Bible Text: Exodus 22:21-27, Exodus 23:1-9, Matthew 25:34-46, Luke:10:25-37, John 3:16-17, John 4:4-42 | Preacher: Jerry | Series: Power to Change | Hi Folks,

The theme this week is about the mix of the Holy Spirit and Love, and how that powerful combination can help us make a difference in our community and the world!

Love is a powerful force for change in our lives.  However, when we apply that idea to strangers, as in “love our neighbors”, we tend to draw back.  Maybe we feel more comfortable with changing that to “caring for our neighbors”.  Yet when we do that we do lose some of the intent that we get from the model of Jesus’ love for us.

Some of the ways that we can be a force for positive change in our community (and nation):

Demonstrate our love
Build relationships
Stand against injustice

Considering the current turmoil in our country with the demonstrations, violence, and rhetoric; injustice will be a focal point this week.

Please consider the following as prime motivators for injustice.  You may gain insights that go further:

Selfishness
Hate
“Always been that way”

We live in a rural community.  We tend to think that “bad stuff” doesn’t exist here.  Yet statistics indicate that rural areas are often more apt to suffer since these ills tend to be hidden from view.

Some forms of injustice that particularly touch our hearts:

Violence against women and children
Human trafficking (primarily girls, 13-16, for sex)

It is painful to consider those who are vulnerable, for whatever reason, to be preyed upon by those stronger!

 

Our Bible passages this week reveal God’s will for us around love and justice.