HP Worship Services: Recent Episodes
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This is a podcast of our full Worship Services which includes worship, prayer and sermon. Catch up on past worship services and stay connected with everything that is going on at Highland Park.
It's the 50th episode of HP Life! Brian and Matt go over some of the bonus questions that were texted in and they discuss how to join a small group! All this and more on HP LIfe! We invite you to add your stories of when someone helped you in the app or text them to us at 918-228-5718.
What Tough Questions do you have about the Bible or God? Join us as we participate in our annual sermon series where we dig into the most hot topic and challenging issues.
2700 years ago, a historian was called to share a vision God gave him. He accepted the role, pleading with the people to LOOK - to look at the holiness of God, the injustices of the world, the rot in their own hearts, and the promise of the coming Messiah, Jesus.
We invite you to LOOK with us in our 21-week study of the book of Isaiah. To prepare for Sunday, read chapter 1. But brace yourself, it starts with God taking a sledgehammer to the religious folks who were mistreating the vulnerable. It's. Not. Pretty. Whew! Here we go.
DISCLAIMER: Some sensitive topics on abuse are discussed in this topic. Listen with care.
Starting this Sunday, join us for the next sermon series at Highland Park, "Where's the Beef?"
A quick chat to whet your appetite on our topic for Sunday's first Tough Question, "Can I Lose My Salvation?" Brian and Matt unpack this question a bit in anticipation of Sunday's message.
Identity 3/7/2021 Jaron Scott Ephesians 1
Discussion Questions
- Answer the question “who are you?” How much of your answer is about you as an individual, and how much is about the relationships that form you.
- What are some we could recognize and live out through our Christian community in the church? How could that change our experience with each other and with God?
- What are some “normal” activities that reveal God’s nature in us? Choose one that you will intentionally recognize as a spiritual activity for at least one day.
- What one simple act could you practice this week to “rule” God’s creation as his steward in this world.
Highland Park Christian Church
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 14, 2021
Brian Jennings
“We are led by the Spirit to freedom.” Core 41
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1
I. Some worship the world.
James 4:1-4
Romans 8:5-6
- Some worship the law.
Romans 8:2-3
The law can point out our failures, but it can’t build character. The law can tell us what is right, but it can’t make us right with God.
Romans 8:14-16
III. Some worship the Savior.
James 4:7-10
2 Corinthians 3:17
Discussion Questions
- When have you felt a rush of freedom?
- Did you do the drawings? What did you draw (or attempt to draw)?
- Have you worshipped the world before? What did that look like?
- Have you worshipped the Law before? What was that like?
- How did you come to worship the Savior?
Pursuing racial justice doesn't get us into the Kingdom, but it demonstrates that the Kingdom is in us.
Sermon Notes, Resources, Discussion Qs
To act justly is to do what is right in God’s eyes.
Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
The ARC of Justice Awareness
Relationships
Commitment
-- Resources (Awareness)
Video The book (and movie) Just Mercy provides an excellent, sobering example of what so many people of color have experienced. Parents should watch it first before deciding if their younger children should watch it.
The short videos produced by Phil Vischer (former Veggie Tales guy) are fantastic. Start here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUwcs9qJXY
Books to get you started: o Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us by Benjamin Watson o Woke Church by Eric Mason (lots of solid Biblical teaching) o Let Justice Roll Down by Dr. John Perkins (named by Christianity Today as one of the top fifty books that have shaped evangelicals). o Be the Bridge by LaTasha Morrison o How to Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby (very practical) o One Blood by Dr. John Perkins
Books that are good but a little more challenging for different reasons: o Intensional: Kingdom Ethnicity in a Divided World by DA Horton o The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby o Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity by Edward Gilbreath. o Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (especially helpful for church leaders – HP leaders read it a few years ago). o A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki (helpful for those who’ve never considered the plight of minority groups in America – not from a Christian worldview). o Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stoe. (It changed the hearts of millions. It might change yours too.)
