Sermon: Who Can Separate Us?

Today Pastor Choi concludes his sermon series on the adequacy of God.  Expounding on Paul’s assertion that nothing or no one in the universe can separate God’s elect from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, he assures God’s people that God is resolved to keep them eternally secure in Christ’s love.

 

     Who Can Separate Us

 

 

 

Following is a summary of the sermon:

 

Who Can Separate Us?                                                        Romans 8:31-39

Romans 8:31-39 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,

For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Introduction

Personalize today’s text with the congregation (will come back to that later).

Let me read to you again vv. 31-34 paraphrased in my own words.

V.31: What can I say about life that is full of surprises, temptation, challenges, discouragement, and despair?  In moments of struggle, I will remember who’s on my side!  God is!  If God is for me, no one and nothing stands a chance (by the way, my enemy the Devil knows this quite well and sees this all the time.  Sadly, however, it is I who forget and often fail to see this spiritual truth).

V. 32: Do I know how much God loves me?  He gave up His most precious Son and willingly sent Him to the cross to pay the wages of my sin.  That’s how much He loves me.  If that’s the case, I am sure the same God will also give me all things freely with Jesus for my eternal happiness and joy.

V. 33: (Now, I am speaking to the Devil and to those who oppose me).  If you think about bringing a charge against me, God’s elect, think again.  Who do you think you are dealing with?   God !  He is the Supreme Judge of One and He is my Father.  Yes, you heard me right.  My loving Father.

V. 34: You think you can condemn me, God’s elect?  Wake up, because you have zero chance of convicting me.  Why?  Because Christ has already taken care of my punishment at the cross and it is forever effective!  His action covers sins of my past, present, and even sins of my future. Don’t forget the same Christ now at the right hand of God makes intercessions for me 24/7 and the Judge always listens to Him.

Recap: In the past three Sundays, we talked about the adequacy of God.  God is sufficient for all our needs, problems, and challenges.  In the first week, we discovered that God is our Sovereign Protector.  The best way to counter the fear of opposition is to know that our God is greater than any challenges and hardships we face in life.  In the following week, we learned that God is our Sovereign Benefactor.  Not only does God know our needs, but He also provides them all and doesn’t withhold anything good from us.  With such trust in God, we counter the fear of privation.   In the third week, we countered the fear of rejection by God; the Scripture assures us that once God declares that we are chosen and justified, that’s final and eternal.  No one can review His verdict.  He is our Sovereign Judge and Champion.

Today, as the conclusion of the series, I would like to speak about God as our Sovereign Keeper.  He keeps us eternally secure in Christ’s love.  Like Krazy glue that keeps two objects together, Christ’s love brings God and us together and keeps us together forever.  No separation from Christ’s love can ever befall us.  No one or nothing in the world can separate us from God’s love.

 

Contents

In verses 35 through 39, Paul reveals the eternal truth in the relationship between God and us His elect.  We are eternally secure in God’s love.

Paul repeats twice in v. 35 and v. 39 that nothing (either visible or invisible) and no creature (natural or supernatural) in the entire universe can separate us from the love of Christ and from the love of God in Christ.  35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?…  38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Separate (v. 35, v. 39): Let’s consider the verb ‘to separate.’  This verb is used in the New Testament in the following contexts: divorce (Matthew 19:6), separation of body and spirit (James 2:26), and departure from one place (Acts 1:4).   Basically, it is to cause things apart and keep them apart.   E.g. In particle physics, scientists probe fundamental structure of universe with an attempt to separate particles through collision at the speed of light (e.g. molecule—atom—proton (+)—neutron—electron (-)— protons and neutrons are made of three quarks each).  Let me tell you: even the most sophisticated instrument in the world cannot separate us from God’s love.  That’s how strongly we are secured in God’s love.

Sheep to be slaughtered (v. 36): In verse 36, Paul remembers what he has been through in his life.  Indeed, he has been through numerous challenges that none of us will ever go through.  In his own words, he was daily delivered over to death (2 Corinthians 4:11).  How did he feel in the midst of his trials?  Dead.  Done.  The last day of my life.  He puts this way in v. 36: Just as it is written, For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered
(Psalm 44:22).

Many a time, Paul must have felt dead when things were tough.  Have you ever felt like that before?  I am dead.  I am done for.  I am at the end of my rope.  I have no energy to carry on.  Have you ever felt like just giving up since there’s nothing you can do about the situation?  Like a lamb on the way to be slaughtered?

In all things (v. 37).  Paul is speaking from his own life’s experiences.  In all things, good and bad, easy and tough, he’s been there and done that.  All kinds of situations you and I face.  In all things.

We Overwhelmingly Conquer (v. 37): I don’t think Paul is exaggerating here.  Rather, he is honest.  Through it all, he says: I overcame life.  In all those situations, he declares, that he came out as the victor not as a victim.  He came out strong and as a winner.  All the time.  Without exception.  Pay attention to the verb ‘conquer’ here.  The Greek word (υπερ-νικωμεν) means conquer thoroughly— over and over again.  Win big time!   Every time. 

Through Him who loved us (v. 37):  Paul didn’t forget to give proper credit for his victory to the Right One.  Who makes his victory possible?  Not he but God who loves him (v. 37).   Not through his own might but through God and His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).  He points out to the same source of his triumph again in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  “What is the key to a triumphant life?” you may ask.  Paul says, “It is the love of God.  Ultimately, God.”  God and His unwavering love for us help us to prevail in all life’s circumstances.

