. 00:05:18.900 --> 00:05:21.000 And here's what I'm going to work out of. 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:28.600 Biblical justice is the God-centered treatment of all people with dignity and fairness. 00:05:29.160 --> 00:05:38.019 Biblical justice is the God-centered, not man-centered, God-centered treatment of all people with dignity and fairness. 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:45.199 And what you'll see on your bulletins, the outline, four points to support that claim. 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:51.920 God is just and we must be just like him. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:55.139 So let's start off with point one. 00:05:55.779 --> 00:05:59.039 Biblical justice is God-centered. 00:05:59.819 --> 00:06:05.980 It starts and ends with a God of justice, an all-just God. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:14.759 For us to be just, we must first see that biblical justice begins and ends with a just God. 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:19.180 So let's talk about this just God. 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:24.360 In Deuteronomy 32, verse 4, we just heard Billy read it. 00:06:24.939 --> 00:06:25.500 We read, 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:34.240 The rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. 00:06:35.099 --> 00:06:40.879 A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:43.899 There is a collection of words. 00:06:44.839 --> 00:06:50.959 And this collection of words, two words, particularly in the Old Testament, they get used of God. 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:53.360 Justice and righteousness. 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:57.339 They're used to describe God's character and his conduct. 00:06:58.439 --> 00:07:06.899 And when we come across them, we see that this forms God's heart when it comes to doing what's right for people. 00:07:06.899 --> 00:07:09.939 Listen to this. 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.759 Psalm 33, 5. 00:07:12.479 --> 00:07:16.379 God loves righteousness and justice. 00:07:17.479 --> 00:07:19.000 Psalm 89, 14. 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:24.139 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. 00:07:24.899 --> 00:07:26.359 He's reigning on high. 00:07:27.359 --> 00:07:31.359 On a throne of righteousness and justice. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:31.540 Yes. 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:34.480 Psalm 99 begins, 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:36.900 The Lord reigns. 00:07:37.960 --> 00:07:39.300 And verse 4 continues, 00:07:39.780 --> 00:07:43.160 The king in his midst, in his might, loves justice. 00:07:43.660 --> 00:07:44.920 You have established equity. 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:50.340 You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 00:07:51.220 --> 00:07:52.860 Psalm 103, Brian read it. 00:07:52.860 --> 00:07:58.340 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 00:07:58.339 --> 00:08:02.699 Isaiah 9, this child born to us. 00:08:04.139 --> 00:08:05.259 Wonderful counselor. 00:08:05.919 --> 00:08:07.279 Mighty God, Prince of Peace. 00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:11.799 He will set up a government which will be no end. 00:08:12.159 --> 00:08:15.659 And it will be marked by justice and righteousness. 00:08:18.339 --> 00:08:20.739 Jeremiah 9, 23, 24. 00:08:20.919 --> 00:08:22.519 Jeremiah 23, 5. 00:08:22.839 --> 00:08:24.259 Jeremiah 33, 5. 00:08:24.379 --> 00:08:25.500 Justice and righteousness. 00:08:25.659 --> 00:08:26.399 So what do these mean? 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:32.840 Justice comes from a Hebrew word that means to give people their due. 00:08:34.079 --> 00:08:39.159 To punish wrongdoing and to protect the rights of the vulnerable. 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:45.399 It punishes wrong and it ensures rights. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:49.860 That's the most basic sense of justice. 00:08:49.860 --> 00:08:51.980 And that this word righteousness, 00:08:52.820 --> 00:08:55.779 It's not so much of personal morality, 00:08:55.940 --> 00:08:57.100 Though it does involve that. 00:08:57.539 --> 00:09:04.759 What it really gets at is the day-to-day living of right relationships with God and others. 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:09.180 So justice means giving people their due 00:09:09.180 --> 00:09:12.399 In right relationship with one another. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:14.340 With God and others. 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:15.100 For example, 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:17.440 Just think of the Ten Commandments. 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:19.980 The first four commandments 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:25.560 Are just laws that are governing our relationship with God. 00:09:25.680 --> 00:09:27.040 To be in right relationship with Him. 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:33.800 And the following six commandments are just laws governing right relationship with one another. 00:09:33.940 --> 00:09:36.160 So we don't murder because it's unjust. 00:09:36.159 --> 00:09:44.199 When we talk about justice, 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.639 Biblical justice is God-centered. 00:09:46.799 --> 00:09:49.059 And it begins with a God who is just, 00:09:49.179 --> 00:09:50.219 But it ends 00:09:50.219 --> 00:09:53.879 With a God who brings justice for all. 00:09:54.799 --> 00:09:55.860 There's been a day set. 00:09:55.959 --> 00:09:57.819 It's in God's calendar right now. 00:09:58.319 --> 00:09:59.480 The day of judgment. 00:09:59.659 --> 00:10:00.939 And we're one day closer. 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:03.340 And on that judgment day, 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:10.460 All the injustice that God right now has seeing in all people everywhere, 00:10:10.660 --> 00:10:12.000 For all time, 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:14.220 On that day, 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:18.000 He will make all wrongs right. 00:10:18.520 --> 00:10:20.120 Everything would be brought to light. 00:10:20.560 --> 00:10:22.240 All justice is meted out. 00:10:22.780 --> 00:10:25.320 Every mouth is silenced. 00:10:25.320 --> 00:10:29.160 No one on that day can say, 00:10:29.300 --> 00:10:30.920 God, that's not fair. 00:10:31.800 --> 00:10:32.740 Perfect justice. 00:10:37.220 --> 00:10:39.240 What's important to realize is that 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:46.520 There are some significant differences between the exercise of God's justice and human justice. 00:10:47.020 --> 00:10:49.860 God is impartial in all of His ways and His judgments. 00:10:50.400 --> 00:10:51.380 He is patient. 00:10:51.800 --> 00:10:54.760 He is forbearing injustice now. 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:55.580 So that, 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:57.399 This is 2 Peter 3.9, 00:10:57.679 --> 00:11:02.240 So that more and more people can come into a right relationship with Him 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:05.000 Through the just work of Jesus on the cross. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:09.439 God is impartial. 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:10.200 He's patient. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.899 And He's perfect in His judgments and His justice. 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:17.700 We tend to be partial in our justice. 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:20.639 Impatient in our justice. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:26.100 Imperfect in our exercise of dignity and fairness. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:28.679 And here's what this means. 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:33.699 For us to do justice. 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:39.980 Means we must first seek the God of all justice. 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:43.800 Proverbs 28.5 00:11:43.800 --> 00:11:46.379 Evil men do not understand justice, 00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:52.320 But those who seek the Lord understand it completely. 00:11:53.759 --> 00:12:02.019 Our understanding of justice comes from our seeking of the all-just God. 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:04.899 He forms His mind in us. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:09.919 And what we begin to see is He is at the center of justice. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:11.480 He's the definer. 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:13.199 It begins and ends with Him. 00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:19.620 So we reject a man-centered justice that can devolve into some kind of doing what's right in your own eyes. 00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:23.740 And we press into God-centered justice. 00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:28.399 Seeking God and His word to do what's right in God's eyes. 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:33.939 So here's my appeal to you at this end of this first point. 00:12:35.079 --> 00:12:36.459 Brothers and sisters, 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:43.179 When it comes to a God-centered treatment of all people with dignity and fairness, 00:12:43.419 --> 00:12:46.779 It begins with seeking an all-just God. 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:48.379 That's where we start. 00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:50.559 We begin with God. 00:12:51.879 --> 00:12:54.019 And let me urge you to this end. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:13:04.539 Would you ask this just God to search your heart to expose any injustice in you? 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:06.620 That's where we start. 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:12.899 God is just. 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:19.100 And we must be just like Him. 00:13:20.519 --> 00:13:21.659 Second point. 00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:30.620 Biblical justice values image-bearer equality. 00:13:31.839 --> 00:13:40.539 Justice is grounded human justice in every human being being an image-bearer of God. 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:44.959 Whether individual image-bearers or groups of image-bearers, 00:13:45.459 --> 00:13:50.879 Biblical justice treats all image-bearers of God with dignity and fairness. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:57.960 And that comes from a passage in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27 where we read this. 00:13:58.439 --> 00:14:00.519 So God created man in His own image. 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:02.419 In the image of God He created him. 00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:05.759 Male and female He created them. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:11.580 Both male and female are created individually in the image of God. 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:18.860 So a man, His image-bearer isn't a better image-bearing because he is a man. 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:25.000 Nor is a woman bearing God's image less of an image-bearer because she's a woman. 00:14:25.560 --> 00:14:27.040 We're all image-bearers. 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:32.160 And so God sees us with equal worth because we bear His likeness. 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:35.120 All men and women everywhere. 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:42.939 So the question becomes, what does it mean to be an image-bearer? 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:47.519 Well, there's two basic elements of us being image-bearers. 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:48.439 First is this. 00:14:48.719 --> 00:14:56.699 Of all creation, men and women are uniquely created to be in relationship with God. 00:14:56.700 --> 00:15:03.320 There's no other created being on the planet that was designed to be in relationship with God. 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:04.660 None. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.580 We were built for it. 00:15:07.640 --> 00:15:08.700 We were designed for it. 00:15:09.400 --> 00:15:16.720 We get a hint of that in Genesis 3.8 when God came looking to walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day in the garden. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:23.680 That's the kind of relationship God wants with us and created us for, designed us for. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:27.139 But we're just not created to have a unique relationship with Him. 00:15:27.420 --> 00:15:31.019 We've been given a unique responsibility by God. 00:15:31.899 --> 00:15:35.639 And that is to represent Him on earth. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:38.700 To be fruitful and multiply for God. 00:15:38.800 --> 00:15:42.120 So what makes human beings image-bearers? 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:44.360 We are created to be in relationship with God. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:50.620 And we are created to represent God on earth for the glory of His name. 00:15:52.060 --> 00:15:57.740 And that gives us the biblical basis for the sanctity of life. 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:08.320 That every human being bears God's image, whether in the womb or out of the womb or on the verge of death. 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:17.820 That every human being is an image-bearer of God and therefore has intrinsic value and worth. 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:22.540 We are equal in God's sight. 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:27.840 Do you remember back in school when you learned what the greatest common denominator was? 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:40.080 The greatest common denominator of every human being on the planet is that each of us, all of us, are image-bearers of God. 00:16:40.540 --> 00:16:46.000 And that means we extend dignity and fairness to all. 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:49.220 All of us. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:55.180 We can never say we don't have common ground with another human person. 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:59.179 Because we're all image-bearers. 00:17:00.359 --> 00:17:05.039 And it's this sanctity of life that is the basis of justice. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:09.319 Treating all people with dignity and fairness. 