Social Media Whom you follow on social media will often frame the way you see issues. I think it’s way more influential than we probably realize. I'd encourage you to follow Benjamin Watson, Rich Villodas, Jemar Tisby, Austin Channing Brown, Sean Palmer, Lecrae, Matthew Soerens, Jenny Yang, Justin Gibbony, Latasha Morrison, and Carlos Whittaker.
Podcasts o Footnotes, Jemar Tisby o Jude 3 Project (theology podcast led by Lisa Fields) o The New Activist Podcast (by International Justice Mission) has excellent guests and topics related to justice issues. o Tony Evans o The Church Politics Podcast helps Christians see political issues through the eyes of Christ. o Be The Bridge, Latasha Morrison
Discussion Questions When did I start becoming aware of and learning about matters of race?
Have I had a negative experience associated with my racial identity or has my family or a friend? What was it?
Why is pursuing racial justice important?
How have you grown in your compassion towards others?
(For those wanting to dig deeper) How might the ARC template work in the following areas (pick a few): -Orphan/Foster Care -Caring for widows -Race -Poverty -Immigration -Crisis Pregnancies -Grief -Mental Health Illness
How do we see the ARC being demonstrated in: -John 4 -Zacchaeus -Peter, Cornelius, and the Jerusalem Council
Review: -We join God’s mission.
-We Sabbath in God’s presence.
-We seek God’s wisdom.
-We invite God to change us.
“Sooner or later, the stuff we ignore will explode when we least expect it.” (Rich Villodas)
James 1:13-25
The word for “transfigured” in the original Greek New Testament was metamorphoo (meh tah mor PHAW oh). It is from this same word that we get the word “metamorphosis,” a complete change of form such as from a caterpillar to a butterfly. It's used to describe Jesus on "The Mount of Transfiguration." It's only used two other times - and both times are about how God can change you! (See Romans 12:2 and II Cor. 3:7-28.)
Let's review today's sermon:
- Sin leads to death.
So kill the monster while it’s small.
- Repentance Begins With Quiet Attentiveness.
So be still and pay attention to God.
- God brings the hammer.
So invite God to change you.
Discussion Questions:
In what three-year period of your life did you make the most changes? What was it like? What prompted those changes? Share a time when you saw someone who needed to change but just couldn’t. (Note: no need to use names.) Which of these four resources do you need to increase in your routine to increase your chances to make a positive change: Scripture & Silence, Christian Music, Service, Fellowship? Review Romans 12:2. Bonus: Does anyone need to make a change that you would be willing to share with the group to hold you accountable or support you with practically?
3 - Sabbath Rest (1/17/21) 2:20 Update!!!
Deeply Formed Life – Redwood Tree. Roots.
God gives blessings. Sabbath Rest is one of them.
The Sabbath is a set aside time of unhurried delight with God. It’s an invitation to a life not dominated and distorted by overwork.
Jesus remembered the Sabbath, but not in ways that the religious leaders always liked. They’d created their own rules. They were ridiculous.
They even criticized Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath.
We think so often about how the Pharisees abused people with the Sabbath that we forget how God blesses people with the Sabbath.
Read & Teach Mark 2:23-28 Referenced David in I Samuel 21
We need this gift because our instinct is to live stressed-out lives.
Over 50 years ago, famous newscaster Walter Kronkite talked about what life would be like in homes in the future. He came really close to getting a few things right, but he missed terribly on one prediction. Watch this.
We’ll put a link to the full video on our website if you want to watch it, but they predicted things like in-home entertainment and live-streaming video, and internet news, (all controlled by a huge switchboard instead of a phone). Got that right. But they assumed that this would cause us to slow down and not work so much. Nope. What’s the one thing that makes us slow down? A Pandemic. Or a loss of job; or a surgery that forces you to stay home.
In the 4th Commandment: God says to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
- Sabbath is a gift, not a reward. In fact, all of the 10 Commandments are not a means of salvation, but a result of salvation.
The goal is not to work ourselves into exhaustion so we can spend a day doing nothing. That’s backwards.
On what day of Creation did God begin the Sabbath? On what day did God create mankind? Sabbath was their first full day. Ooooo I’m not suggesting that everyone is doing it wrong if they don’t Sabbath on the first day of the week. That’s legalistic and unhelpful.
