Send us a text

Matthew 25:35-40

The testimonies, the salvations, the stories, all of this is the fruit that all of us get to enjoy, because we are one family in Christ!

This trip was a great step of faith for so many, for those that went, you stepped out in great faith, you trusted the Father, you trusted me, you served with love, you carried the light of Christ very practically into places in great need.

This journey reminds us that mission is at the heart of who we are as followers of Jesus.

Send us a text

“Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.” -Charles Spurgeon

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” -Billy Graham

Scripture: Psalm 103:13, Malachi 4:5-6, Proverbs 22:6, John 1:12, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1

• The Fatherlessness Epidemic:
  
  • Fatherlessness is a root cause of societal issues like crime, poverty, and behavioral disorders, as evidenced by U.S. Department of Justice statistics (e.g., 63% of youth suicides, 71% of high school dropouts from fatherless homes).
• Malachi 4:5-6 warns of a curse if fathers’ hearts are not turned to their children, highlighting the need for godly “fathers” to rise up.

• Sonship as the Foundation:
  
  • To be a godly father, one must first be a son of God, resting in relationship with the Heavenly Father (John 1:12).
• • Accepting Jesus and walking in sanctification enables fathers to reflect God’s heart, as Jesus did (John 5:19).
• • Charles Spurgeon: “Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself” (Proverbs 22:6).
• Reflecting the Father’s Heart:
  
  • Godly fathers imitate God’s character (Ephesians 5:1), revealing His love, compassion, and action to their children and others (Genesis 1:26).
• • Fathers should live authentically, confessing failures and modeling repentance (Proverbs 24:16), so children see faith in action.
• Action-Oriented Love:
  
  • Like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), godly fathers act extravagantly, breaking cultural norms to love and pursue their children.
• Jesus was about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49); fathers should act out of love, teaching, mentoring, and serving (John 3:16).

• Imitating Christ as an Example:
  
  • Paul urges, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Fathers must model faith through devotion, prayer, and service, inviting others to follow their example (Philippians 4:9).
• D.A. Carson: “Do you ever say to a young Christian, ‘Do you want to know what Christianity is like? Watch me!’”

Send us a text

• Created in God’s Image (Imago Dei):
  • Genesis 1:26-28 establishes that humanity is uniquely created in God’s image and likeness, distinct from the rest of creation. This doctrine, echoed in Psalm 8:4-6, means every person—regardless of race, status, or belief—bears inherent dignity, value, and worth, with a calling to have dominion over the earth.
• Purpose of the Image:
  • Humans are designed to reflect God’s character, glory, and goodness, much like a sculpture (e.g., the Lincoln Memorial statue) reflects its subject. We are “images created to image” God, displaying His attributes to the world.
• Impact of Sin on the Image:
  • Sin distorts this divine reflection, turning humanity inward to worship self or idols (Rom. 1:23). While the image of God remains in all people (Gen. 9:6, 1 Cor. 11:7, James 3:9), it is marred, leading to brokenness in humanity’s relationship with God and creation.
• Restoration Through Christ:
  • Salvation restores this image by conforming believers to the image of Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Hebrews 1:3). Scriptures like Romans 8:29, Colossians 3:9-10, and 1 Corinthians 15:49 affirm that through Christ’s work, we are renewed to reflect God’s glory once more.
• Implications for Human Dignity and Justice:
  • Because all people bear God’s image, every life has intrinsic value, compelling believers to uphold justice and fight against issues like poverty, homelessness, trafficking, and prejudice. Proverbs 31:8-9 and Matthew 25 emphasize our responsibility to advocate.
• Personal Story of Tension:
  • The encounter with Andrea highlights the tension between the sacred reality of God’s image in her and the injustice of her circumstances. This experience reflects God’s heart—compassion, righteous anger, and a call to action.
• Call to Minister in the Tension:
  • Micah 6:8 provides a framework for living out this calling: act justly (address wrongs), love mercy (show compassion), and walk humbly with God (rely on His strength). This active faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, equips us to minister amidst the world’s brokenness, ensuring God’s image in every person is honored.

APPLICATION:

1. Recognize the Image of God in Everyone Reflect: Take a moment to consider people you encounter daily—family, coworkers, strangers, or those in need. How does knowing they bear God's image change your perspective?

• Action: Intentionally show respect and kindness to someone you might typically overlook (e.g., a homeless person, a coworker you disagree with). See them as God’s image-bearer.
• Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to see His image in every person, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs.

2. Advocate for Justice and Dignity

• Where do you see injustice in your community?
• Action: Take one practical step to address injustice. Examples: volunteer, donate to a ministry supporting the vulnerable, or speak up against prejudice.

3. Reflect God’s Character Through Your Life

• How can your words, actions, or decisions better reflect God’s love, mercy, and holiness?
• Action: Choose one way to “image” God this week, such as showing compassion, forgiving someone, or sharing the Gospel with a friend.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live as a “clean mirror,” reflecting Christ’s character in your interactions.

4. Live in the Tension of a Broken World

• Commit to an act of mercy inspired by Micah 6:8. For example, help a neighbor, pray for the oppressed, or support a mission.

5. Share the Restorative Hope of the Gospel

• Share the Gospel with someone this week, even