00:17:09.679 --> 00:17:12.339 So let me spell out some implications for us. 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:16.179 We do justice to individuals. 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:20.559 We show individuals' dignity and fairness. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:23.079 Because they're image-bearers of God. 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:32.440 And we know that they too will individually stand before God one day to give an account for every decision they made throughout their entire life. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:39.139 Every human being is responsible for their decisions before God. 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:43.440 They're held accountable by God for their sinful choices. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.359 Every human being is. 00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:50.359 That helps us. 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:53.279 Because we want to hold one another accountable. 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:58.479 Because we realize each of us are going to need to stand before God someday to give an account for our lives. 00:17:58.899 --> 00:18:02.899 And I want you as well as me to stand before God someday and say, 00:18:03.219 --> 00:18:06.599 Lord Jesus, I did everything I could for the glory of your name. 00:18:06.599 --> 00:18:12.219 But it's just not limited to individuals. 00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:22.179 Showing dignity and fairness extends to groups of image-bearers who are vulnerable. 00:18:23.199 --> 00:18:24.119 Uniquely vulnerable. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:29.480 There is a subset of image-bearers that it's a theme throughout the Bible. 00:18:30.679 --> 00:18:34.339 That God is particularly concerned that we treat justly. 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:41.799 Scholars call this vulnerable group the quartet of the vulnerable. 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:51.240 They are orphans, widows, the materially poor, and the stranger. 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:59.359 The stranger, back in the Old Testament, would be someone who's coming into ethnic Israel. 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:06.359 And they would have been an ethnic minority within the ethnic majority. 00:19:07.699 --> 00:19:12.659 So this opens up for us to understand that a stranger is just not some weirdo. 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:16.000 There's someone unlike us. 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.240 Someone on the outside. 00:19:17.899 --> 00:19:20.879 Someone coming in among us that may not fit. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:27.040 God's word, particularly in Proverbs, has quite a bit to say. 00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:32.940 If you want to jot these down, in Proverbs chapter 23, 10 through 11, 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:38.860 God says this about the orphan. 00:19:39.020 --> 00:19:42.880 Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless. 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.720 That's a reference to orphans. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:47.400 For the Redeemer is strong. 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:49.200 He will plead their cause against you. 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.620 Do you see? 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:52.360 God takes up the cause of the orphan. 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:57.039 If God is just, we must be just like Him. 00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:03.140 And then in Proverbs 15, 25, we read this. 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:09.940 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but maintains the widow's boundaries. 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:12.720 Vulnerable. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:21.220 God has an eye to these groups, individuals and groups of the vulnerable. 00:20:23.640 --> 00:20:28.279 God is particularly concerned in the book of Proverbs with the materially poor. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:34.880 Of all the quartet, it's the poor that gets most reference in the book of Proverbs. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:47.420 If you want to look at a passage now, Proverbs 14, 31, talks about poor people, materially poor, as being image bearers. 00:20:48.120 --> 00:20:54.100 The poor and the wealthy are both, both share the same maker. 00:20:55.060 --> 00:20:56.240 I think that's 22, 2. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:21:07.759 What I'm trying to get at is there are uniquely vulnerable groups of image bearers within our society. 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:10.940 And God does not ignore them. 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:19.700 He calls us to care for them, to show justice to them, to treat them with dignity and fairness. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:33.000 In fact, God will hold each of us personally accountable for the way we treat the orphan and the widow, the poor and the outsider. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:46.519 As a church in the city, we are uniquely positioned to show justice to these people who are vulnerable. 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:50.319 I believe it's a privilege. 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:54.200 Though it gets complicated and it gets messy. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:56.779 It's an honor. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:02.779 Every human being is an image bearer. 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:08.680 And every image bearer is personally accountable to the God of justice. 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:15.880 And there are groups of image bearers uniquely vulnerable to exploitation. 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:20.440 And then being seen as somehow subhuman. 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:23.279 Less than image bearers. 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.899 And God says, no. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:30.000 Treat them all with justice, dignity, and fairness. 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:35.139 God is just. 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:38.779 And we must be just like him. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:46.879 We must look to God's word and let God's word form what we think in terms of justice. 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:55.220 Third, biblical justice is a path of the wise. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:23:04.940 I think we all realize that we live in a hyper extreme moment in time, in history. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:11.579 There is this pressure that many of us feel to have to show your colors. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:13.279 Show what team you're on. 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:16.220 What side are you on? 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:17.600 What tribe are you with? 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:23.399 And people go extreme and they dig their heels in. 