But there’s a Biblical principle there. We don’t work for God’s presence and the rest he gives. It’s a gift. And maybe God didn’t want to be working when he could be with mankind.
- Sabbath moves us from production to presence. We tend to find value in overworking ourselves. We brag about how busy we are.
We feel the need to be productive all the time. To make more money. To make more things. To make more ourselves.
It’s a reminder that our work remains incomplete.
The Sabbath is not just rest from making things, it’s rest from the need to make something of ourselves.
- Sabbath points us to the deeper rest we need.
There is a quality of rest that we need that is deeper than a nap or vacation or quiet day can give. It can only come from Jesus.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
We won’t find deep rest in what we do. We find it in what God has done.
God is for us. His Laws are for us. His commands are for us. His guidelines are good. The Sabbath is good.
If you want to Sabbath well - acrostic: Remember it (to reserve it, plan it out loosely) Eliminate unnecessary noise-makers (blow a noise-maker after saying – FB posts yelling at a stranger; email notifications; Gossip; TV that promotes stress or anger or lies; Only check email twice a day; weekend news blackout, don’t argue online; don’t binge tv & feel tired; no social media before noon)
Share – if you can be on the same schedule with family or a friend, Try. Try different ways and don’t sweat it if it implodes sometimes.
Light the candle God, we thank you for your presence. Family, here’s the plan.
Closing
Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. (Augustine)
If you place your faith in Jesus, he’ll swap out your exhaustion for his rest.
Core52 Small Groups
Dan White Jr. 4 yrs ago I assessed my stress & technology contributed. Some limits I've been attempting:
• Check Email Tuesday/Thursday • No SM before Noon • No Facebook messenger • Weekend News Blackout • Don't argue w/ folks online • No phone in bed • Don't binge TV
What are yours?
Take out a piece of paper. On each of the four margins write one of these words: Work, family, finances, emotions/stress. Ask each person to fold each edge to represent how much margin they have in each of these four areas of their lives. What kind of rest recharges you? How do you need to “come to Jesus” to find rest (Matthew 11.28)? Share some ways you have made rest a rhythm. Be specific with habits and behaviors that turn your attention toward God and family.
Outline Sabbath Rest (1/17/21)
The Sabbath is a set aside time of unhurried delight with God. It’s an invitation to a life not dominated and distorted by overwork.
We think so often about how the Pharisees abused people with the Sabbath that we forget how God blesses people with the Sabbath.
Mark 2:23-28 (note I Samuel 21)
See the “Future Homes” video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ivp442RLS8&feature=emb_logo
Sabbath Principles
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Sabbath is a gift, not a reward.
-
Sabbath moves us from production to presence. It’s a reminder that our work remains incomplete. It is not just rest from making things, it’s rest from the need to make something of ourselves.
-
Sabbath points us to the deeper rest we need.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
We won’t find deep rest in what we do. We find it in what God has done.
“If you want to REST well” acrostic Remember Eliminate unnecessary noise-makers Share Try
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.” (Augustine)
Discussion Questions
Take out a piece of paper. On each of the four margins write one of these words: Work, family, finances, emotions/stress. Ask each person to fold each edge to represent how much margin they have in each of these four areas of their lives. What kind of rest recharges you? How do you need to “come to Jesus” to find rest (Matthew 11.28)? Share some ways you have made rest a rhythm. Be specific with habits and behaviors that turn your attention toward God and family. What’s your plan to Sabbath?
A lot of us feel like our lives have shipwrecked. Paul understood this feeling - for real. There's good news: what's bad for our plans might be good for God's mission.
Notes 1. Don’t panic. Paul literally shook-off the snake. What do you need to shake-off? "Flexibility is a superpower" (Carey Neiuwhoff). “Adaptability the most important trait for churches in the 21st century to learn” (David Gibbons).
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Keep showing kindness. It’s easy to become bitter; self-absorbed, apathetic… But Christians are full of kindness.
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Keep preaching the full Gospel. Paul preaches the same message that keeps making people mad: “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen” (Acts 28:28).
If there are people whom you despise, whom you don’t want to be part of this church, I think I know what Paul’s message would be to you.