I am convinced (v. 38):  Based on his life experience, Paul boldly declares the truth:  38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Paul is not repeating someone’s abstract theology that God is the source of victorious life.  He speaks from his heart and from his experience.  “Based on my life,” he concludes, “I am fully convinced that we are secure in God’s love.”  The very bottom of God’s adequacy for us is love.   Here’s one believer who is eternally secure in God’s unfailing love.

E.g. Hussein was 9 years old.   He and his family are believers in Christ living in Turkey.  In Turkey, even though it is a secular state, more than 96% people claim to be a Muslim.   Christians are unwelcome in many parts of Turkey, despite government claims and a constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.  Without his parents’ knowing, Hussein publicly proclaimed his faith in Jesus by wearing a cross necklace to school.  When his classmates saw the cross, some of them spat and swore at him.  He was threatened and bullied by his peers.  Some hit Hussein in the head and stomach with their fists, while others threw rocks at him and beat him with sticks.  Tears streamed from Hussein’s eyes, and he screamed in pain as the boys dragged him along the ground by the shirt.  His trouble didn’t stop there.  Every student in the class was required to write and recite the shahada, “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.” Hussein would not compromise his faith by reciting the shahada.  Annoyed by his disobedience, the religion teacher, an imam, hit him with a wooden rod about 2 feet long and as big around as a quarter.  Hussein endured repeated beatings for refusing to recite the shahada.  “I don’t like saying it,” he explains.  “It isn’t in my heart; it is just meaningless words to me.” After suffering more than three weeks of beatings by the imam, Hussein began to have severe seizures.   Hussein’s parents transferred him to a different school, where he experiences fewer attacks.  Hussein, now 11, says he would never return to Islam even if forced to endure worse abuse.  “Christ said we would suffer for him,” he says. “It’s okay to suffer for Christ, and we should be happy to suffer for Christ.  The Lord is with me.”  [pp. 6-7, The Voice of the Martyrs, April 2012].

 

Conclusion

No persecution or beatings can separate Hussein from Christ’s love.  Nothing will separate us from God’s love, either.  We are more than conquerors in Christ.  Go in peace today with such a conviction that God is your Sovereign Keeper.  He is resolved to keep you forever in His love.  Amen.

Invite the congregation to read together in one voice today’s text personalized as below.

Romans 8:31-39 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (personalized)

31 What then shall I say to these things? If God is for me, who is against me ?32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for me, how will He not also with Him freely give me all things?33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for me.35 Who will separate me from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,

For Your sake I AM being put to death all day long;
I WAS considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things I overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved me.38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord.

 

 

Sermon: Who Will Accuse Us?

Today Pastor Choi speaks of God’s justifying grace in Christ.  We God’s elect are saved and justified in Christ’s merit by grace, not by our own.  Pastor Choi also urges the congregation never to believe Satan’s accusations, to remember Jesus the Defender and His constant intercessions on our behalf, and that God is the Judge whose verdict upon us is final and eternal.

 

   Who Will Accuse Us

 

 

 

Following is a summary of the sermon:

Who Will Accuse Us?                                                Romans 8:33-34

Romans 8:33-34

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?

God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns?

Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

 

Introduction

Previously, we talked about our fears of opposition and privation.  In the first week, I said that no fears or challenges in life are greater than God our Sovereign Protector.  In moments of panic, let us declare “If God is for me, who is against me?”  In the second week, I talked about God as our Sovereign Benefactor who doesn’t withhold anything good from us.  In moments of worry, let us declare “God provides all my needs.”

Today, as part 3 of the series on the adequacy of God, we are going to think about God as our Sovereign Champion and the decisiveness of God’s justifying verdict upon us.  More specifically, we will counter the fear of rejection by God.   Say after me, “I am God’s elect.  Christ is my Redeemer.  God is my Champion. ”

Contents

Have you ever been in a situation where you did something wrong before God?  Repeatedly?  Do you feel so terrible and hopeless that you believe you don’t deserve God’s favor anymore in terms of salvation?  After serious moral lapses, you feel God has rejected you; or worse, you feel that you deserve to be rejected by God.

E.g. There were days when I fell into the same temptation over and over again.  I felt terrible.  I went to the Lord for the couple of times for forgiveness of my sins.  However, after three or four times, I began to hear Satan’s accusation telling me, “Shame on you.  Don’t even think about going back to God, because He will not take you back this time!”  For a while, I believed him and indeed stopped going to God for forgiveness and remained miserable despising myself.  In those days of struggle, one thing I didn’t stop was reading the Bible.   One day God spoke to me through Peter’s story.  That day His word forever changed me, set me free from Satan’s accusation and doubting God’s forgiveness:  21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22, NASB).

If Jesus asks me, I reasoned myself, to forgive my brother who sins against me for 490 times, He would forgive me for the same number of times if not more!   After this, I kept going to God for forgiveness and eventually overcame the temptation and Satan’s accusation no more!   Praise the Lord!

Here is a typical pattern in our daily struggle with sin: sins committed, accusation follows, guilt and shame set in, forgiveness sought and granted, then new beginning.  We sin, Satan accuses, Jesus redeems, God forgives, and we start anew.

