Considering Social Justice

We wrap up our year-long conversation on the image of God. How does the Christian worldview differ from our culture's efforts to promote the idea of "social justice"? Should Christians support that? Or is social justice "evil"?

Part 1

Part 2

Key Themes

•  Christian worldview:
• The ground of human rights: image of God
• Luke 6:27–38
• Luke 15
• Luke 22
• Romans 8:1, 14–17

• Excerpt: Compelled by Love, featuring missionary Heidi Baker 

• Our culture's view of "social justice" vs. a biblical vision for equality

Digging Deeper

• Book: On Social Justice, by St. Basil the Great

• Book: Real Christianity, William Wilberforce

• Book: Common Grace, by Abraham Kuyper 

• Book: Social Justice and the Church, by Ron Nash

• Resource Ministry: Acton Institute

What Does the Bible Teach About Race?

We are continuing our fall teaching series, "Christian Values in Changing Times." This week we're launching into a 2-week conversation exploring the critical biblical support for the dignity, value and value of all races.

Part 1


Part 2

Key Themes

• Creation: Genesis 1:26–27; 3:20; Acts 17:26

• Fall: Genesis 9:18–19; 10; 11:1–9

• Redemption: Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:1–13; Ephesians 2:11–22; 3:4–6; Colossians 3:9–11; Galatians 3:26–29

• Glorification: Revelation 7:9

• Historical examples:

• William Wilberforce

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Local ministry: Discussion on racial reconciliation in the church with Pastor Anthony from Redeemed Life Church, in Azusa, CA

Digging Deeper

• Video: Amazing Grace

• Book: Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery, by Eric Metaxas

• Video: "Paul and the Shattered Wall," a message by Dr. Craig Keener at Asbury Chapel, September 21, 2016

Are Humans More Valuable Than Animals?

One of the most foundational doctrines of Christianity involves a proper understanding of what it means to be human and how that sets us apart from the rest of God's creation. In this lesson, we explore the historic Christian idea of humans being created in the image of God.

Key Themes:

• Discussion: Who would you save first in an emergency: your pet or a stranger?

• "image of God"
• Genesis 1:26–28
• Genesis 5:1–2
• Genesis 2:7, 19

• The concept of human rights

• The concept of animal rights

• Clip from the documentary, Blackfish
• Genesis 1:20, 21, 24

• Are humans advanced animals?

• Is it ok to eat animals?

Digging Deeper:

• Short video: "Are Humans More Valuable Than Animals?" with Dennis Prager

• Article: "Considering 'Blackfish' and the Question of Mammals in Captivity," by Krista Bontrager

• Book: Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, by Hugh Ross