Sometimes what's bad for our plan is good for God's mission.
Your shipwrecked plans can be made beautiful when you just follow me.
“Unhindered” carried the idea of being released from a rental contract. You are free to go. The bonds are broken. Run free.
I pray we can run into 2021 unhindered by our sin, our troubles, our hurt.
Week 3 of 4 O Come All Ye Faithful Love (Matthew 2:14-20) Brian Jennings; 12/20/20
Adoration is a response to love.
What is a way that you adore Jesus?
What’s the worst news Herod could possibly imagine?
Matthew 2:1-3 (14-15)
We don’t know much about the Magi. They traveled a great distance. Not weeks; but months or years.
It’s worth it. Jesus is King; O Come Let Us Adore Him.
Matthew 2:4-8 (16-18)
God so often uses the least of these, the weak, the vulnerable, the outcasts, the humble, the no-named, the unexpected.
Whom has God used that surprised you? What did you learn through this?
Matthew 2:9-12 (19-20)
What kind of king were the Magi expecting to meet?
3 gifts.
Gold – for a king
Frankincense – sacrificial
Myrrh – medicine for suffering; also for burial
An angel warns Joseph in a dream. They got up in the middle of the night, and fled to Egypt.
How would an experience like this shape your perspective?
Learning from the Magi
Adore the King – no matter the cost, without delay. Go with community. Worship Jesus, not your expectations.
When Jesus is different than you once thought, change your thoughts. (23) When life doesn’t go as planned, conform your plans. When earthly kings seduce you to worship them, commit to worshiping Jesus.
Jesus adores you.
Notes: FOCUS: Exodus 40-48
Characteristics of Yahweh that give context to this vision: All-Powerful and Never Ending (Exodus 3, Revelation 21-22) Promise Keeping and Never Fails (Exodus 3, John 2:19,21, Hebrews 10:19, John 4:13-14) Abolitionist (entire book of Exodus) Natural response to knowing that He is Yahweh: Awe, wonder, humility, temporary shame, sorrow that leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10)
God is present where His people are (Yahweh-Shammah, Ezekiel 48:35)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: In the midst of suffering, God was reminding the Israelites that He was Yahweh. What past experiences with God can you recall that will encourage and provide some strength through a time of suffering? What are some of His characteristics that you can hold tightly to? What perpetual sin, if any, do you have in your life in which you’ve said, “it’s not that big of a deal?” Are you ready to agree with God that it is a big deal even if you don’t see the implications of that sin? Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11. What is the difference between worldly and godly sorrow? When in your life have you experienced the different types of sorrow? What was the outcome? Read Romans 8:11. By naming the city “The Lord is there” in Ezekiel, God is declaring that He is where His people are. This is truly fulfilled in Jesus and by the Holy Spirit living within us today. How can or does this truth impact you?
Be bound in unity for God's glory (Ez. 37:15-28)
When has the unity of others attracted you? When has the disunity of others propelled you?
Can you recall an overview of history for the Israelites that sets the stage for Ezekiel 37? -Gen-Judges (Abraham, Moses, the Judges) -The Kings: Saul, David, Solomon -Then the nation splits into Northern & Southern -Generations of fighting each other, sinning against God, and being conquered by others -God promises that He will restore them
Read Ezekiel 37:15-28. What is the illustration of the 2 pieces of wood?
What is significant about God writing "Israel" on both?
Discuss the following 2 quotes:
Jonathan Leeman writes: “Is it possible any of the unity we feel as a church comes not from the gospel but from our shared partisan convictions? In other words, is there room in our church both for Matthew the tax collector (can work with Rome) and Simon the Zealot (can't work with Rome) to follow Jesus?”
-John Perkins, One Blood "The problem of reconciliation in our country and in our churches is much too big to be wrestled to the ground by plans that begin in the minds of men. This is a God-sized problem. It is one that only the Church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can heal. It requires the quality of love that only our Savior can provide."
How can you contribute to the unity of the church? What difference will this make? How does God view our unity? What's His perspective?
Pray what Jesus did in John 17. Note the themes of unity.