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:26.920 Many people are fearful. 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:28.920 Many people are confused. 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:31.120 Many people get angry. 00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:37.919 And what I want to tell you this morning is God has laid out a path for us to walk. 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:41.739 A wise path of justice. 00:23:43.179 --> 00:23:44.719 We go to God's word. 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:48.279 We look to God and say, God, give us the wisdom. 00:23:48.459 --> 00:23:52.000 Give us the MacGyver wisdom to know what to do today. 00:23:52.679 --> 00:23:54.439 To know what to do in this season. 00:23:54.440 --> 00:24:00.440 Help us to live for you in our concern for all people. 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:10.779 In Proverbs chapter 1, verses 2 and 3, we read this. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:17.700 This is basically the intro to the book of Proverbs and tells you why you need it. 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:20.500 To know wisdom and instruction. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:22.160 To understand words of insight. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:24.660 To receive instruction in wise dealings. 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:29.900 In righteousness, justice, and equity. 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:37.819 The book of Proverbs shows us how to fear God and to be just. 00:24:39.380 --> 00:24:43.380 Chapter 2, verses 6 through 9. 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.400 For the Lord gives wisdom. 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:46.720 Yes, amen. 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:49.259 Lord, give us wisdom. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:53.059 For the Lord gives wisdom. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:56.779 From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 00:24:57.340 --> 00:25:00.019 Whose lips are you looking to to figure this out? 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:05.759 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. 00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:08.000 He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:11.960 Guarding the paths of justice. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:15.019 And watching over the way of the saints. 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:20.859 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity. 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:24.920 Every good path. 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:28.059 There is a path to walk, brothers and sisters. 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:30.119 A path of wisdom. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:36.720 There is a life to craft according to the fear of the Lord that is just and right. 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:41.299 Proverbs chapter 8. 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:45.600 Lady wisdom tells leaders. 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:48.319 Leads them in justice. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:53.779 What's up with this path language? 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.339 Path language. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:26:01.740 The Bible uses path and way language to describe how to live your life. 00:26:02.099 --> 00:26:03.480 Walking on the way. 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.619 Walking in on the path. 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:06.579 The path of wisdom. 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:07.599 The path of blessing. 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:12.779 So the question that we really need to ask ourselves is. 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:15.079 What's our next step? 00:26:17.159 --> 00:26:19.240 As we trust God and fear him. 00:26:19.399 --> 00:26:20.839 See him at the center of all things. 00:26:20.919 --> 00:26:22.279 The definer of all things. 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:27.099 How do we walk the path of wisdom when it comes to justice? 00:26:28.119 --> 00:26:30.959 Treating all people with dignity and fairness. 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:38.799 I know very well that we all have different spheres of relationships. 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:40.360 We live in different neighborhoods. 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:42.759 We work in different workplaces. 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:45.120 We send our children to different schools. 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:48.740 We have different spheres of relationships. 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.259 So I'm aware of that. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:27:00.579 But if you find yourself somewhat insulated or isolated from the orphan. 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.120 From the widow. 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.700 From the materially poor. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.460 And the stranger. 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.460 Ethnic minorities. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:13.860 If you found yourself somewhat insulated or isolated. 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:14.600 You know what? 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:19.160 You hear a sermon like this and you can start feeling guilty about your situation. 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.299 Or you start asking a question. 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:23.100 I'm not sure if this is the church I should be going to. 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:25.000 Well let me assure you. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:26.819 This is the church you should be going to. 00:27:29.340 --> 00:27:30.319 And here's why. 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.299 Exposure. 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.819 Exposure. 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:38.380 To people. 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:40.200 Who are vulnerable. 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.480 Groups of people in need. 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:45.360 We don't avoid that. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.740 As followers of Jesus. 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:48.779 We move to that. 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:50.319 As followers of Jesus. 00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:53.600 Exposure. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:56.019 To difficult situations. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:57.019 Exposure. 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.680 Will complicate your life. 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:02.400 But it will also enrich your life. 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:05.940 It will expand your heart. 