Religious Freedom '23 / Proverbs 31:8–9; Matthew 25:42; Zechariah 7:9
How religious liberty is a reminder of how God treats all of us and our freedom to choose
The Texts
Proverbs 31:8–9 ESV
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Matthew 25:42–43 ESV
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV
Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Our general conference has been aproved and voted as the adventist stance on religous liberty and justice
As loyal citizens, Adventists believe they have the right to freedom of religion, subject to the equal rights of others. This implies the freedom to meet for instruction and worship, to worship on the seventh day of the week (Saturday), and to disseminate religious views by public preaching, or through the media. This freedom further includes the right to change one’s religion, as well as to respectfully invite others to do so. Every person has a right to demand consideration whenever conscience does not allow the performance of certain public duties, such as requiring the bearing of arms. Whenever churches are given access to public media, Adventists should in all fairness be included. -ADCOM 1995
This month’s religious liberty emphasis is made to reflect on the
What is Justice
So if
Zechariah 7:9 ESV
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,
Real judgment is kind and merciful
Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV
Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Proverbs 31:8–9 ESV
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Why Justice is Mercy
Systemic and Personal Responsibility
Liberty and Justice for All
Matthew 18:26–28 ESV
So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’
How easy is to enjoy freedom on the recieving end, isn’t it?
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