HIGHLAND PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH Ezekiel: Receive and proclaim the breath of life (Ezekiel 37:1-14) November 15, 2020 Brian Jennings
Big Idea: God gives life to the dead and hopeless.
Fear is connected to hopelessness. When has this been true for you?
How do you picture the valley of dry bones?
What was God trying to communicate?
What made the difference between bodies put together and people with life?
Ruah is used 10 times in this section
-Spirit of Yahweh – vs 1, 14
-breath vs 5, 6, 8, 10
-wind – vs. 9
What similarities do we see in Genesis? Acts 2?
Jn. 20:22 – He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Do you need God’s breath to give you life?
Whom do you know in need of life?
Church Bells: “Sent” PLUS Ezekiel 1 - 2: “Sent” Blessing.... Eat... Listen... Learn...Sent What is something that’s been taken away from you during this Pandemic? How had Ezekiel’s world been ripped away? There is 1 phrase in the book of Ezekiel. It first shows up in ch. 6 and then over and over and over and over again. “And they will know that I am Lord.” Brainstorm some events (good or bad) in which God has drawn you to Him? Read from Psalm 67 and note to whom God wants to be known. 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — [ b ] 2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Read Ezekiel 2:3-83 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen — for they are a rebellious people — they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. How would it feel for God to say, “I’m sending you but they may not listen?” Does that take the pressure off or add it? How does this help us learn to obey and trust God with the outcomes? How is God sending HP member, Heidi? How did he send a Georgian pastor to a Waffle House? To whom is God sending you. Habit #5 – Write down how God is sending you. Once a week, write down what you are learning, whom you are blessing, and how God is sending you.
This is the livestream of the weekly gathering of Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sermon Handout and Discussion Questions Church Bells: Listen 9/27/20
Q. Do you remember what BELLS stands for? Let’s review. Bless Eat Listen to the Spirit of God Learn Sent
Q. How are you doing with the new habits of blessing 3 people and eating with 3 people? What have you learned?
“Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. He will only do harm to himself and o the community.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Q. What did Bonhoeffer mean by this?
Do you hear God’s voice?
Q. How did God not appear to Elijah? How did he appear to Elijah? What does this teach us?
Q. Where is Christianity growing fastest in the world? What are the things they don’t have there? What are the things that are propelling their growth?
Jesus prioritized time with the Father. "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place...." (Luke 4:42) "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16) "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12) "He took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray." (Luke 9:28b)
Read about Phillip’s encounter with the Ethiopian, beginning in Acts 8:26.
Q. Name the times that someone listened in this story.
Listening to the Spirit readies us to listen to others
Application – set aside 1 time of 15-20 minutes this week to do nothing but listen to God. "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You;[6] My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1)
Church bells: Sounding God’s invitation - Sermon 2 – Eat
Habits foster values.
Series Goal: Instill 5 habits in our people that draw them to Jesus and others to Jesus. Bless Eat Listen Learn Sent
Q: How did you do blessing others this week? What happened?
Q: What is your favorite meal all year? What makes it so special?
Study: Read the similar stories of I Kings 19 and John 21 involving a meal to a discouraged person.
Q: What did the Son of Man come to do?
I Cor 11:27, “If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.”
Q: How could I Cor. 11:27 apply to you?
Q: Jesus wants to share meals with you. How can you realize that?
Reflection: Pray. Ask God to place the names of three people with whom can you share a meal this week. (an hp member) (a friend who is not a believer) (anyone)
Recommended Resource Surprise the World by Michael Frost
Recommended Study for this week I Kings 19, John 21, I Corinthians 10-11 Surprise the World ch. 4
Tough Questions: How does God bless the married and unmarried? I Corinthians 7 9/6/2020 Brian Jennings
Q. Read I Cor 7:1. If you were writing Paul about relationship/marriage matters, what would you ask him?
Take the time to memorize I Corinthians 7:17 – “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.”
4 Gifts From God – regardless of our relationship status:
He gives us eternal identity - we are children of God.
Gal. 2:20 says, “I’ve been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ now lives in me.”
John 1:12: “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Q. When has your relationship status become your primary identity? How did this effect you?