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:08.059 With God's heart. 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.639 For all people. 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:09.700 For all people. 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:19.380 So if you find yourself in a position. 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:22.600 Where you feel like you kind of live on an island a little bit. 00:28:24.100 --> 00:28:26.400 Isolated from people in need. 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:29.120 People in hardship. 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.500 Take a step. 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:35.340 Here are two steps you can take. 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.840 Two places you can step into. 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:39.360 In our life in the church right now. 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:41.259 That you would be welcomed. 00:28:41.679 --> 00:28:44.059 It would be a great way to wade in. 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:46.980 On Wednesday afternoons. 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:48.659 At our building. 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:51.039 We have a mentoring program. 00:28:51.159 --> 00:28:52.960 It's run by Jasmine Aldrich. 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.819 Jasmine's right here. 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.819 Will you raise your hand, Jasmine? 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:58.519 And this after school mentoring program. 00:28:58.919 --> 00:29:00.539 Is one of my favorite things. 00:29:00.639 --> 00:29:02.480 That happen at our church on a weekly basis. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:05.599 We have volunteers coming in. 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:07.519 And setting up shop. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:09.279 Building relationships with children. 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:12.740 Women who are living in very difficult situations. 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:14.399 Very difficult neighborhoods. 00:29:15.099 --> 00:29:19.019 You know how before I was talking to you about the quartet of the vulnerable. 00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:21.700 We've got orphans and widows. 00:29:21.879 --> 00:29:23.740 And the poor and the stranger. 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.039 Do you know what happens? 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:30.559 One person can embody three of those vulnerabilities. 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:33.139 You can have functional orphans. 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:34.319 Who are poor. 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.839 And are outsiders. 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:38.039 It makes it very difficult for them. 00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:42.899 But what I love about King's Place. 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:45.119 Is what I hear from the volunteers. 00:29:45.639 --> 00:29:47.460 Over and over again. 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:49.639 I hear from the volunteers at King's Place. 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.720 Yeah this is hard. 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.579 But it's changed my life. 00:29:53.339 --> 00:29:55.019 I don't see the world the same. 00:29:55.019 --> 00:30:00.279 What I also love about King's Place. 00:30:00.879 --> 00:30:03.460 They preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:04.900 Every week. 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.900 Jasmine Aldrich. 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.339 You and your team. 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:10.720 Keep preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:12.799 Every week at King's Place. 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.359 If you're interested. 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.440 Talk to Jasmine. 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:16.519 Another place. 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:18.660 Is on Sunday mornings. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.139 Early on. 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.420 We have a breakfast. 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.839 It's led by Steve Bickle. 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:23.099 Bick. 00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:24.180 Where are you Steve? 00:30:24.180 --> 00:30:24.759 There he is. 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:25.940 Brother. 00:30:26.139 --> 00:30:27.539 Ohio State Buckeye fan. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.200 Yes. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.619 God's more important. 00:30:34.900 --> 00:30:37.139 But Steve gives leadership to a breakfast. 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.740 In which we are feeding. 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:40.259 People who are homeless. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:42.059 People who are marginalized. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:43.920 People who are in need. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.440 Gospels preached there. 00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:48.019 And I guarantee you. 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:49.920 If you volunteer for one month. 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.900 Your life will be changed for the better. 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:53.799 So if you're interested in that. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:54.940 Talk to Steve. 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.720 Steve Bickle. 00:30:55.859 --> 00:30:56.460 Over there. 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:58.980 What I'm trying to help you with. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.779 Is take a step. 00:31:00.139 --> 00:31:01.379 We got places you can step. 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:02.819 Take a step. 00:31:03.539 --> 00:31:05.500 Take a step on the path of wisdom. 00:31:05.619 --> 00:31:06.519 The path of justice. 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:09.319 There's another place where you can take a step. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:12.160 Our Sunday morning gatherings. 00:31:12.900 --> 00:31:13.680 In our building. 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:15.500 When we come together. 00:31:15.500 --> 00:31:16.500 It is an opportunity for us all. 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:18.480 It is an opportunity for us all. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:21.319 To be walking in a just path together. 00:31:21.859 --> 00:31:22.420 Showing. 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.599 Showing. 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:27.079 Dignity and fairness to all people who come into our building. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:28.079 We have noticed. 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:30.319 We have noticed. 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:32.899 That many people come to our building. 