Justice & Peace

Main Idea: The Gospel creates peace, it removes barriers that divide us from God and from one another. Jesus was our 'Good Samaritan' and now we are to remove barriers also. Whether you realize it or not, everything you do impacts another, you have influence, and are to use it wisely, not wasting it on unimportant disagreements, but instead make meaningful connections to other and address the important topics such as eternal life. Pursue justice with passion especially when you find you feel passionately about a topic or a person.Sermon Notes: How often do you find yourself ignoring the needs of others? Are you too busy or fearful to notice the needs of others? We are commanded to "Love God - Deut 6:5 and Love others - Lev 19:18" but do we? Who qualifies as "other" or as our "neighbor"? We often exclude some for various reasons and feel justified in doing so because some break the law, commit sin, or hurt us, but is it justified? Our tendency is to play it safe and not reach out to others. It might be difficult, we might have to learn a new language, or change our viewpoint, we might get hurt emotionally or physically. Reaching out is not easy, it takes trust in God, in Jesus. The Gospel creates peace and allows for the removal of barriers that divide us. Instead of arguing about things of this world, politics or sports team, share the gospel with someone. Instead of being angry, pray, pray for individuals, pray for groups, especially those you are angry with or afraid of - God is calling you, calling all of us to do this. Application Questions: 1. What 'roads' do you avoid when traveling through life? 2. How can you be prepared to help others along the way? 3. Is there someone you have been afraid to reach out to in your community? What is the risk in reaching out to that person? 4. What kinds of injustice have you witnessed? Did you do something to intervene?