In today’s verses, verses 33-34, we see some legal terms used in the days of Paul: bring a charge, condemn, justify, and intercede.   Imagine the Heavenly Court: God the Judge sitting on throne, Satan the Accuser, Jesus Christ as the Defender.  Satan the adversary brings a charge against us presenting before the court all the bad things we have done in life.  We in vain try to defend ourselves by presenting all of our own deeds and achievements.

By the way, all our good deeds are considered in the sight of God filthy rags: For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; (Isaiah 64:6, NASB).  Then, Christ the Defender comes in saying, “Father, I invoke Your mercy on this man/woman.  According to Your will, I paid the wages of his/her sin through my own blood.  I died for this man/woman.  Therefore, forgive him/her, for he/she doesn’t know what he/she is doing.”  God says, “Amen!  The case is closed.”  The gavel falls.   Then, we go free spared from condemnation – the sentence to eternal judgment/separation from God.

The Bible calls this act of God justification—God’s act of accepting us sinners on the merit of Christ’s death (because through His death He paid the wages of our sins once and for all).  The Bible also calls such God’s love justifying grace.  Grace is the free gift of God that cannot be purchased or earned by human merits.  The only thing we can do for such God’s saving grace is to accept it with gratitude.

E.g. William MacDonald wrote as follows: “To seek to earn, merit, or purchase salvation is to insult the Giver.  Imagine yourself invited to a banquet in the White House by the President of the United States.  You are seated at a table that is filled with the choicest foods.  Every effort is made to give you a most enjoyable evening.  At the end of a lovely visit, the president stands at the front door to bid you good-bye.  What do you do?  As you leave, do you press a dime into his hand and say, ‘Thank you very much for your kindness.  I have enjoyed the evening very much.  I realize it has cost you a lot of money, and I want to help you pay for the meal’?  Is that the proper response to his kindness?  On the contrary, it is a rude and insulting gesture.  So it would be with God’s grace.” [William MacDonald, The Grace of God].

Because of God’s grace, and because of what His son Jesus has done at the cross, even though we absolutely deserve to be condemned to eternal punishment, God lets us go free.  We are justified in Christ by grace.

Remember no sin is too grave for God to forgive except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29) — to blaspheme means to speak evil of the Holy Spirit and what He does (2 Peter 2:2, Matthew 12:31).  No matter how gross your sins may be, they cannot endanger your justified status.  Rest assured that no accusation will ever disinherit you.

This time let’s think of our daily life.  The same court scene in the spiritual realm happens right here on earth in our mind and heart: we get into daily sins, both intentional and unintentional.  Then, our enemy Satan starts accusing us based on all the wrongs we have done.  At this very stage, completely forgetting about what Jesus has done, many of us simply accept his accusations and admit that he is right.  So ashamed of our deeds, we are filled with guilt.  We begin to believe in Satan’s lie that we no longer deserve God’s grace and forgiveness.  Stop right there.  At that very moment of guilt and shame, we must remember where Jesus is and what He is doing for us.  He is at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34).  He fiercely defends us with what He has done on the cross.  And, the final verdict is always the same: God the Judge says to us, “What Jesus has done is forever effective.  The wages of your sin have been paid.  You are my child.  Grace is extended.  Forgiveness is granted.  You are free to go.”

The Scripture declares that our justification is final and eternal.  God doesn’t change His mind switching on and off of our eternal destination depending on how good/bad we are.  The election is a done deal.  It is final.  There’s no change.  It is irrevocable: for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29, NASB).  We are sealed with God’s grace for eternal redemption.

Therefore, go in peace today.  Go in an unwavering assurance that God has called you to be His child and He never repents.  His election of you never changes.  So, when you sin against God and against people next time, and when you struggle with guilt and shame afterwards, simply go to God’s throne room in repentance and humility, stand before God, see Jesus standing by you as defender and call for His help.  Then, go in peace and sin no more.

Never ever believe in Satan’s accusation no matter how true they may sound, because he is a liar from the very beginning of creation.  Listen to what Jesus says about him:  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44, NASB).  Rather, remember who intercedes for you 24/7.  You have two allies: Jesus (Romans 8:34) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27).   They both intercede for you day in day out.  Trust in what Christ has done for you.  He died on the cross for you once and for all.  His death covers your sins in the past, sins in the present, and sins in the future.  Never believe in Satan’s lie that you have lost your salvation in Christ due to your sins.  Never believe in his lie that you don’t deserve God’s grace.  Never fall into his tactic of shaming you into the guilt that keeps you from coming to God.  Never fall into his deception that God has rejected you.

When you have sinned against God and people, come to God in humility, confess your sins, ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name, thank Him for another chance to make up, and restore your relationship with Him.

Conclusion

Final recap:

  1. It is possible for God’s elect to sin.  Understand that your enemy Satan constantly brings charges against you in vain.  Never believe in his lies.
  2. Remember your defender Jesus the Messiah and what He did and does.  He died on the cross on your behalf and paid the wages of your sins.  Now, He makes constant intercessions for you.  Cling to His merit not to your own because none of your own merits is sufficient to defend you from the accusations.  Christ is the only one who can defend you permanently, because He is the perfect redeemer without sin.
  3. Remember God is the Judge.  He is the Supreme Court of One in heaven and earth.  No one is in a position to get His verdict reviewed.  Once He declares that you are justified, that is final and eternal.

