Seeking God: Justice, Restoration, and Hope in Christ

Every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus, the King of kings, and a reminder that we gather not just for community, but to encounter the living God who hears us, knows us, and invites us to seek Him with all our hearts. God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 is not just about a hopeful future, but about a God who listens and responds when we call out to Him. When we seek Him earnestly, He promises to be found, and He is always drawing us closer, longing for us to discover His presence and grace.

The journey through the book of Micah reveals a God who is both just and merciful. Micah’s prophetic words to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah expose the reality that God will not tolerate injustice, corruption, or empty religion. God desires not just outward acts of worship, but hearts that are aligned with His character—hearts that pursue justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. The courtroom language in Micah reminds us that God sees all, knows all, and calls us to account, not to shame us, but to realign us with His purposes.

Yet, even in the midst of judgment and correction, God’s heart is restoration. Micah prophesies the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, centuries before His birth, declaring that true peace and restoration are found in Him alone. The promise is that no matter how far we stray, God’s compassion is new again and again. He casts our sins into the depths of the sea, offering us a fresh start and a restored relationship with Him.

The call is clear: God has not hidden His will from us. He asks us to live with justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him. These are not just religious duties, but the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. It’s not about how much we know, but how we live out what we know—letting our lives be marked by the love, mercy, and humility of Christ. No matter how difficult the season, with Jesus, things will get better—not because of our efforts, but because of who He is and what He has already done. Restoration, hope, and new life are available to all who seek Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence Is Found by Earnest Seeking God is not distant or indifferent; He is waiting to be found by those who seek Him with all their hearts. Just as a loving father makes himself discoverable to his children, God longs for us to draw near, promising that when we seek Him, we will find Him. This is not a passive hope, but an active invitation to pursue God in prayer, worship, and surrender, trusting that He hears and responds to our cries. [20:17]
• 2. The Bible Is for Transformation, Not Just Information Scripture is not meant to be bent to fit our lives, but to transform us into right relationship with God. The Word of God is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. It’s not enough to know the Bible; we must allow it to realign our hearts, challenge our assumptions, and shape our daily living so that we reflect Christ in all we do. [37:39]
• 3. God’s Justice Levels the Ground for All Biblical justice is not about getting what we think others deserve, but about making things right in our relationships and communities. Justice recognizes the inherent worth of every person as made in God’s image, and calls us to treat others with dignity, fairness, and compassion. At the foot of the cross, the ground is level—no one is above another, and all are in need of the grace and restoration that only Jesus provides. [63:05]
• 4. True Worship Is About Who We Are, Not Just What We Do It’s possible to perform religious acts and still miss the heart of God if our worship is self-centered or driven by entitlement. God is not impressed by the intensity, quality, or quantity of our rituals if our hearts are far from Him. He desires authenticity—a life that seeks to be, not just to do; a heart that is humble, grateful, and surrendered, living out faith in everyday actions and relationships. [60:50]
• 5. Restoration and Hope Are Found in Jesus Alone No matter how broken or hopeless our situation may seem, God’s promise is that restoration is possible through Jesus. Micah’s prophecy points to the Messiah who would come to bring peace, forgiveness, and new life. Our hope is not in our own ability to fix ourselves, but in the finished work of Christ, who casts our sins into the depths of the sea and invites us into a journey of daily transformation and grace. [69:06]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [20:17] - God Hears and Responds to Our Prayers
• [29:20] - Entering God’s Presence and Seeking Restoration
• [31:57] - The Power of Invitation and Community
• [37:39] - The Purpose and Authority of Scripture
• [38:55] - The Question: Will Things Ever Get Better?
• [39:31] - Introduction to the Book of Micah
• [43:09] - Micah’s Prophecy of the Messiah
• [44:38] - Israel and Judah on Trial
• [45:35] - Exposing Injustice and Corruption
• [48:14] - The Danger of Self-Centered Religion
• [49:44] - God’s Judgment and Call to Alignment
• [52:25] - What Are You Leading Others To?
• [54:30] - The Promise of Restoration Through Jesus
• [57:04] - God’s Challenge: What Does He Require?
• [63:05] - Living with Justice
• [66:26] - Loving Kindness and Mercy
• [67:26] - Walking Humbly with God
• [69:06] - Restoration and Hope in Jesus
• [70:27] - Invitation to New Life in Christ
• [71:11] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NASB) — > 11 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
> 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
> 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.’

Micah 6:6-8 (NASB) — > 6 With what shall I come to the Lord
> And bow myself before the God on high?
> Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,
> With yearling calves?
> 7 Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams,
> In ten thousand rivers of oil?
> Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts,
> The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
> 8 He has told you, O 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?

Micah 7:18-19 (NASB) — > 18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity
> And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?
> He does not retain His anger forever,
> Because He delights in unchanging love.
> 19 He will again have compassion on us;
> He will tread our iniquities under foot.
> Yes, You will cast all their sins
> Into the depths of the sea.

Observation Questions

1. According to Jeremiah 29:12-13, what does God promise to those who seek Him with all their heart?
2. In Micah 6:6-8, what are the people of Israel asking God, and how does God respond to their questions?
3. What are some of the injustices and empty religious acts that Micah calls out among the people of Israel and Judah? ([45:35])
4. In Micah 7:18-19, what does God do with the sins of His people, and what does this reveal about His character?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God emphasizes seeking Him “with all your heart” rather than just going through religious motions? ([20:17])
2. When God says He requires us to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly,” what does that look like in real life, and why do you think He values these over sacrifices or rituals? ([01:01:26])
3. The sermon mentioned that God’s justice “levels the ground for all” at the cross. What does this mean for how we view ourselves and others in the church? ([01:03:05])
4. How does the promise of restoration through Jesus, as prophesied in Micah, give hope even when we feel far from God or stuck in a difficult season? ([01:09:06])

Application Questions

1. The sermon said God is “begging for you to find Him” and that He is waiting for us to seek Him. What is one area of your life where you need to seek God more earnestly right now? What would it look like to do that this week? ([20:17])
2. The Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. Is there a specific teaching or command from Scripture that you know but have struggled to live out? What is one step you can take to start living it this week? ([37:39])
3. Micah calls us to “do justice.” Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need to make things right or treat someone with more fairness or compassion? What’s a practical step you can take? ([01:03:05])
4. The sermon warned against empty religion and self-centered worship. Are there ways you’ve been “going through the motions” in your faith? How can you make your worship and service more authentic and centered on God this week? ([01:00:50])
5. God’s heart is for restoration, not shame. Is there a past mistake or sin that you’re still carrying? How does knowing that God “casts our sins into the depths of the sea” help you move forward? ([01:09:06])
6. The call to “walk humbly with your God” means thinking of yourself less and others more. Who is someone you can serve or encourage this week as an act of humility? ([01:07:26])
7. The sermon said, “No matter how difficult the season, with Jesus, things will get better—not because of our efforts, but because of who He is and what He has already done.” How does this truth change the way you face your current challenges? ([01:09:06])