Your primary identity is not Single, Married, Engaged, Widowed, Divorced, Separated. Nope. You are a child of God.
He gives us a spiritual family - we should live like it.
Q. How does this crazy season of life offer opportunities for the church to live as family?
There is an interesting progression in John’s Gospel as to how Jesus sees the disciples over the course of his ministry:
- Followers - John 1:43
- Servants - John 13:16
- Friends - John 15:15
- Brothers - John 20:17
He gives us restrictions that help us fly – we are wise to obey.
Q. How are restrictions are like the string on a kite?
Dr. Tony Evans “When any woman considers a man for marriage, they need to remember that before God gave Adam a wife, He gave him responsibility.”
Q. How is following Jesus the foundation of healthy relationships.
He gives us His presence - we are never alone.
Resources Our staff is always glad to recommend you to a counselor. We have several excellent options from within HP and several not connected to HP. We like to give folks several great options. Let us know if we can help.
Tim Keller’s book, “Meaning of Marriage,” is my all-time favorite book on marriage.
Tony Evans offers great online resources here - https://tonyevans.org/tony-evans-christian-marriage/
Ozark Christian College offers a bunch of free “Next Level” video teachings. An 8-session series on marriage and love by Randy Gariss is excellent for people married or unmarried. https://occ.edu/series/married-and-in-love-coming-october-2017
To do justice is to do what is right for someone else.
Q: Can you recap the stories of I Sam. 20:1-4 and John 11?
The ABCDEs of responding to injustice.
Acknowledge and lament.
Q: Why would Jonathon’s dismissal of David’s plea for help (at first) be so painful? Q: Is there an injustice you’ve dismissed too quickly?
Begin learning. Q: In what area should you learn through reading and relationships?
Care for their whole being. Q: In what ways does HP care for people… …Physically? …Emotionally? …Spiritually?
Discern what you should do. a. Am I called to engage? b. Is God providing me with the means, resources, gifting? c. Have I sought God’s guidance? d. Have I sought wise counsel? e. Are my heart and head in the right place? Do I need the credit or glory or spotlight? f. With whom will I partner?
Engage.
Q: Engaging may mean you defend others. Whom might God be calling you to defend? How can you do so in a way that honors Jesus?
Andy Stanley says, “Do for the one what you wish you could do for everyone.”
Wade Landers says, “God always tells you to start with what’s right in front of you. If he wants to expand that, he will.”
All of this wrapped in prayer, in humility and prayer.
The amazing thing about Jesus is that he entered into an unjust world. And he died for unjust people – people like you and me.
Q: Is there a way that you can serve a family in need this semester?
Extra: Want to explore another chapter with lots of “injustice” application? Read II Samuel 12.
Resources Whose Justice? Which Rationality? by Alasdair MacIntyre
Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate by Jenny Yang and Matthew Soerens (If you want to learn about immigration, start here.)
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (foundational book for our Food Pantry)
Deep Justice in a Broken World by Chap Clark and Kara Powell (Biblically rich book designed for student ministries)
Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen (founder of International Justice Mission)
Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton
Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah
HIGHLAND PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about Justice?
August 23, 2020
Sermon notes and discussion questions
Q: “What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word justice?”
Does God care about justice?
God cares a ton about justice because he loves people more than we can imagine.
Q: Read Matthew 23:23. How does this apply in our day?
How does the Bible define justice?
To do justice is to do what is right for someone else.
Q: What is the connection between righteousness and justice.
5 principles of Biblical Justice
All resources belong to God.
I can’t claim what’s in my pocket, nor can I claim what’s in yours.
A lot of the Proverbs can be summarized to tell us that the wicked person takes advantage of others for his own gain, but a Godly person disadvantages themselves for another person’s gain.
All people are created in the image of God.
Lev. 24:22 – “You are to have the same law for the foreigner as for the native born.”
Q: What unlikely people did Jesus affirm?
I have some responsibility for the sins of others.
Dan. 9, Josh. 7, Numbers 16, I Sam. 15, Dt. 23 teach it.
I’m fully responsible for my sin, but only partially for my outcomes.