Say after me, “I will not believe in Satan’s lie!  I am God’s elect.  Christ is my Redeemer!  God is my Champion! ”

Let us pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helping Families

The people of Manahawkin Methodist helped families who were temporarily out of their houses to feel home again. During the week of August 2-9, three families stayed with us in God’s love and care.


Special thanks

to all who made this possible

for the families!

Sermon: No Good Thing Is Withheld

Today Pastor Choi continues his series on God’s Adequacy as our sovereign Benefactor.  God provides us all things good with Christ.  All things ‘good’ are defined by God not by us.  All things good never means a plethora of possessions, either.  It rather has everything to do with being with God, knowing God, and enjoying Him.   Finally, Pastor Choi exhorts God’s people to give God all they have—their complete trust and absolute loyalty.

 

   No Good Thing Is Withheld

 

 

Following is a summary of the sermon:

 

No Good Thing Is Withheld                                    Romans 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32, NASB)

Introduction

Last Sunday, I talked about the adequacy of God as our sovereign Protector.  When it comes down to human fears, God is greater than all of them and all the challenges we face in our lives.  As our protector, He never forgets or overlooks our needs.  He listens to our cries.  Our trust in God surely quells the panic.

Today, we will continue on God’s adequacy as our sovereign Benefactor.  He provides all things we need: spiritual, emotional, and physical.  Today’s Scripture, verse 32, declares that God who didn’t spare His own Son for our salvation never withholds anything good from us both in this life and in the life to come.  Do you believe that with no doubt?  I do.  In fact, I asked myself: Based on my life experience, will I solemnly testify that God indeed withholds nothing good from me?  The answer is a resounding “YES!”

Contents

Let me read to you today’s verse one more time: He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all: Why did God send His own Son Jesus to the cross to die on our behalf?  Because He loves us.  Why would He give us all things freely?  Because He loves us.  God is love and His love is the foundation of our relationship with God.

Think for a moment.  Don’t you think it easier for God to keep to Himself the most precious possession and give us the rest?  That’s what the noblest parents in the world would do for others: having to choose between their own children and their most cherished possessions, they would give up possessions holding onto their children.  In fact, that’s what we all would do: between our children and anything else we cherish, we would give up everything but keep our children.  Here’s the twist.  God didn’t.  He delivered over His own Son His most precious Child as a ransom for us.  That tells us how much He loves us when we don’t deserve such love and grace.  By the way, the word “deliver” is to hand over.  It is the same word used when Judas Iscariot delivered Jesus over to the Jewish authorities.  God loved us so much that He handed over His own Son to death.   He didn’t spare His own Son so as to spare us from the judgment over our sins and iniquities.  Think about that!  How amazing that is!  If God loves us that much, Paul says, will He also not give us all other things free?

How will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Verse 32 reminds us that God freely gives us all things good with Christ.  Key phrase: with Him.  All things come to us with Jesus in a package deal.  Christ, God’s Gift, is the box.  All things are in it.  You accept the box, open it, and enjoy everything in it.  Same thing with Christ and good things.  Accept Christ and receive all things good in Him, all the blessings that come along with Him and in Him.  Reject Christ, and reject all God’s blessings.  You cannot have Christ without all things good. You cannot have all good things apart from Christ, either.  They are inseparable.  Here’s a good story.  The Painting of the Son.

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.  They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael.  They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.  When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war.  He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.  The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.  About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.  A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, ‘Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.  He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly.  He often talked about you, and your love for art.’  The young man held out the package.  ‘I know this isn’t much.  I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.’

The father opened the package.  It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.  He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting.  The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.  He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.  ‘Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me.  It’s a gift.’

The father hung the portrait over his mantle.  Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later.  There was to be a great auction of his paintings.   Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.  On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel.  ‘We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.  Who will bid for this picture?’  There was silence.  Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, ‘We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.’  But the auctioneer persisted.  ‘Will somebody bid for this painting?  Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?’  Another voiced angrily.  ‘We didn’t come to see this painting.  We came to see the Van Gogh’s, the Rembrandt’s.  Get on with the real bids!’  But still the auctioneer continued.  ‘The son!  The son!  Who’ll take the son?’

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room.  It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son.  ‘I’ll give $10 for the painting.’ Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.  ‘We have $10, who will bid $20?’  ‘Give it to him for $10.  Let’s see the masters, [someone shouted.]  ‘$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?’  The crowd was becoming angry.  They didn’t want the picture of the son.  They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.  The auctioneer pounded the gavel. ‘Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!’

A man sitting on the second row shouted, ‘Now let’s get on with the collection!’  The auctioneer laid down his gavel.  ‘I’m sorry, the auction is over.’ ‘What about the paintings?’ ‘I am sorry.  When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will.  I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time.  Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.  Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.  The man who took the son gets everything!’  (Story : The Painting of The Son http://www.turnbacktogod.com/story-the-painting-of-the-son/#ixzz3icdLpK7H)

All things ‘Good’:  Two points.  First, ask yourself a question: in whose definition are all things ‘good?’  In ours or in God’s?  By the way, in whose definition the Bible calls things good?  Of course, in God’s.  Come to think of it, God’s definition of good things is far better and safer than ours.  His understanding is eternally superior to our understanding of what is good.  What we may think good may not be the case in God’s sight.  What God thinks good for us may appear terrible to us.  E.g. Cross is the worst punishment in human eyes, yet the best gift in God’s eyes.  One day Jesus told “His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Matthew 16: 21-23, NASB).  I would rather rely on God’s interpretation of what is good for me than my own, because He knows best, He is never changing, and He sees the entire picture.  Our human understanding is limited, always changing, and not reliable at all times.

