Horror and Beauty. These antonyms describe the Christian life in this world. We live out the Christian life in the midst of sinful acts that make our skin crawl and blood boil. And at the same time we see God work in people in ways that are beautiful and reflect the very image of God. It is hard to make sense of it. We daily lament as the prophet Habakkuk did in Habakkuk 1:2-4 in the face of national perversion of justice - “how long shall I cry for help.” And we daily thank God for His work in our lives - just like Habakkuk did at the end of Habakkuk; “yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (Hab. 3:18)
We found ourselves this last week lamenting at the horrors of injustice and suffering. The injustice regarding the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer was horrifying. Christian ethics professor from Southern Seminary, Andrew Walker says; “It is so egregious, unjust, excessive, and barbaric that its occurrence confounds logic and reason.” This frustration reflects what many of us are feeling regarding police brutality against African-Americans. We also lament at the ongoing suffering from COVID-19. This world is not our home. This world is full of wickedness resulting from sin. We lament.
In the same breath we confess our world is full of beauty. How is this possible? It is possible because people reflect the image of God. It is possible because God is gracious, merciful, loving, and just. There are 3 examples of beauty in our church right now (among many!). First, Mia Milewski and Davy Miles graduated from High School! Next, Heather Buchta has authored a book, Beyond the Break, which releases on Amazon June 2 - click here to pre-order. Finally, Paul Duncan continues to write amazing music that has appeared on national platforms - click here to watch Lauren Daigle sing Still Rolling Stones.
Habakkuk remembered and acknowledged the fact that God is in us, with us, and for us. He rejoiced and took joy in the Lord because He knew of God’s goodness. Let’s do the same today.
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"O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” - Habakkuk 1:2-4
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of the Week:
Righteousness (Justice)
The doctrine that God always acts in accordance with what is right and that he is himself the final standard of what is right.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
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See you at our Zoom church service!
-Cameron
Sermon Topic - May 31
(Click here for Invite above to Zoom Church)
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 4:13-22
“Do Christians Ever Oppose Government?”
2020 YTD