Orphan Sunday
Posted: 11/2/2011
Categories: Sermon Series
Some Christians believe that personal evangelism and public justice are contradictory concerns, or feel that one is part of the mission of the church and the other isn’t. I think otherwise, and I think the issue is one of the most important facing the church today.
First of all, the mission of the church is the mission of Jesus. This mission doesn’t start with the giving of the Great Commission or at Pentecost. The Great Commission is when Jesus sends the church to the world with the authority He has given us and with the power of Holy Spirit to carry out this commission.
You see, the content of this mission is not just personal regeneration but disciple making. It is not just teaching, but teaching “them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20).It is summed up in the gospel as a message of reconciliation that is both vertical and horizontal, establishing peace with both God and neighbor. The Scripture tells us to love neighbor “as yourself” (Lk. 10:27-28).
How should the church “balance” such things? Simply follow Jesus and grow in “Christ-likeness”. When this change of heart takes place within, we become concerned about the things that concern Him.
The Bible defines “pure and undefiled religion” as that which cares for the widows and orphans (Jas. 1:27).
Don’t miss this coming Sunday as we hear four incredible stories from people and discover our responsibility to orphans.