Next, ‘all things good’ never means a plethora of material possessions.  E.g. Jesus—we cannot serve God and money at the same time [Matthew 6:24].  The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil [1 Timothy 6:10].  E.g. Lottery winners.  At first, all of them thought wealth would make them happy after winning multi million dollars.  Opposite are the facts.  Many of the couples get divorced afterwards.  All of them squander their winning dollars.  Relationships go sour.  Money made their lives miserable.  E.g. 2.  A mafia gangster made a million dollars in one day.  In his apartment, he opened his briefcase full of cash.  He flung all these hundred dollar bills in the air laughing.  However, a few seconds later, as the money landed on the floor, he began to sob uncontrollably feeling so empty in his soul.  Here’s excellent advice from Paul to those who want to be rich in the present world: fix your hope not on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).  When it comes down to good things, we’d be far better off listening to God and His definition.

J. I. Packer explains on this phrase ‘all things good’: “The passion for possessions has to be cast out of us in order to let the ‘all things’ in.  For this phrase has to do with knowing and enjoying God, and not with anything else.  The meaning of ‘he will give us all things’ can be put thus; one day we shall see that nothing—literally nothing—which could have increased our eternal happiness has been denied us, and that nothing—literally nothing—that could have reduced that happiness has been left with us (p. 270, Knowing God).” God with us is the ultimate source of our happiness (Hebrews 13:6).

What are things ‘good’ in the Bible?  The best gift of all is salvation in Christ (Hebrews 6:9).  None of us fully understand now or appreciate how great this gift of salvation in Christ is.  May God open our eyes to see how blessed we are and to see His glory (2 Corinthians 4:6).  In fact, many non-believers mock at salvation.  E.g. A friend of mine distributed gospel tracts at a fair: a couple laughed at him saying, “Sure, we will go to Hell!  We will burn in there!” They walked away laughing.  We will find out who’s going to laugh in the end.  Folks, if you have nothing to be thankful for, begin with this one.  Thank God every day for your salvation in Christ.

Now, I discovered in the Bible things that are good as the following three (not limited to, but including):

  1.  Basic necessities: food, shelter, and clothing.  And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).  Paul to Timothy: Be content with what you have.  If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:8).  Be free from the love of money, being content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5).
  2. Means to do good works.  E.g. Grace and strength.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8).
  3. Anything that brings us closer to God.  E.g. the Word of God—the sweetness of God’s Word (Hebrews 6:5).  How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  (Psalm 119:103).  E.g. 2.  Good heavenly gifts (Hebrews 6:4) and fruit of the Holy Spirit such as peace, joy, love, …self control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Conclusion

Many of us dither over giving our absolute loyalty to God.  Why?  Simply because of our unbelief in God.  Let’s call a spade a spade.

Packer analyzes: “We are not persuaded of the adequacy of God to provide for all the needs….  Therefore, we feel obliged to break the first commandment just a little, by withdrawing a certain amount of our time and energy from serving God in order to serve mammon.  This, at bottom, seems to be what is wrong with us.  We are afraid to go all the way in accepting the authority of God, because of our secret uncertainty as to his adequacy to look after us if we do (Ibid.).

E.g. A huge crowd was watching the famous tightrope walker, Blondin, cross Niagara Falls one day in 1860.  He crossed it numerous times—a 1,000 foot trip 160 feet above the raging waters.  He not only walked across it; he also pushed a wheelbarrow across it.  One little boy just stared in amazement.  So after completing a crossing the fellow looked at that little boy and he said, “Do you believe I could take a person across in the wheelbarrow without falling?” “Yes, sir, I really do.’  The fellow says, “Well then, get in, son” [Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations].

Do you fear that “God lacks strength or wisdom for fulfilling His declared purpose for you?” (Packer, p. 271).  Then, ponder on the truths that “God created the worlds, rules them, and ordains all that takes place, even the fall of a sparrow” (Ibid.).

Do you fear that God may disappoint you?  Then, please listen to Romans 8:28, “In everything God works for good with those who love Him.” Never think that “you will be the first exception, the first person to find God wavering and failing to keep his word” (ibid.).

Do you doubt God’s constancy?  Remember God never changes: Malachi 3:6, Jesus is the same: Hebrews 13:8.

Give God all you have–your complete trust and absolute loyalty.  Never doubt that He is your sovereign Provider.  Hold back no longer.  Dwell on God’s promises.   He will not withhold anything good from you.

Amen.

Sermon: If God Is for Us

Today pastor Choi talks about God’s adequacy.  More specifically, he focuses on the truth that God is our sovereign Protector (Romans 8: 31).  He is bigger than any fears we may have, greater than any challenges we may face, and able to see us through any hardships we may encounter in our daily lives.  He exhorts God’s people to daily claim God’s promise in Romans 8:31: If God is for us, who is against us?

 

    If God Is for Us

 

 

Following is a summary of the sermon:

 

 

If God Is for Us

Romans 8:31-39   New American Standard Bible (NASB)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 Just as it is written, For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Introduction

One of my favorite books is by J. I. Packer entitled “Knowing God.”  Based on his book, for the next four Sundays, I am going to do a sermon series on the adequacy of God: God is sufficient for all human needs.

