Justice and Hope

For God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the Man he has appointed; he has given proof of this to everyone by raising that Man from the dead. (Acts 17:31)

Jesus came preaching that God is King, and he called this Good News. Dictators aren't in charge. Lying politicians aren't in charge. Random chance doesn't rule our lives. Diseases and disasters do not determine our fate. God, our Creator and loving Father, is King.

In the Old Testament prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and a dozen more), we learn a little about the justice and hope we can expect when God shows up as King. God brings justice, holding us accountable for not treating everyone as well as we treat ourselves. God brings salvation, setting us free to live in the abundant blessing intended for everyone.

God brings justice, holding us accountable for not treating everyone as well as we treat ourselves. God brings salvation, setting us free to live in the abundant blessing intended for everyone.

That's why, for Christians, thanksgiving is so important. Every good thing in our life is a gift from God (James 1:17). Every bad thing in our life is a learning opportunity, part of a journey that leads to God's good purposes (Romans 8:28). That's why in everything we are filled with a peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7), a joy beyond expressing (1 Peter 1:8), a hope that never disappoints (Romans 5:5).

God's greatest gift is Jesus, and every week we come together in gratitude. Join us for our Sunday worship at 10 a.m., or our Wednesday evening Bible study at 6 p.m., or our Sunday School at 9 a.m. There's a church breakfast a week this Sunday at 9 a.m. (November 8), and a Thanksgiving dinner at the church November 22 (Sunday) at 5:30 p.m. Wherever you are on your journey, may you be touched by the indescribable gift of God, and be filled with gratitude.

--Jonathan