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.679 They are welcomed. 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:36.539 And they never come back. 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:40.460 What we want to see is a culture shift. 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:42.079 That is what we are praying for. 00:31:42.419 --> 00:31:43.639 A culture shift. 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:46.259 In which people come to our building. 00:31:46.939 --> 00:31:49.819 They feel like they can belong. 00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:51.919 And they never leave. 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:54.119 We are praying for that. 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:56.720 We believe God has to do a work. 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:57.939 In order for that to happen. 00:31:58.099 --> 00:31:59.079 But here is your part. 00:31:59.339 --> 00:32:00.019 In that. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:03.200 Every Sunday morning. 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:04.220 When we gather. 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.939 It is an opportunity for you to. 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:08.059 Move to strangers. 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.539 Move to people unlike you. 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:13.279 Move to the materially poor. 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:14.720 Move to people. 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:16.579 And get to know them. 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:18.240 Build relationships with them. 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:21.079 Even. 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:24.659 Invite them over to your home for lunch afterwards. 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:27.339 Have conversations about. 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:28.279 With them when you. 00:32:28.899 --> 00:32:29.700 Hear their story. 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:30.819 There is this. 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.419 Video series out there. 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.439 That we have used at the church. 00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.639 It is called Helping Without Hurting. 00:32:36.639 --> 00:32:37.700 And in this series. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:41.559 Numerous materially poor people. 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.279 Are interviewed. 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.480 And they are asked this question. 00:32:43.599 --> 00:32:44.619 What is it that you need most? 00:32:44.899 --> 00:32:46.500 What is it that you feel most acutely? 00:32:46.639 --> 00:32:47.200 Do you know what they say? 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:49.799 It has nothing to do with their material situation. 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:52.899 It is feeling like they do not have a voice. 00:32:54.659 --> 00:32:55.720 It is feeling like. 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.839 They do not have worth. 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:58.899 Dignity. 00:33:00.559 --> 00:33:01.259 Part of. 00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:03.000 Helping people feel belong. 00:33:03.159 --> 00:33:03.659 Is to. 00:33:04.339 --> 00:33:05.119 Dignify them. 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:07.799 So that they can see themselves. 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:09.399 As being part of our church. 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:10.060 It is. 00:33:14.220 --> 00:33:14.600 It is. 00:33:14.600 --> 00:33:15.900 It is a step we must take together. 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:19.060 There is other steps that we must take. 00:33:20.360 --> 00:33:23.960 We must take steps of justice for the unborn. 00:33:23.960 --> 00:33:24.059 Unborn. 00:33:26.860 --> 00:33:31.460 This is another group of vulnerable image bearers in our country. 00:33:34.340 --> 00:33:35.420 If you want to learn. 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:39.200 Think about the unborn in terms of the Proverbs. 00:33:39.579 --> 00:33:41.000 Look at Proverbs 24. 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:42.359 11 and 12. 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:43.519 Look at that. 00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:46.420 And think about the unborn in our country right now. 00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:47.839 Crossway. 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:50.619 There is a walk for life happening in a couple Saturdays. 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:51.480 Renee Seymour. 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.380 Would you raise your hand? 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:54.019 Renee Seymour is back there. 00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:56.380 If you are interested in taking a step that way. 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:57.319 Talk to Renee. 00:33:57.319 --> 00:34:00.720 Another step that you can take. 00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:02.980 Is taking a step in terms of. 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:04.000 What it means to. 00:34:04.639 --> 00:34:06.639 Treat the poor justly. 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:10.319 Let me encourage you along these lines. 00:34:10.759 --> 00:34:11.759 Start loading up. 00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:13.699 Your mind and your heart. 00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:15.360 With what the Bible says. 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:16.219 About the poor. 00:34:17.440 --> 00:34:18.159 Proverbs are. 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:19.259 It is full of it. 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:21.119 Proverbs 14.31. 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:23.000 Proverbs 17.5. 00:34:23.319 --> 00:34:24.739 Proverbs 21.13. 00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:26.759 And then there are four verses in 22. 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.180 22.2. 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.300 22.9. 00:34:29.540 --> 00:34:30.360 22.16. 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:31.900 And 22.22. 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:34.840 Then you want to go to James chapter 2. 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:38.160 Which gives a warning about showing partiality. 00:34:38.820 --> 00:34:40.200 To the rich over the poor. 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:45.920 Take a step on the path of justice. 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:48.320 When it comes to the poor. 00:34:49.700 --> 00:34:52.020 You can take a step on the path of justice. 00:34:52.020 --> 00:34:53.780 When it comes to caring for orphans. 00:34:54.080 --> 00:34:55.820 We have a number of families in our church. 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:58.059 That our foster families. 00:34:58.240 --> 00:34:59.260 Foster parents. 