Here’s a brief overview.   Today, part 1 of 4, we will focus on the truth that God is our sovereign Protector (v. 31).  He is bigger than any fears we may have, greater than any challenges we may face, and able to see us through any hardships we may encounter in our daily lives.  Next Sunday, we will discover that God is our sovereign Benefactor who withholds nothing good from us (v. 32).  The following Sunday, we will see God as sovereign Champion and Judge who offers salvation based on grace.  No one can condemn us when God justifies us (vv. 33-34).  Finally, we will see God as our sovereign Keeper who keeps us eternally secure in Christ.  Nothing will separate us from the love of God (v. 39).

I am convinced that at the end of my sermon series all of us will be blessed.  We will grow in faith and be eternally grateful for our God who is sufficient for all our needs; physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Contents

If anyone is qualified to talk about life, I believe Apostle Paul is the one.  He begins today’s text saying, “What then shall we say to these things?”(v. 31).  What are ‘these things’ that he refers to?  He is referring to all the things that he’s been through (moments of temptation and condemnation (Romans 8:2), moments of living in the flesh (Romans 8:9, 12), moments of fear (Romans 8:15), moments of suffering (Romans 8:18), moments of weakness and loss of directions (Romans 8:26), moments of disappointment and doubt (Romans 8:28).  In fact, he himself lived through more hardships and life-threatening situations than anyone I know (even more so than Job).

Here’s the list of what he’s been through: afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger (2 Corinthians 6:4-5).  Listen to him in his own words:  24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).   After living through such harsh environments for years, he says, “What can I tell you about life?”

Let’s think of the environment we are living in today.  If you choose one word to characterize today’s world, what word would it be?   Here is mine: fear.  We are bombarded daily with message of fear, are we not?   E.g. NY Times Headlines (8/5/2015): ISIS or Al Qaeda?  American Officials Split Over Top Terror Threat.

DefinitionFear is “the bad feeling that you have when you are in danger, when something bad might happen, or when a particular thing frightens you” [Oxford Dictionary]. 

Fears are real, aren’t they?  Having fears is also a common human experience.  From ancient times, everyone with no exception has experienced fears and all of us currently have at least one or two.  For instance, the fear of death, the fear of losing health, the fear of losing our job, the fear of losing loved ones, the fear of the dark, spiders, snakes, the fear of flying, the fear of being a failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of depression, the fear of heights, the fear of the terrorist attacks, the fear of bullies, the fear of rejection, the list goes on.

All of us have fears.  The real question is how can we handle them?  How do we counter the forces of fear and circumstances that are massed against us?  In today’s text, Paul points out an eternal truth that we can apply to our daily lives.  With the greatest conviction, he declares that God is the solution to all of our problems including fears.  Numerous times in the Bible, God says to His children, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”  Therefore, when we are afraid, we must declare as Paul did, “God is with me.  I am not afraid.  If God is for me, who is against me?”

My testimony: twenty some years ago, I was gripped with the fear of the future for my daughter.  God promised that He will be there for my daughter and take care of her, even long after her parents are gone.  Ever since He has kept His promise and He will do so until the Day of the Lord.

Let me read verse 31 one more time to you: If God is for us, who is against us?

What does it mean—God is for us?

It means God is committed to be our Protector.  It means that God is on our side.  It also means that no humans or fears can mess us up because God is with us.  When we are afraid, we can turn to and cry unto Him.  When our enemies see God with us, they will flee away from us; our fears will melt away within us.  God is the perfect answer to human fears.  He is the best solution that works always and forever!  As long as God is our sovereign Protector, no fear can crush us.  Don’t believe in a lie that no one can protect you from fears. God can and He will as long as you trust Him in faith.

Remember this: not everyone in the world can claim this promise that God is for them.  You have to be in relationship with God to be able to say, “God is for me.”  Why?  Because this promise of protection is only (let me repeat only) meant for God’s elect (v. 33), not for all.  God is only committed to those who worship and serve Him as the Lord.  God’s protection comes through His commitment to the covenant between Him and His people made.  The words ‘covenant’ and ‘covenantal relationship’ deserve our attention here.  In fact, the Bible is all about covenant relationship between God and His children.

Covenant Relationship

A little bit of historical information on the suzerainty covenant clause here would help us understand our “covenantal” relationship with God: A typical ancient suzerainty document begins with identifying the two parties in the covenant.  One is the suzerain and the other is the vassal state.  One is the more powerful state and the benefactor and the other is the weaker state and the beneficiary.  It declares that “the suzerain is for the vassal state…..”

In Genesis 17: 1, 7-9, we see the same type of covenant declared by God to Abraham.  “I am God Almighty,…. I will establish my covenant ….between me and you…to be your God and the God of your descendants after you….I will be their God…You must keep my covenant.”

Who is ‘God’ here?

He is God the Almighty.  He is God the Creator who created the universe and everything in it.  He is God the Sustainer.  All-powerful God.  All-knowing God.  All-present God.  He is God who cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).  He remains faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13).  He cannot lie and keeps His promises for His children (Titus 1:2).  He is God who predestined us to be His children and to inherit the Kingdom of God for eternity (Ephesians 1:5). He is God who loves the world so that He sent His own Son to the cross on our behalf (John 3:16). He is God who began a good work in us, and will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Who is ‘us’­­­­ here? 

