Stone's Hill Community Church
So, we’re wrapping up the series today: Hidden Figures. We’re looking at some people who aren’t as well known in the Bible, yet they fulfill a vital calling; they’re hidden figures who do an incredible work. The Bible is full of stories about such people who took considerable risks to lead boldly in their time. This series will focus on how some of these biblical figures used their influence to advance God’s purposes. We will also look at who the “Hidden Figures” might be in our lives today and what they can teach us about how to lead with wisdom, strength and God's bold vision for justice and mercy in our world. Welcome to Stones Hill Community Church and Online Notes!
Welcome!
We welcome you to Stone's Hill today!
A typical Stone's Hill service has music (feel free to sing out); some announcements (things that are upcoming that you can be a part of); a message out of the Bible (God speaks to us through his Word); and an opportunity for you to respond to the message (either immediately in the case of a decision that needs to be made OR in the future as you live out the message in your life.)
So relax and enjoy your morning! We're so glad you are here!
Matthew 27:11-19 NIV
Hidden Figures
Injustice
What if Africa’s slave trade would never have impacted William Wilberforce’s heart? What if a young girl from Albania had never listened to a call to serve the dying in India? What if Desmond Tutu had never laid his body across a white man about to be stoned by an angry mob? What if Rosa Parks had decided to move that day in Alabama?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr once said: “Cowardice asks the question – is it safe? Expediency asks the question – is it popular? But conscience asks the question – is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”
What to do about injustice?
Begin with what bothers you. Immerse yourself in that issue. Write out your complaint. Turn your complaint into lament prayer. If you can change the bad stuff, change it. But remember, Jesus did come so that your joy can be full. If you carry the weight of the world all the time, it will destroy you. So know the balance.
We may not all do the same good, and that’s okay. That’s why we don’t demand that people have to do what we are called to do; that’s why we don’t judge others who may not get on our injustice band wagon. Some may be called to do a different kind of good than you’re doing.
Nobody can do social work in Appalachia, inner-city ministry in the South Bronx, hospital counseling in Fort Wayne, a Bible study on your own block – all the while preparing a new Chinese translation of the New Testament and raising your family of five to love Jesus.
We can’t issue marching orders for all Christians, as if we all must follow Christ in the exact same way. But we are all called to do what we can to bring justice for all.
Pilate's Wife - Our Hidden Figure for Today
She teaches us to:
Stand up for the innocent. You can do this in non-violent ways.
Act against injustice. You don’t have to be a majority to carry a powerful impact.
Pay attention to dreams, notes, and messages from God. God may be trying to get a message through to you.
Pledge your loyalty to Christ above all.