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:01.340 They've opened their homes up. 00:35:01.740 --> 00:35:03.620 To these children who are vulnerable. 00:35:04.660 --> 00:35:06.100 I am so proud of them. 00:35:06.580 --> 00:35:08.320 I am so glad to be associated with them. 00:35:08.660 --> 00:35:08.780 So. 00:35:09.280 --> 00:35:09.660 So. 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:10.940 So Bill and Jerilyn. 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:13.019 Keep preaching the gospel. 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:14.539 To those foster care kids. 00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:15.699 That are coming into your home. 00:35:16.779 --> 00:35:17.719 AJ and Hannah. 00:35:18.239 --> 00:35:19.940 Keep preaching the gospel. 00:35:20.259 --> 00:35:21.139 Opening your home. 00:35:21.579 --> 00:35:21.960 Wanda. 00:35:22.359 --> 00:35:23.460 Keep going sister. 00:35:24.219 --> 00:35:25.259 For those of us. 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:26.859 We can come around them. 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:28.420 Support them. 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:29.679 Encourage them. 00:35:30.639 --> 00:35:31.639 Give them breaks. 00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:34.039 There's some paperwork involved. 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:34.879 But we can do that. 00:35:34.880 --> 00:35:38.740 I can go on. 00:35:40.240 --> 00:35:41.720 But there is an elephant in the room. 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:45.619 What does doing justice look like? 00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:51.000 When it comes to the shooting of Jacob Blake. 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:54.180 What does that mean? 00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:57.919 How do we seek to fear the Lord. 00:35:58.019 --> 00:35:58.779 And seek him. 00:35:59.239 --> 00:36:00.319 And do justice. 00:36:00.899 --> 00:36:02.419 In a season like this. 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:04.299 Where we're waiting for this investigation. 00:36:04.960 --> 00:36:06.039 To come to a close. 00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:06.980 And hear the results. 00:36:07.279 --> 00:36:08.500 And we all have this sense of. 00:36:08.579 --> 00:36:09.619 We're not sure what's going to happen. 00:36:09.679 --> 00:36:09.859 Right? 00:36:13.319 --> 00:36:15.039 Well when it comes to this situation. 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:15.799 In our city. 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:18.379 We go to God first. 00:36:18.380 --> 00:36:20.860 We seek the Lord. 00:36:21.260 --> 00:36:23.360 Who gives justice. 00:36:23.860 --> 00:36:26.160 And we understand it completely. 00:36:26.780 --> 00:36:28.780 We're not going to lean on our own understanding. 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:30.059 In all of our ways. 00:36:30.220 --> 00:36:30.900 In this way. 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:32.860 We're going to acknowledge God. 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.980 And trust that he's going to make straight our paths. 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:36.940 But what it does mean is this. 00:36:37.300 --> 00:36:39.500 We pray for Jacob Blake and his family. 00:36:41.559 --> 00:36:42.579 We pray for them. 00:36:42.640 --> 00:36:43.559 They're image bearers. 00:36:44.559 --> 00:36:46.920 Pray that God would use us to draw them to himself. 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:49.440 We pray for Rester Shesky. 00:36:49.800 --> 00:36:51.960 The officer who did the shooting. 00:36:52.280 --> 00:36:53.139 We pray for him. 00:36:53.280 --> 00:36:54.599 We pray for mercy for him. 00:36:54.820 --> 00:36:56.559 That God would reveal himself to him. 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:59.579 We pray for the investigative teams. 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:02.840 Who are involved in gathering the facts. 00:37:03.320 --> 00:37:03.780 Oh God. 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:06.780 May all the facts come to light in this situation. 00:37:07.159 --> 00:37:09.639 So it becomes clear and transparent for all. 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:11.320 That justice was done. 00:37:13.220 --> 00:37:16.059 We're praying against a miscarriage of justice. 00:37:16.920 --> 00:37:21.119 That's what we pray for. 00:37:21.320 --> 00:37:23.260 This is very delicate stuff. 00:37:24.139 --> 00:37:26.240 But God has a path for us to walk. 00:37:26.340 --> 00:37:27.099 Brothers and sisters. 00:37:28.440 --> 00:37:32.519 The question is not what is politically right. 00:37:33.000 --> 00:37:36.639 The question is what is biblically right. 00:37:37.440 --> 00:37:38.320 That's what we do. 00:37:39.940 --> 00:37:41.360 That's what we pray for. 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:43.260 God is just. 00:37:43.500 --> 00:37:46.659 And we must be just like him. 00:37:47.460 --> 00:37:49.879 There's another step I want you to consider taking. 00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:52.920 It's a step I've been taking over the last several months. 00:37:54.279 --> 00:37:59.259 And it's to ask the black and brown image bearers in your life. 00:37:59.799 --> 00:38:03.239 What they are thinking about all this situation. 00:38:03.739 --> 00:38:06.379 And you don't raise it in order to make a case. 00:38:06.380 --> 00:38:08.539 Raise it in order to listen. 00:38:09.240 --> 00:38:10.559 To understand. 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:12.400 To empathize. 00:38:12.920 --> 00:38:14.480 To gain insight. 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.780 So that we can do justice. 00:38:20.240 --> 00:38:23.780 Whether it's the cause of the unborn. 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:26.460 Whether it's the cause for the poor. 00:38:27.160 --> 00:38:30.059 Whether it is helping orphans or widows. 00:38:30.059 --> 00:38:31.940 Whether it's doing justice. 00:38:31.940 --> 00:38:34.219 And seeking justice for ethnic minorities. 00:38:35.599 --> 00:38:37.199 There may come a time. 00:38:37.599 --> 00:38:39.539 Where God calls us. 00:38:40.119 --> 00:38:42.320 To Proverbs chapter 31. 00:38:44.820 --> 00:38:45.860 Eight and nine. 00:38:45.860 --> 00:38:52.800 Open your mouth for the mute. 00:38:53.800 --> 00:38:56.740 For the rights of all who are destitute. 00:38:57.660 --> 00:38:58.700 Open your mouth. 00:38:59.200 --> 00:39:00.519 Judge righteously. 00:39:01.039 --> 00:39:04.180 Defend the rights of the poor and needy. 00:39:04.660 --> 00:39:05.559 Brothers and sisters. 00:39:06.320 --> 00:39:08.260 This is God's call for us. 00:39:08.660 --> 00:39:12.620 To do what's just for all. 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:16.519 I know there's a lot more we can talk about here. 00:39:18.079 --> 00:39:20.839 Oh God give us wisdom as we walk the path of justice. 00:39:22.099 --> 00:39:22.980 Now finally. 00:39:23.619 --> 00:39:25.199 For doing biblical justice. 00:39:25.460 --> 00:39:26.779 And declaring the biblical gospel. 00:39:27.359 --> 00:39:28.380 Are not at odds. 00:39:35.079 --> 00:39:37.440 I've spent a considerable amount of time this morning. 00:39:37.659 --> 00:39:39.759 Talking about what biblical justice is. 00:39:40.759 --> 00:39:42.119 I haven't spent much time. 00:39:42.119 --> 00:39:43.799 Talking about the biblical gospel. 00:39:44.880 --> 00:39:47.259 Are we a social justice church? 