Social Action speaking out against injustice

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As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak up and out, for those in our community - both local and global - who have no voice and are the victims of all kinds of social injustice. We are to work for social justice and be involved in social action - that's part of our loving of other people radically. The oppression and persecution of people is anathema to the Lord our God and it is to be for us as Christians! Speaking against any form of social injustice, on a local, national or global scale, is a Gospel imperative! Jesus Christ spoke out against all forms of injustice and we as His followers must be compelled to do likewise. Where a minority is maltreated and discriminated we should be at the forefront of demanding justice for all! We are to be promoting civil rights and using all aspects of the law to do so. We are to be working to ensure the poorest members of our community, both local and global, are cared for and the oppressed freed!

In your country, this could mean peaceful demonstrations and interacting with your political representatives! Look at some of the great reformers or social activists of the past: Wilberforce helping to abolish slavery; or Martin Luther King Jr. at the forefront of ending segregation and racism. May each one of us, on the local, national and international stages, play some small part in ending prejudice, suffering, racism, poverty, bigotry, abuse, oppression and other injustices. As John Stott once said: "The reason for our acceptance of social responsibility... is simple uncomplicated compassion. Love has no need to justify itself. It merely expresses itself in service wherever it sees need." As Jesus of Nazareth once said: "Love God and love other people."

Here is a case in point - let us practically show radical love. Sherif Hassan Abdelwahab Mohamed was going to Cairo to take his new wife to meet his family and comfort them after the death of his father.

1. Sherif is an Egyptian citizen.

2. Sherif is married to Emma, a British citizen.

3. Emma has no criminal record.

4. Sherif has no criminal record.

5. Sherif is a follower of Jesus Christ.

6. Sherif was detained on 9th Nov 2010.

7. There has been no contact from him for the last 24 hours since he said he would be in contact.

No charges have been brought. No questions have been answered. No indications of his location have been given.

The latest news, is that Emma has bought a plane ticket for Sherif to return home. If he doesn't use it, it will prove:

• either that the emails we've received have not been from him
• or that the authorities have not been keeping their word

Whatever happens, we still need to keep up the pressure

Visit www.releasesherif.com and follow the instructions on how to speak up for this man! There are draft letters you can send to those in Government officials in the USA, UK and Australia. As well as addresses for the Egyptian embassies and consulates in those country! Help this Christian brother and lets see him reunited with his family!

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Psalm 31

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For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ O Lord, I have come to you for protection;

don't let me be disgraced.

Save me, for you do what is right.

² Turn your ear to listen to me;

rescue me quickly.

Be my rock of protection,

a fortress where I will be safe.

³ You are my rock and my fortress.

For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

⁴ Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

for I find protection in you alone.

⁵ I entrust my spirit into your hand.

Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

⁶ I hate those who worship worthless idols.

I trust in the Lord.

⁷ I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,

for you have seen my troubles,

and you care about the anguish of my soul.

⁸ You have not handed me over to my enemies

but have set me in a safe place.

⁹ Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.

Tears blur my eyes.

My body and soul are withering away.

¹⁰ I am dying from grief;

my years are shortened by sadness.

Sin has drained my strength;

I am wasting away from within.

¹¹ I am scorned by all my enemies

and despised by my neighbors-

even my friends are afraid to come near me.

When they see me on the street,

they run the other way.

¹² I am ignored as if I were dead,

as if I were a broken pot.

¹³ I have heard the many rumors about me,

and I am surrounded by terror.

My enemies conspire against me,

plotting to take my life.

¹⁴ But I am trusting you, O Lord,

saying, "You are my God!"

¹⁵ My future is in your hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

¹⁶ Let your favor shine on your servant.

In your unfailing love, rescue me.

¹⁷ Don't let me be disgraced, O Lord,

for I call out to you for help.

Let the wicked be disgraced;

let them lie silent in the grave.^[a]

¹⁸ Silence their lying lips-

those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

¹⁹ How great is the goodness

you have stored up for those who fear you.

You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,

blessing them before the watching world.

²⁰ You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

safe from those who conspire against them.

You shelter them in your presence,

far from accusing tongues.

²¹ Praise the Lord,

for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.

He kept me safe when my city was under attack.

²² In panic I cried out,

"I am cut off from the Lord!"

But you heard my cry for mercy

and answered my call for help.

²³ Love the Lord, all you godly ones!

For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,

but he harshly punishes the arrogant.

²⁴ So be strong and courageous,

all you who put your hope in the Lord!

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New Testament

Book of Jude

Key Verses

Jude 3-4 - Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Summary

Jude writes warning against apostasy. He urges his readers to recognize the problem and fight for the faith. In doing so, he presents the strategy for when doctrinal conflict occurs. This strategy includes growth in doctrine, prayer, a loyal love for God, eagerly awaiting eternity, and helping other believers that are influenced by apostasy. He closes with a statement of confidence and of praise to God.

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New Testament

Book of 3 John

Key Verses

3 John 3-4 -For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

3 John 11-12 - 12Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God. Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

Summary

John writes a personal letter to Gaius about his faithful response to Jesus as shown by his treatment of other believers,. In doing so, Gaius exhibits faithfulness, generosity and love. He condemns Diotrephes for being faithless, arrogant and contrary, whilst commending Demetrius. . Finally John writes to inform Gaius that he hopes to travel and meet him.

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New Testament

Book of 2 John

Key Verses

2 John 8-11 - Watch yourselves, that we don't lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

Summary

John writes to remind this lady and her children that their lives should be an expression of the Word of God in all areas. This expression is called love or loving one another. The believers are to continue loving, abiding in God's Commandments and to pay no heed to the false teachers who deny Jesus' incarnation.

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New Testament

Book of 1 John

Key Verses

1 John 1:3-4 - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Summary

John writes about fellowship with the Father and the Son and other believers. Fellowship comes through obedience to the Word of God and through confession of sin when sin is committed. John also writes so that they may have confidence about eternal life, by discussing foundation and conduct. In doing so, he tackles heretical Gnostic teachers who were challenging apostolic teachings.

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