Fighting for Family: Embracing God’s Image and Justice

Devotional

Day 1: Loving God with All Our Being

To love God with all our heart, soul, and might is not just a command but a way of life that shapes our homes, our families, and our community. When we intentionally fill our lives and our households with reminders of God’s love and commandments, we become living examples for our children and those around us. This love is meant to overflow from us, guiding our actions and words, and setting a foundation for the next generation to know and follow Jesus personally. As we bind these truths to our hearts and display them in our homes, we create an environment where God’s love is both seen and experienced daily. [27:32]

Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (ESV)
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can display God’s love and truth in your home this week so that it becomes a visible and living example for your family?

Day 2: Created in God’s Image

Every person is uniquely made in the image of God, bearing His imprint and value beyond anything else in creation. Just as a coin bears the image of its maker and is treasured, so God delights in each of us, having stamped His likeness upon us. Our worth is not determined by our abilities, appearance, or achievements, but by the fact that we are God’s handiwork, loved and desired by Him. This truth calls us to see ourselves and others through the lens of God’s love, recognizing the inherent dignity and purpose He has given to every individual. [35:08]

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Reflection: When you look at yourself or others, do you see the image of God? How might this truth change the way you treat yourself and those around you today?

Day 3: God Makes His Home in Us

Not only are we made in God’s image, but when we put our faith in Jesus, God’s Spirit comes to dwell within us, making us His temple and His home. This means that wherever we go, we carry the presence of God, and our lives become a testimony of His love and grace. It is a profound privilege and responsibility to be God’s dwelling place, reminding us that our value and purpose are rooted in our relationship with Him. As we trust in Jesus and turn from our sins, we become living sanctuaries, reflecting His character and love to the world. [38:15]

1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

Reflection: In what ways can you be more aware of God’s presence in your daily life, and how might this awareness shape your actions and decisions today?

Day 4: Caring for the Vulnerable as True Religion

True faith is demonstrated by caring for those who are most vulnerable—orphans, widows, and those in distress. God calls us not just to believe, but to act, defending and supporting those who cannot defend themselves. Whether through fostering, praying, or supporting families in need, each of us has a role to play in being the hands and feet of Jesus. This is not a suggestion but a calling to live out pure and faultless religion by loving and serving others, especially those whom society may overlook or forget. [49:34]

James 1:27 (ESV)
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Reflection: Who in your community or circle might need your support or advocacy today, and what is one step you can take to care for them in a tangible way?

Day 5: Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly

God requires us to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him, embodying His heart for people in every area of life. This means standing up for what is right, showing compassion without seeking validation, and living with humility before God and others. As a church and as individuals, we are called to be more than just “nice”—we are to be kind, truthful, and courageous in loving others as Jesus does. Our mission is to fight for the family, for children, and for every person, reflecting God’s justice and mercy in all we do. [56:35]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Reflection: Where do you see an opportunity to seek justice or show kindness this week, and how can you step out in humility to make a difference?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate the gift of children, the sacred calling of parenting, and the unique value God places on every person. We began by dedicating little River to the Lord, reminding ourselves of the command in Deuteronomy 6:4 to love God with our whole being and to impress His truths on our children. Parents are called to be living examples, shaping their children’s hearts by loving God and neighbor in every aspect of life. But this is not a solo journey—our entire church community is called to surround, support, and walk with families as they raise their children in faith.

To help our kids grasp their value, I gave each one a nickel and asked them to notice the image stamped on it. Just as a coin bears the image of its maker, so each of us is made in the image of God. Genesis 1 tells us that God created humanity uniquely, setting us apart from all creation by imprinting His likeness on us. This means every person—no matter their background, abilities, or circumstances—has immeasurable worth and is deeply loved by God. Not only do we bear His image, but when we trust in Christ, we become His dwelling place; God makes His home in us.

As a church, we are committed to being a “little brother” church—a community that welcomes the broken, the outcast, and the hurting, just as the father welcomed the prodigal son. We fight for families, invest in children, and seek to train up the next generation in the way of Jesus. This calling extends beyond our own walls. We are called to be a redemptive presence in our community, especially for vulnerable children in the foster system. There are practical ways for each of us to get involved: becoming foster parents, praying for foster families and children, or joining “wrap teams” to support those who open their homes.