00:39:47.519 --> 00:39:48.219 I don't know. 00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:51.859 We're going to be a biblical justice church. 00:39:52.279 --> 00:39:54.079 And we're going to proclaim. 00:39:54.460 --> 00:39:55.859 The biblical gospel. 00:39:57.579 --> 00:39:59.420 God's not requiring us to choose. 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:00.219 Brothers and sisters. 00:40:01.139 --> 00:40:03.339 He's not requiring us to choose. 00:40:03.679 --> 00:40:05.819 Either declare the biblical gospel. 00:40:06.139 --> 00:40:07.519 Or do biblical justice. 00:40:08.000 --> 00:40:09.900 God is calling us to do both. 00:40:10.420 --> 00:40:11.880 Declare the biblical gospel. 00:40:11.880 --> 00:40:14.559 And do biblical justice. 00:40:14.559 --> 00:40:15.860 It's not either or. 00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:16.720 It's both and. 00:40:17.079 --> 00:40:19.280 But we are not naive. 00:40:21.280 --> 00:40:25.079 We know that there's the possibility of drift. 00:40:25.740 --> 00:40:27.160 Of losing focus. 00:40:27.159 --> 00:40:29.839 On what matters most. 00:40:29.840 --> 00:40:31.840 That of first importance. 00:40:31.840 --> 00:40:35.160 That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:40:36.720 --> 00:40:38.820 That God became a man. 00:40:39.280 --> 00:40:40.980 He died for sinners on a cross. 00:40:41.120 --> 00:40:44.260 And was raised to deliver us from the wrath to come. 00:40:44.519 --> 00:40:46.340 And reconciling us to himself. 00:40:46.340 --> 00:40:46.440 God. 00:40:48.820 --> 00:40:51.420 So here's what we must do moving forward. 00:40:51.539 --> 00:40:54.120 To protect ourselves against any kind of drift. 00:40:55.740 --> 00:40:58.100 We've got to prioritize the gospel. 00:40:58.099 --> 00:41:02.400 That's why we keep the great commission in front of us. 00:41:03.199 --> 00:41:05.759 Jesus giving us our marching orders. 00:41:05.759 --> 00:41:07.759 To go make disciples of all nations. 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:08.559 All peoples. 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:09.819 All peoples. 00:41:11.299 --> 00:41:13.719 And when we make disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:41:13.819 --> 00:41:16.519 The way we do that is by proclaiming Jesus Christ. 00:41:16.779 --> 00:41:19.599 To call all people to follow Jesus. 00:41:19.599 --> 00:41:20.819 And all that he commanded. 00:41:22.599 --> 00:41:24.900 We call them to repent and to believe. 00:41:27.360 --> 00:41:29.420 To become a follower of Jesus. 00:41:30.860 --> 00:41:33.139 Means that you will follow Jesus. 00:41:33.639 --> 00:41:35.420 In the path of wisdom. 00:41:36.420 --> 00:41:39.259 And he will call you to do justice. 00:41:39.799 --> 00:41:40.900 For all people. 00:41:42.159 --> 00:41:44.159 Treating people with dignity and fairness. 00:41:46.039 --> 00:41:47.539 We got to prioritize. 00:41:48.420 --> 00:41:49.579 Preaching the gospel. 00:41:49.599 --> 00:41:52.519 Because it alone. 00:41:52.839 --> 00:41:55.980 Addresses all of mankind's greatest problem. 00:41:56.420 --> 00:41:58.799 And that is our separation from God. 00:41:59.179 --> 00:42:01.139 And being under his just wrath. 00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:02.179 The gospel. 00:42:02.699 --> 00:42:05.219 Is God's just work in Christ. 00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:07.699 To forgive us of all of our sin. 00:42:08.099 --> 00:42:09.440 And to make us right. 00:42:09.759 --> 00:42:10.460 With him. 00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:12.279 But we also got to protect the gospel. 00:42:14.159 --> 00:42:16.139 And here's how we protect the gospel. 00:42:17.079 --> 00:42:18.839 We protect the content. 00:42:18.840 --> 00:42:19.960 Of the gospel. 00:42:19.960 --> 00:42:20.400 What it is. 00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:21.480 What it is. 00:42:21.620 --> 00:42:22.440 And what it's not. 00:42:24.320 --> 00:42:25.880 Jesus Christ died. 00:42:25.940 --> 00:42:27.340 And was raised for sinners. 00:42:27.840 --> 00:42:28.360 Gospel. 00:42:29.420 --> 00:42:30.500 Social justice. 00:42:30.880 --> 00:42:31.800 Not the gospel. 00:42:33.800 --> 00:42:36.140 And we need to protect ourselves from. 00:42:37.140 --> 00:42:37.940 Emphasis. 00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:42.619 Over emphasizing a good thing. 00:42:43.119 --> 00:42:45.000 Over the most important thing of all. 00:42:45.059 --> 00:42:45.700 We got to. 00:42:45.940 --> 00:42:48.320 We got to protect ourselves against that. 00:42:48.920 --> 00:42:50.599 We got to pay attention to what we're saying. 00:42:52.320 --> 00:42:53.980 We don't need to choose. 00:42:53.980 --> 00:42:55.920 Between doing biblical justice. 00:42:55.920 --> 00:42:57.700 And preaching the biblical gospel. 00:42:58.440 --> 00:43:00.139 But we do need to prioritize. 00:43:00.420 --> 00:43:01.340 And protect the gospel. 00:43:01.800 --> 00:43:02.720 Above all else. 00:43:03.559 --> 00:43:04.340 It alone. 00:43:04.840 --> 00:43:05.880 Is God. 00:43:06.200 --> 00:43:06.680 Able. 00:43:06.980 --> 00:43:07.900 To remain just. 00:43:08.159 --> 00:43:09.519 And justify sinners. 00:43:12.700 --> 00:43:13.639 God is just. 00:43:13.760 --> 00:43:15.159 And we need to be just like him. 00:43:16.860 --> 00:43:17.780 Biblical justice. 00:43:17.920 --> 00:43:18.599 Is God centered. 00:43:18.800 --> 00:43:19.480 Biblical justice. 00:43:19.480 --> 00:43:20.619 Is image bearer. 00:43:20.700 --> 00:43:21.880 Values image bearer. 00:43:21.960 --> 00:43:22.400 Equality. 00:43:22.400 --> 00:43:23.599 Biblical justice. 00:43:23.599 --> 00:43:24.519 Is the path. 00:43:24.680 --> 00:43:25.460 Of the wise. 00:43:25.960 --> 00:43:26.840 And biblical justice. 00:43:27.079 --> 00:43:28.000 And the biblical gospel. 00:43:28.300 --> 00:43:29.619 Are not at odds. 00:43:30.860 --> 00:43:31.980 We do both. 00:43:33.099 --> 00:43:33.800 Prioritizing. 00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:35.440 The message. 00:43:35.800 --> 00:43:36.700 Which is God's power. 00:43:36.800 --> 00:43:37.539 Unto salvation. 00:43:39.119 --> 00:43:40.420 Brothers and sisters. 00:43:40.920 --> 00:43:42.000 Christ the King Church. 00:43:42.780 --> 00:43:44.139 We as a body. 00:43:44.380 --> 00:43:45.180 Are in motion. 00:43:45.420 --> 00:43:46.380 Moving forward. 00:43:46.579 --> 00:43:48.619 On gospel mission. 00:43:49.420 --> 00:43:51.260 Making disciples of Jesus. 00:43:51.260 --> 00:43:52.520 Because preaching Christ. 00:43:53.960 --> 00:43:55.320 And doing justice. 00:43:55.860 --> 00:43:56.720 Is part of that. 00:43:57.720 --> 00:43:58.520 Let's pray. 00:44:00.100 --> 00:44:01.060 God in heaven. 00:44:03.640 --> 00:44:04.640 God would you. 00:44:05.020 --> 00:44:05.960 Help us. 00:44:06.120 --> 00:44:06.980 As a church. 00:44:07.520 --> 00:44:08.220 To walk. 00:44:08.500 --> 00:44:09.360 Through this time. 00:44:10.160 --> 00:44:10.940 In a way. 00:44:11.040 --> 00:44:12.360 That is pleasing to you. 00:44:14.000 --> 00:44:15.340 That honors you. 00:44:16.220 --> 00:44:18.440 That is seeking to obey your words. 00:44:18.680 --> 00:44:19.740 And your directives. 00:44:19.739 --> 00:44:22.239 God would you make us. 00:44:22.239 --> 00:44:22.719 A people. 00:44:24.199 --> 00:44:25.699 Who don't overreact. 00:44:25.779 --> 00:44:26.699 One way or the other. 00:44:27.639 --> 00:44:29.319 But God we by faith. 00:44:30.039 --> 00:44:31.079 Walk the path. 00:44:31.459 --> 00:44:32.539 You have set out for us. 00:44:33.079 --> 00:44:33.919 In Jesus name. 00:44:34.719 --> 00:44:34.979 Amen.