Seek Justice

Series: Connections Gives Back
Read the sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com or listen at connectionschurch.ca

Opening:
Justice is of the utmost concern for our God- agree or disagree? Read the following verses: Psalm 9:8, 16, Psalm 36:6, Proverbs 18:5, Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 21:12, Amos 5:21-24, Matthew 12:18, Luke 11:24, Romans 3:22-26, Revelation 19:11

Digging Deeper:
Read over the IJM insert from the bulletin (or go to IJM.ca for other resources. IJM's Four-Fold Purpose

• Victim Relief - Relieve the victim of the abuse currently being committed.
• Perpetrator Accountability - Bring accountability and just consequences under the law to the specific perpetrator(s) of abuse.
• Structural Prevention - Prevent the abuse from being committed against others who are also at risk by strengthening community factors that are likely to deter potential oppressors, reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations and empower local authorities to stop such abuses.
• Victim Aftercare - Provide access to services to help victims transition to their new lives and to encourage long-term success.

Read Micah 6:1-8
Discuss the setting and background of this passage. Place the three-fold command in context. Come up with a biblical definition of Justice.

Closing:
Discuss ways you, your group and our church might become agents of justice in God’s world. Next week we’ll look closely at the love of mercy and a humble walk with God.

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1 Listen to what the LORD says:
"Stand up, plead your case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.

2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD's accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the LORD has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.

3 "My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.

4 I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.

5 My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab counseled
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."

6 With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.