Unity in Purpose: Extremism for Love and Justice

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity

In a world often divided by differences, the concept of unity in diversity offers a powerful vision of what can be achieved when individuals come together under a common purpose. This unity is not merely about avoiding danger but about finding a shared solution in a higher power, which for Christians is embodied in Christ. The fellowship described in the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous and the early church serves as a testament to the transformative power of such unity. When people from diverse backgrounds unite, they transcend their differences and work towards a common goal, creating a community that reflects the love and grace of Christ. [02:59]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a group or community you are part of. How can you contribute to fostering unity and embracing diversity within that group today?

Day 2: Moral Foundation

Martin Luther King Jr.'s belief in a higher power guiding the moral arc of the universe reminds us of the Creator's concern with justice and love. This belief calls us to align our actions with this moral foundation, transcending human limitations. King’s experiences, including receiving a divine message during a time of personal crisis, illustrate the power of faith in overcoming human limitations. His call for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws is rooted in the belief that there is a higher moral law that transcends human legislation. This moral foundation challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our actions reflect the justice and love that God desires. [04:40]

"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?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it align with the moral foundation of justice and love? How can you ensure your future decisions reflect these values?

Day 3: Civil Disobedience

The call for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws is rooted in the belief that there is a higher moral law that transcends human legislation. This requires courage and faith, as exemplified by figures like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These biblical figures stood firm in their faith, refusing to bow to unjust laws, and their story serves as an inspiration for those who seek to challenge injustice today. Civil disobedience is not about rebellion for its own sake but about standing up for what is right and just, even when it is difficult. It is a call to action for those who believe in a higher moral law and are willing to stand up for it, trusting that God will guide and protect them. [07:16]

"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel called to stand up against injustice? What steps can you take today to act in accordance with God's higher moral law?

Day 4: Extremism for Love

The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Jesus Christ serves as our model, being an extremist for love, truth, and goodness. His life and teachings challenge us to strive for justice and love in our actions. Being an extremist for love means going beyond what is comfortable or convenient and actively seeking to make a positive impact in the world. It means being willing to take risks and make sacrifices for the sake of others, following the example of Christ who gave everything for us. This call to extremism for love is a call to live out our faith in a radical and transformative way. [09:00]

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can be an extremist for love today. How can you go beyond your comfort zone to show love and kindness to someone in need?

Day 5: Transformative Church

The early church was a powerful force for societal transformation, reminding us of our calling to be active participants in God's work. We are called to be more than passive observers, but to actively engage in transforming our communities and the world. The early church's example challenges us to consider how we can be agents of change in our own contexts, using our gifts and resources to make a difference. This transformative mission is not just about personal growth but about impacting the world around us, bringing the light of Christ into every corner of society. [10:02]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's transformative work in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to make a positive impact?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound unity and transformation that can occur when individuals come together under a common purpose, transcending their differences. Drawing inspiration from the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous, we see a powerful image of people from diverse backgrounds uniting in fellowship, much like the early church described by Paul in his letters. This unity is not just about escaping peril but finding a common solution in a higher power, which for Christians is embodied in Christ. This unity and transformation are echoed in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who believed that a higher power could restore us to sanity and guide us toward justice and love.

King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" serves as a poignant reminder of the moral foundation that underpins our universe, a foundation established by a Creator concerned with justice and love. King’s experiences, including receiving a divine message during a time of personal crisis, illustrate the power of faith in overcoming human limitations. His call for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws is rooted in the belief that there is a higher moral law that transcends human legislation.

The sermon challenges us to consider what kind of extremists we will be: those who perpetuate hate and injustice or those who strive for love and justice. The example of Jesus Christ, an extremist for love, truth, and goodness, serves as our model. The early church, once a powerful force for societal transformation, reminds us of our calling to be more than just passive observers but active participants in God's work in the world.