If I’m wealthy, it’s not all because of my good. If I’m hurting, it’s not all because of my bad.
I’m responsible to act.
God commands us over and over to show special concern for the poor and marginalized.
Prov. 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. Defend the rights of the poor and the needy.”
Q: When was a time that someone spoke up for you?
Q: Will you take the time to read Deuteronomy. 23:15 through ch. 25?
What fuels injustice? Fear (Exodus 1 and Matthew 2) Prejudice (John 4). Greed (I Kings 21) Ignorance (Matthew 25)
About the Bible
About the plight of others
Apathy (Matthew 20)
Why is Biblical justice the best solution?
Q: Why do attempts at justice without God always fall short?
2 Don’ts:
Don’t chase a form of justice without God.
Don’t dismiss Biblical justice because you see the faults in secular justice.
Q: What did you learn about Biblical justice?
Q: Why does God speak so much about justice?
Q: Will you pray about these matters?
Resources
Whose Justice? Which Rationality? by Alasdair MacIntyre
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (foundational book for our Food Pantry)
Deep Justice in a Broken World by Chap Clark and Kara Powell (Biblically rich book designed for student ministries)
Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen (founder of International Justice Mission)
Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton
Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah
I leaned heavily on Tim Keller’s research. I was pleased to hear so many trusted friends in the justice world recommend it to me.
https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
I highly recommend “The New Activist” podcast, produced by International Justice Mission. They’ve become faithful partners with Blackbox International.
HIGHLAND PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Tough Questions: Can I Believe in both God and Science?
Sermon Handout, Discussion Questions & Resources
(Brian Jennings, 8/9/20)
(This is an outline of the sermon with added Questions – in italics – for you to ponder and discuss.)
Why we do this series:
Spiritual Growth Witness:
Q. When was a time that you were left in awe?
Part 1: Genesis 1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3).
Part 2: Two polar-opposite opinions.
Opinion 1: There is no God and everything in our universe is here by chance.
A few enormous problems:
Science can’t answer our deepest questions. Answers (without God) endlessly lead to more questions.
Opinion 2: Science can’t be trusted unless it aligns perfectly with my view of the Bible.
This position has problems as well.
The Bible is uninterested in correcting scientific misunderstandings. We know a lot about the universe now that the Bible authors did not know. If we get it wrong, we might harm people. Remember Galileo? The literary style matters. I Sam. 2:8; Job 9:6; Ps. 75:3 all say that the earth sits on pillars. God is more concerned with communicating to them that God is in control and unconcerned about their scientific assumptions. And what about the Bible’s use of sunrise and sunset. Does the sun actually rise or is it the earth rotating?
Q. Did you learn something new as you considered the problems of the two extreme positions?
Part 3: Understanding the purpose of the Bible
When it comes to the story of the creation of the world, the Bible cares a lot more about the Who and Why than it does the When and the How.
Q. How does the Bible answer the questions of Who and Why?
We believe, in essentials unity, and in non-essentials liberty and in all things charity.
Q. What are the essentials and non-essentials in the discussion about the creation of the world?
Part 4: Application
Read the Bible as it was intended to be read. Don’t demonize scientists. Build bridges with people scientifically-inclined. Be cautious about publicly sharing stuff which you have little to no knowledge, especially without consulting your friends who do. If you love studying and exploring our world, attach your heart, not just your head, to God’s great creation. Renew your sense of awe. We’re thankful for you.
Part 5: God wants to walk with you.
The Bible begins with a beautiful garden where mankind is invited to walk with God.
The Bible ends with a beautiful garden-city, where mankind is again invited to walk with God.
Q. Will you set aside 20 minutes to go on a walk with God this week? Pay attention to nature. Pay attention to him. Talk with him. Listen to him.
Q. Will you give thanks for Baxter’s baptism and pray for his spiritual journey?
Resources
The Late Great Ape Debate by Bayard Taylor
The Lost World of Genesis One by John Walton
The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith by Sy Garte (and you can find his recent article in Christianity Today and an interview on the Quick to Listen podcast)
American Scientific Affiliation - https://network.asa3.org/