Our mission is rooted in the gospel: we are all broken and in need of grace, and Jesus alone makes us whole. We are called to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This means fighting for the unborn, the orphan, the widow, and every person in need. We are not just called to be “nice,” but to be kind—speaking truth in love, standing for justice, and loving radically as Jesus did. This is who we are and who we will continue to be: a church that fights for the family, values every child, and loves our community with the heart of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Bearing God’s Image Gives Us Inherent Value Every person is created in the image of God, which means our worth is not determined by our abilities, appearance, or achievements. God’s imprint on us sets us apart from all creation and assures us of His deep love and desire for relationship. This truth should shape how we see ourselves and how we treat others, recognizing the divine value in every individual. [35:08]
2. The Church’s Role Is to Surround and Support Families Raising children in faith is not just the responsibility of parents; it is a calling for the entire church community. We are to come alongside families, offering encouragement, prayer, and practical help as they seek to impress God’s truths on the next generation. This shared commitment strengthens both families and the church as a whole. [28:10]
3. Redemptive Community Means Engaging Brokenness We are called to be a “little brother” church—a place where the broken, the outcast, and the hurting are welcomed and restored. Our own stories of redemption compel us to invest in the lives of others, especially those facing hardship or loss. This includes supporting foster children and families, recognizing that true religion is caring for orphans and widows in their distress. [49:34]
4. Justice, Mercy, and Humility Are Non-Negotiable God requires us to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. This means standing up for the vulnerable, speaking truth even when it’s unpopular, and loving people sacrificially. Our faith is not just about personal comfort but about active engagement in the world’s pain and need, reflecting the heart of Christ in all we do. [55:55]
5. Everyone Has a Part to Play in God’s Mission Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but everyone can do something—whether it’s praying, supporting foster families, or joining a wrap team. The needs are great, but God equips His people in diverse ways to meet them. By seeking God’s direction and stepping out in faith, we become His hands and feet to a world in need. [50:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:56] - Baby Dedication and Blessing
[28:10] - The Church’s Role in Family Support
[30:07] - Inviting the Children Forward
[31:23] - The Value of a Nickel: Teaching Kids About Worth
[33:16] - Made in God’s Image
[35:08] - God’s Imprint and Our Unique Value
[37:00] - God’s Home: Becoming His Dwelling Place
[38:51] - Praying Over the Children
[40:04] - What Kind of Church Are We?
[41:17] - Fighting for the Family
[43:10] - The Gospel as the Great Equalizer
[45:42] - The Foster System: A Call to Action
[48:19] - Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone
[49:34] - James 1:27 and Caring for Orphans
[50:46] - Three Ways to Get Involved
[55:55] - A Church of Love, Justice, and Truth
[58:21] - Deuteronomy 6: Our Foundation
[59:37] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Fighting for the Family & Valuing Every Child”

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Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 6:4–7 (ESV)
> “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Genesis 1:26–27 (ESV)
> Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
> He has told you, O man, what is good;
> and what does the Lord require of you
> but to do justice, and to love kindness,
> and to walk humbly with your God?

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Observation Questions

According to Deuteronomy 6, what are parents commanded to do with God’s words in their daily lives? How does this passage describe the process of passing faith to the next generation?

(see [26:56])

In Genesis 1, what does it mean that humans are made in the image of God? How does the sermon illustrate this truth for children?

(see [33:16])

What does Micah 6:8 say God requires of His people? How did the sermon connect this to the church’s mission?

(see [55:55])

The sermon described the church as a “little brother” church. What story is this referencing, and what does it mean for how the church treats people?

(see [40:40])

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Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that every person is made in God’s image, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances? How should this shape the way the church views and treats others?

(see [35:08])

The sermon emphasized that raising children in faith is not just the job of parents, but of the whole church. What are some practical ways a church community can “wrap around” families?

(see [28:10])

The pastor said, “We are a church that fights for the family.” What does it look like for a church to fight for families both inside and outside its walls?

(see [41:17])

According to Micah 6:8, justice, kindness, and humility are “non-negotiable.” What are some examples of how a church can live these out, especially for vulnerable children and families?

(see [55:55])

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Application Questions

The pastor gave each child a nickel and talked about the image on the coin, comparing it to God’s image in us. When you think about your own value, do you tend to see yourself as God sees you? What would change if you truly believed you are made in His image?

(see [35:08])

Parents are called to be living examples of loving God and neighbor. If you are a parent, what is one way you can more intentionally “impress” God’s truths on your children this week? If you’re not a parent, how can you support or encourage a family in this journey?

(see [26:56])

The sermon said the whole church is called to “wrap around” families, not just parents. What is one practical step you could take to support a family in your church—prayer, encouragement, babysitting, or something else?

(see [28:10])

The church was challenged to be a “redemptive presence” in the community, especially for foster children and families. What is one way you could get involved—praying, joining a wrap team, or learning more about foster care?

(see [50:46])

The pastor said, “We are not just called to be ‘nice,’ but to be kind—speaking truth in love, standing for justice, and loving radically as Jesus did.” Is there a situation in your life where you need to move from being “nice” to being truly kind, even if it’s uncomfortable?

(see [57:11])

Micah 6:8 calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Which of these do you find most challenging? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?

(see [55:55])

The sermon said, “Everyone can do something.” What is one thing you feel God might be nudging you to do in response to the needs of children and families in your church or community?

(see [50:46])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help your group see the value in every person, to support families, and to be a redemptive presence in your community.