We are God’s covenant people in Christ.  We are His children redeemed by the blood of Christ.  We are heirs of His kingdom: Gentiles or Jews, women or men, all who have faith in Jesus.

You see, we become children of God through our repentance of sins and believing in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.  That is how we become the covenant people of God.  Once established, the covenant between God and us abides for eternity, for God keeps it in being (p. 261, Knowing God, J.I. Packer).  In this covenant, God declares that He would uphold and protect us when people and circumstances are threatening to us.  In this covenant, God promises that He would provide for us as long as our earthly pilgrimage lasts.  To this covenant, God commits Himself that He would not leave us until we become more like Him in our character.  In this same covenant, in turn, we declare our faithfulness and loyalty to God in Heaven.  We promise that we would obey Him and keep His commandments.

What it means to be able to say “God is for me”?

I believe Paul got the idea of “God is for us” from Psalmist who says, “God is for me.”  Listen. Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me (Psalm 56:9).

 To say that God is for me means:

  1. God will not forget or overlook our needs.
  2. When we cry unto God, He listens and the enemies turn back.
  3. It gives us the basis for the trust that quells panic (Ibid., p. 262).

Conclusion 

Remember the story of David and Goliath?   David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45) .

When the Goliath of fears, worries, and doubts assails you, don’t run away.  Instead, walk straight toward him and counter with God’s truth: if God is for me, who is against me?   Claim this powerful promise of God every day.  Nothing can crush you, because for you is God the Sovereign Protector.  Amen.

Sermon: Seek Justice

Today Pastor Choi talks about seeking justice.  Religion without a humble walk with God is nothing.  Worship rituals without repentant hearts are futile.  Prayers without justice go unanswered.  At the end of the sermon, he exhorts the congregation to start living out justice every day including prayers of justice for our nation.

 

   Seek Justice

 

Following is a summary of the sermon:

 

Seek Justice

Isaiah 1:10-20   New American Standard Bible (NASB)

God Has Had Enough

10 Hear the word of the Lord,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the instruction of our God,
You people of Gomorrah.
11 “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?”
Says the Lord.
“I
have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle;
And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.
12 “When you come to appear before Me,
Who requires
of you this trampling of My courts?
13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer,
Incense is an abomination to Me.
New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.
14 “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts,
They have become a burden to Me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 “So when you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Yes, even though you multiply prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are
covered with blood.

16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Cease to do evil,
17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Reprove the ruthless,
Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow.

“Let Us Reason”

18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.
19 “If you consent and obey,
You will eat the best of the land;
20 “But if you refuse and rebel,
You will be devoured by the sword.”
Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Introduction

