Sermons on Justice
Faith-Shaped Engagement
This message will explore how our commitment to the gospel and the kingdom leads us to engage with the world around us in a unique way as Christians. It will touch on themes like evangelism, influence, leadership, and engaging with the public square. Matthew 6:33; Acts 1:8; Jeremiah 29:4-7 Sermon Outline “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will…
The One Who Brings Justice
Jesus the Messiah is the One who brings justice to the nations. “Here is my servant…I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1-9) Sermon Outline “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1) The Servant of the LORD (Isaiah 42:1) The chosen people as a servant who falters…
Sheep and Goats
This message explores the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25:31-46. SERMON OUTLINE “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40) The Meaning of Maranatha Watchword of Early Christians Jesus’ 2nd Coming and Last Judgment Jesus’ Parable of the Sheep and Goats Who are the sheep and the goats? On what basis are people sent to heaven or hell? The “Big…
Nahum
Nahum’s prophecy comes against Nineveh, shortly before it gives way to the rising empire of Babylon This prophetic book speaks of another nation, but is likely intended as encouragement for a people subjected to oppression and suffering. Nahum reminds his hearers that God holds human history. Sermon OutlinE “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7) Introducing Nahum and 7th BC Century Prophets God the Patient Judge…
Micah, Part 2
The final two chapters of Micah are bleak and challenging, as God directly addresses the failures of the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before their collapse before the Assyrians. In the midst of the misery, Micah calls the people to wait on God and watch for His deliverance. Sermon OutlinE “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your…
Amos
After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored. Sermon OutlinE “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) Introducing Amos Prophecies…
The Perfect King
Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign. SERMON OUTLINE “Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17b) Praying for a Just and Right Ruler (Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14)…
The Right Woman for the Job: Deborah
Deborah (Judges 4:1-5:31) is a prophet who receives the word from God and calls on Barak to rise up as the deliverer. Barak is unwilling to do the task unless Deborah is with him. What does this tell us about how God uses women and men for His purposes, even when we falter? SERMON OUTLINE “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” (Judges 4:4) Unlikely Deborah Prophet (Judges 4:4) Leader (Judges 4:5, 6,…
Lead with the Left: Ehud
The story of Ehud in Judges 3:12-30, “a left-handed man,” captures our imagination, but is striking culturally because left-handedness was a sign of weakness, possibly even physical defect. He does what is unexpected to win the day for God’s people under their oppression by Eglon, king of Moab. What does it look like to lead out of what is seen as weakness for unexpected victory? SERMON OUTLINE “Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a…
Where Are We?
The result was that the people turned from the covenant and worshiped idols. This is the natural consequence of the beginning of the book, yet it is the decision of the generation to turn from God. What can we learn from the generation hooked on idols for our own day from Judges 2:6-3:6? SERMON OUTLINE But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) The place of meeting with God…a garden of gracious trees e.g. the…