God has given the church a message for the world. Although we are in the world, we must be careful to avoid being like the world and advancing its values. Rather, we are called to be distinctively Christian while we live like Jesus.
Preliminaries:
- God has made the church to be Salt & Light
- There are 5 striations of the church in culture:
1. Separatist – separate but not separated
2. Insular – In the world, but not of the world
3. Dual Citizen – Engaged but not “engaged”
4. Transformational – influential but not influenced
5. Theonomic – active but not activists
Observations & Conclusions: Church Requirements for Biblical Justice…
- Identification – Biblical Justice originates from heaven
- Involvement – Biblical Justice must be applied here and now
- Interdependence – Biblical Justice requires a synchronized community
- Incarnational – Biblical Justice means embodied participation
- Spiritual Improvisation – Biblical Justice must adapt as Jesus did
Application:
- Pray for discernment in community
- Get involved
- Link up
- Be distinctively Christian
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
John 5:17
“In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”