Historical Background

  • Let’s time travel back to the land of Palestine 2800 years ago—around the 8th Century B.C.  Israel back then struggled for its survival like a smoldering wick, sandwiched between two power houses: Assyria in the north and Egypt in the south.  For years, it was subject to Assyria and would pay heavy tributes year after year.  It was often harassed by neighboring kingdoms as well.
  • Enter Isaiah the prophet: he was active in his ministry of prophecy during this tumultuous time (740-700 B.C.).  His service stretched over the reign of four kings in the Judean Kingdom: King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
  • Over these years, Isaiah painfully witnessed the desolation of his home land from two major invasions by neighboring kingdoms (Syro-Ephramite War, 735-732 B.C./Hezekiah’s Revolt against Assyria 705-701 B.C.).  God describes the scene as this: “Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are stripped by foreigners, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers” (Isaiah 1:7). God’s Message to the Rulers: Morality over Security
  • Today’s text was written in that geo-political setting.  It begins with God’s utmost concern for Israel: moral decay.  God calls Israel sinful nation (v. 4) and His people wicked—as wicked as Sodom and Gomorrah: “Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah” (v. 10).  Why?  Because “Your hands are covered with blood” (v. 15)—which means that they are accountable for murder and violent oppression in their land.  Therefore, God says, “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean” (v. 16)—in other words, repent.
  • Two words stand out:  Seek justice (v. 17).  Please notice here: God’s urgent message to the rulers and people of this fragile kingdom is justice.  Why not national security?   Why not more protection?   One may wonder.
  • Now, let’s pretend that you are national security adviser to the king back in the 8th century in Jerusalem.  The king trusts you.  All he wants is independence and lasting peace and security from neighboring kingdoms.   What advice would you give him?
  • You might want to say: Let’s strengthen our diplomatic ties.  We need to build up our military power.  Let’s build a mighty army with more chariots and horses.  We need more fortresses and so forth.
  • God’s advice for the same challenge was quite different: repent and seek justice.   Why justice?  Because, justice is the foundation of prosperity and security of any nation.  Nation is built upon justice.  Without justice no nation stands.Without Justice No Nation Stands
  • Definition of justice: just behavior or treatment.  The quality of being right and fair.  The administration of the law or authority in maintaining this (Oxford Dictionary)
  • Let me repeat what I said: without justice no nation stands.
  • What is the ruler’s number one job in the land?  Economy?  No.  National security?  No.   Both of them are important.  But, neither of them is the number one job of the ruler.   According to God’s Word, the ruler’s number one job is to administer justice and righteousness (1 Kings 10:9).  Do what is just and right, not just in human standards, but also in God’s sight.  Throughout the Scriptures, God commands the rulers to do justice and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).  Then, what they look for such as ‘economic prosperity and national security’ will be added to the nation (Matthew 6:33).
  • Let’s check out what the Scriptures say about God in the business of justice.  The LORD is a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18).  Justice is the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14).  God loves justice (Psalm 99:4).  Justice is the core of God’s being.  So is it of our being (created by God with attributes of creativity, love, and justice).
  • God says to every ruler: Do you want prosperity?  Administer justice first.  Do you want security?  Make sure justice is done.  Do you want stability?  Do justice.  The king gives stability to the land by justice (Proverbs 29:4).  “How do I do justice?” the ruler may ask.  “Have fear of Me, be accountable to Me, walk with Me, and honor Me,” God answers.  In fact, this is excellent advice to the rulers of any nation in the world.  We must pray for our national leaders that they walk in the reverence of God (healthy fear of the Lord).  Why?  Because justice cannot be done without the fear of God.  E.g. One thing in common among corrupt leaders: lack of fear of God.  Stalin.  Hitler. Saddam Hussein.  Kim Jong-Un.God Wants You to Seek Justice
  • Let’s turn our attention to ourselves.  Terribly mistaken would we be if we think justice is only for the rulers.  God wants everyone, especially His own children, to do justice in everyday life (v. 10).Worship and Prayers
  • In today’s text God makes three references in the context of justice: sacrifices (v. 11) (offerings), assemblies (v. 13) (worship services), and prayers (v. 15).  These acts of piety are important, God says, but they are not good when His people do evil.  Without justice practiced in our lives, they are considered nothing (actually, worse, an abomination) in God’s eyes (v. 13).  Justice completes your personal piety.
  • Listen.  Religion without a humble walk with God is nothing.  Worship rituals without repentant hearts are futile.  Prayers without justice go unanswered.
  • Do you remember faith without works is dead (James 2:26)?  Faith and works go hand in hand.  So do personal devotion and justice.  They are inseparable.
  • E.g.  John Wesley promoted the abolition of slavery in the late 18th century in England.  Following is his letter to William Wilberforce Member of Parliament who spearheaded the complete abolition in the British Empire:
  • To William Wilberforce  [*Athanasius: bishop of Alexandria in the 4 Century, A.D., five times exiled fighting for orthodoxy. He spearheaded Nicene Creed.  Church adopted his opinion on the number of books in New Testament Canon (27 books)].
  • BALAM, February 24, 1791. DEAR SIR, — Unless the divine power has raised you up to be as *Athanasius contra mundum, [‘Athanasius against the world.’] I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that execrable villainy, which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing.  Go on, in the name of God and in the power of His might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it.
  • Reading this morning a tract wrote by a poor African, I was particularly struck by that circumstance, that a man who has a black skin, being wronged or outraged by a white man, can have no redress; it being a law in all our Colonies that the oath of a black against a white goes for nothing. What villainy is this!
  • That He who has guided you from youth up may continue to strengthen you in this and all things is the prayer of, dear sir,     
  • Your affectionate servant.  John Wesley (http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/letters/1791.htm)
  • John Wesley died on 2 March, 1791.  This was the last letter Wesley wrote—Wiki.
  • 42 years after this letter, in 1833, Wilberforce heard that “the passage of the Act [Slavery Abolition Act: 1833] through Parliament was assured.”  He died three days later (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce).Remember justice begins with you and me.  Here are the Action points for this week:Stop
  • Doing what is wrong (Isaiah 1:16).
  • Oppressing the powerless (Zechariah 7:10).
  • Thinking evil of each other (Zechariah 7:10).Start
  • Showing mercy and compassion to one another (Zechariah 7:9).
  • Learning to do what is good (Isaiah 1:17).
  • Encouraging the oppressed (Isaiah 1:18).  E.g. Letters to the persecuted sponsored by the Voice of the Martyrs
  • Defending the cause of the orphans (Isaiah 1:18).
  • Pleading the case of the widows (Isaiah 1:18).Conclusion
    Our congregation, starting today for a week, hosts homeless families in our area.  I am very thankful for and excited with this great opportunity to defend the cause of the poor.  It is a good start.   Please pray for the success.  May God help us continue doing what is right and just in His sight for the people in our communities.  Let’s pray together “Prayers of Justice.”   Amen.Prayers of Justice (* all found in Scripture below)L: Almighty God, righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.

    C: You love justice.  You bless those who conduct their affairs with justice.

    L: You discipline us only with justice and mercy.

    C: You will judge the world with justice.

    A: Many seek the favor of a ruler, but it is from You, O Lord, that we get justice.

    L: Let justice be a light to all nations.

    C: Let justice roll like a river in America.

    L: Endow our leaders with justice, O God.

    C: Help them not to pervert justice by showing partiality or receiving bribes.

    A: Help them not to be partial to the guilty or deprive the innocent of justice.

    L: Help our Congress never to write oppressive laws.

    C: Let our judges maintain justice in the courts.

    L: Make our judges aware that they are watched by a higher Judge of all.

    C: Grant our President discernment in administering justice.  Let his mouth not betray justice.

    L: You speak to us, “Make sure justice is done.”

    C:  We will “Help the down-and-out; Stand up for the homeless;
    Go to bat for the defenseless
    ” (The Message Bible).

    A: Help us not to deny justice to the poor.  In Christ’s name, we pray.  Amen.