In conclusion, the call to believe in a power greater than ourselves is not just about personal transformation but about impacting our communities and the world. It is a call to be creative extremists for love and justice, trusting that this higher power can restore us to sanity and guide us in our mission.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Diversity: The fellowship described in the "Big Book" and the early church shows that unity can transcend differences when people come together under a common purpose. This unity is not just about escaping peril but finding a common solution in a higher power, which for Christians is embodied in Christ. [02:59]
2. Moral Foundation: Martin Luther King Jr.'s belief in a higher power guiding the moral arc of the universe reminds us that there is a Creator concerned with justice and love. This belief calls us to align our actions with this moral foundation, transcending human limitations. [04:40]
3. Civil Disobedience: The call for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws is rooted in the belief that there is a higher moral law that transcends human legislation. This requires courage and faith, as exemplified by figures like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. [07:16]
4. Extremism for Love: The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Jesus Christ serves as our model, being an extremist for love, truth, and goodness, challenging us to strive for justice and love in our actions. [09:00]
5. Transformative Church: The early church was a powerful force for societal transformation, reminding us of our calling to be active participants in God's work. We are called to be more than passive observers, but to actively engage in transforming our communities and the world. [10:02]
** [10:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:08] - Fellowship and Unity
[03:14] - The Church's Common Solution
[04:08] - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Vision
[05:39] - The Call for Justice
[06:26] - Just vs. Unjust Laws
[07:16] - Civil Disobedience
[08:14] - Extremism for Love
[09:00] - Jesus as a Model Extremist
[10:02] - The Transformative Church
[11:30] - Community and World Impact
[11:45] - Series Conclusion and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous describe as the common solution that unites people from diverse backgrounds? [02:59]
How does Paul describe the unity of the early church in his letters to the Ephesians and Colossians? [03:14]
What is Martin Luther King Jr.'s perspective on the moral foundation of the universe, and how does it relate to justice and love? [04:40]
How does the sermon describe Jesus Christ as an extremist for love, truth, and goodness? [09:32]

Interpretation Questions

How does the unity described in Ephesians 2:14-16 challenge the divisions we see in society today? What practical steps can be taken to break down these barriers?
In what ways does Galatians 3:28 encourage us to view our identity in Christ as more significant than our social or cultural differences?
How does the concept of civil disobedience, as discussed in the sermon, align with the biblical examples of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? [07:30]
What does it mean to be an "extremist for love" in the context of Matthew 5:44, and how can this be applied in our daily interactions? [08:14]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced unity with others despite differences. How did a common purpose or belief help bridge those differences? [02:59]
Consider the moral foundation that Martin Luther King Jr. speaks of. How can you align your actions with this foundation in your personal and professional life? [04:40]
Have you ever faced a situation where you felt compelled to stand against an unjust law or practice? How did your faith influence your decision? [07:16]
Jesus is described as an extremist for love. Identify one area in your life where you can be more of an extremist for love, truth, or goodness. What specific actions can you take this week? [09:32]
The early church was transformative in society. What role do you believe your local church should play in societal transformation, and how can you contribute to that mission? [10:02]
How can you actively participate in creating a community that reflects the unity and diversity described in the sermon? What steps can you take to foster inclusivity and understanding? [02:59]
Think of a person or group you find challenging to love. How can you apply the teachings of Matthew 5:44 to improve your relationship with them? [08:14]

Sermon Clips

There is a moral Foundation because the universe has a Creator and he's concerned for justice and he's concerned for love and he will bend things he will work things uh early on in his work Martin Luther King uh quite famously talked about this in a couple of sermons. [00:04:46]

How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust a just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God an unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law to put it in the terms of St Thomas aquinus. [00:06:38]

An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in Eternal and natural law a law that uplifts human personality is just a law that degrades human personality is unjust and then he goes on to talk about somebody who's doing what he was doing then which is civil disobedience. [00:06:58]

Was not Jesus an extremist for love love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you now that's being restored to sanity by a higher power was not Amos an extremist for justice. [00:08:19]

Let Justice roll down like Waters and righteousness like an Ever flowing stream was not Paul and this is just for inspiration today okay just all right God fire my spirit was not Paul an extremist for the Christian Gospel I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. [00:08:38]

The question is not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremist will we be will be ex will we be extremist for hate or for love will we be extremist for the preservation of Injustice or for the extension of justice and again it is not human power that can do that. [00:09:02]

There is a power greater than ourselves at work in the world in that dramatic scene on Calvary Hill three men were crucified we must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime the crime of extremism two were extremists for immorality and thus fell below their environment. [00:09:22]

The other Jesus Christ was an extremist for love truth goodness and thereby Rose above perhaps the South the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists and then last finally these words about the church that Martin Luther King Jr himself served as a pastor. [00:09:41]

There was a time when the church was very powerful and the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed rejoiced being deemed worthy to suffer in those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion. [00:10:04]

It was a thermostat that trans formed the mores of society whenever the early Christians entered a town the people in power became Disturbed in immediately sought to convict the Christians for being disturbers of the peace and outside agitators but the Christians pressed on in the conviction. [00:10:24]

They were a colony of Heaven called to obey God rather than man small in number they were big in commitment turned their lives and wills over to the care of God they were to God intoxicated to be as astronomically intimidated by their effort they brought an end to such ancient evils. [00:10:44]

Things are different now so often the contemporary church is a weak ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound but that's not our calling came to believe not just for this individual this is not just something about making my own life better or unpleasant this is about my community. [00:11:12]

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