Sermon Clips

We are a church. You know, one of the things that Pastor Rod has said, and if you're new with us, Pastor Rod is he's the head of New Life. He's the one who preaches at our north campus and he's growing that community there. Uh but he he always says that we are a little brother church. He goes to the story of the prodical son where there's the older brother that's the the one that is by the book. He does everything right. He's the one that kind of lifts his nose up at the little brother because the little brother screws up. The little brother's the one that goes out into the world and and he gets dirty and he does things that that maybe wishes that he wouldn't have done. And then he comes back to the father's house smelling like a pig, looking like a pig, acting like a pig, hoping that he can just get a job back in the father's ranch. and the father restores him to sunship. And the reason that image is so powerful for us is because we, I think, embody that. That is who we are. [00:40:34]

Because we know the family is the building block of society. And so, we're a church that's always going to fight for the family. And because we fight for the family, it also means that we're going to fight for mom and dad's. It means that we're going to fight for those people and those marriages and those relationships so that we can all bring honor and glory to him because when we do that, that's what multiplies into our families. [00:41:31]

We put a high value on investing into the family and we want to train them up in the way of Jesus so that when the gospel message where the seed has been planted ever since they were a child, if they're down with Amanda on Sunday mornings, the seed of the gospel is going to get planted in their heart. When they go up with Tina on Wednesday nights to our north campus, the seed of the gospel is going to get planted in their hearts. [00:42:39]

The desire above everything else is that they would know Jesus. And so you guys give to that cause and we are we we want to have a church that walks with you as you execute the gospel in your life as you walk it out in your own life and with your kids. And so today I want to we you know we harp on this all the time. We are a little brother church. We are a church that that is for the broken because we are all broken. [00:43:44]

There's neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free. We are all one in Christ. He has made us one. Meaning this, he has brought those who who view themselves highly down. He has brought those who view themselves lowly up. The gospel is the great equalizer in our life because the only way that we're saved is through the blood of Jesus. It's by his work on the cross. [00:44:24]

It's in and out of their house, right? and and Amanda of three years ago started the foster closet which which seeks to be a resource for foster families so they can get the clothes that they need, resources that they need, help that they need, right? We have people like Shane and Helen Anderson who are here this morning, right? Who love Jesus. They were my my youth pastors growing up and and they've had kids in and out of their home from the foster system and they've been able to love them and be a bridge for them for these kids and their future. [00:51:50]

But what this is and the way I see this is this is a complimentary ministry where we can come alongside right not only the adults but the kids that are going through really difficult situations and we can love on them we can cherish them we can value them and we can help be a part of a solution in their life. [00:49:34]

James 1:27 says this right the brother of Jesus he says religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this. to look after the orphans and widows in their distress. And what what James is saying here is not a suggestion. It's a calling. It's something that Christ calls us to. It's to defend those who cannot defend themselves. It's to defend those who maybe the system has forgotten. [00:49:51]

So God has put his image in you. And when you turn from your sins and you put your faith and trust in Jesus, you know what the Bible says? You know what the Bible says, buddy? You know what it says? It says that you become his home. That he dwells in you. His home is heaven, but it's also in you. It's like you get to be a little mini heaven walking around with God's spirit in you. Isn't that cool? So, you bear his image and you also get to be his home. [00:38:08]

We are a church that fights for the family. whether it's from the point of conception when a baby is first formulated and the DNA is imprinted on that embryo. We fight for the baby then we fight for the baby when it comes out of the womb. We fight for the child as they're growing up and they move into elementary school and into middle school and high school. We fight for that child when they grow into an adult. We walk with them as as as much as we possibly can to the point of death. [00:47:33]

I want when people think about New Life Downtown, I want them to think of a church that that loves any and everybody. We love them in how we treat them, but we also love them in how we speak truth to them and how we fight for justice. Micah 6:8 says this. He says, "He has told you, oh man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." [00:56:02]

Our job as a church is to seek justice for those who can't seek it for themselves. It's to participate in a true religion, one where we're caring for the widow and the orphan, where we will fight for a baby, whether they're in the womb or outside of the womb. Okay? Today, that's a controversial statement. We're going to fight for babies that are in the womb. Doesn't matter how big or small. [00:56:35]

We're not just going to be a nice church that makes people feel good when they come in. We're going to be a kind church. A church that speaks the truth. Did you know there's a difference between niceness and kindness? Right? Niceness is selfish. It makes it makes you want to be acceptable to someone else. Where kindness doesn't care. It doesn't need their acceptance. You don't get validation from them. You speak truth in love. [00:57:22]

I want us to be a church that radically loves, radically fights for justice and radically speaks the truth into every area of life. And so that makes us a controversial church. That makes us a tough church. But it makes us a real church. It makes us a church that follows Jesus no matter what. And it doesn't matter what culture says. [00:57:53]

If we want to be parents in a community that loves our children, that loves each other, that that participates in the unity, in the fellowship of God, it means that we love mercy. We seek justice and we walk humbly with our God. And so, downtown, that's not who I want us to be. That's who we are, and we always will be. We will be a church that fights for the family. We will fight for children. We will fight for people. And we will love on them no matter where they're at in their life. [00:58:57]

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Fighting for Family: Embracing God’s Image and Justice

Devotional

Day 1: Loving God with All Our Being

Day 2: Created in God’s Image

Day 3: God Makes His Home in Us

Day 4: Caring for the Vulnerable as True Religion

Day 5: Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Fighting for Family: Embracing God’s Image and Justice

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