Who is Jesus? He is Justice - Episode 152

Daniel Moore: 0:02

God's justice is deeply intertwined with His faithfulness, impartiality and promise-keeping nature. Believers can trust in God's justice because it is anchored in His unfailing love and His commitment to His people. In times of uncertainty or when faced with injustice, we can lean on God's character and know that he will fulfill His promises, ensuring that justice is served. As we strive to align our lives with His righteous standards, we can find peace in His justice, suggesting that he will bring all things to account in the end. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we're going to continue our study on who is Jesus this week. Jesus is justice. We'll be getting into that right after this. Are you ready to join the army of warriors who conquer all challenges life throws their way? Look no further than we Are Warriors Apparel at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom. Their merchandise is designed to empower and inspire individuals to overcome any obstacles standing in their path. From stylish, comfortable clothing to eye-catching accessories, their merchandise is crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. But what truly sets them apart is their powerful slogan Overcome. They represent the indomitable spirit within every warrior, urging you to push boundaries, shatter limitations and transform your dreams into reality. It encapsulates overcoming self-doubt, adversity and fears to emerge stronger and more resilient. With every purchase of we Are Warriors Apparel, you not only receive exceptional merchandise, but also a reminder to embrace your untapped courage and strength. From their overcome t-shirts that serve as a daily source of motivation to their overcome hoodies and joggers that symbolize your triumphs, their offerings are designed to keep your spirit high and unstoppable. Unlock the potential within you and express it proudly through their high quality apparel. Step out into the world with an aura of fearlessness, knowing that you are part of the warrior clan that never surrenders. Don't settle for mediocrity. Embrace your inner warrior and let we Are Warriors Apparel be your partner in conquering life's battles. Visit WeAreWarriorsApparelcom today and equip yourself with the emblem of resilience, determination and the will to overcome. Together, we Are Unstoppable.

Daniel Moore: 2:44

Welcome to Connecting the Gap Podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast. Thank you for joining me again this week. We've got another great episode coming your way as we are continuing our series on who Is Jesus, and I hope that you guys have enjoyed this so far. Believe it or not, we are almost finished with this series. It seems like I just played the first initial announcement for it, the first promo, and here we are almost ready to wrap it up. This is actually episode 152. We reached a milestone by reaching episode 150 here a couple of weeks ago, with Jesus' love, and of course, this is also December 28th.

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We are wrapping up 2023 after this episode, and I can hardly believe it that another year has passed us by. Next episode will be in 2024. So I want to tell everyone happy new year before we get started here. I hope you guys have some great plans, maybe some time off as you come into the new year here and maybe get some vacation time there to celebrate the new year as we start it all over again, and we'll be back on January 1st. It's just crazy that it's going by so fast.

Daniel Moore: 3:52

But you can visit our website at ConnectingTheGapnet to find everything you need to know about our ministry. You can listen to this podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcast. You're also on YouTube Rumble and your Alexa and Google Smart devices as well. And, of course, don't forget that on our website we now have the transcripts for this series. If you would like to have a transcript of today's episode or any other episode that we've had throughout this series, they are available there and we'll have next week's up there as well. Then, once this series is completed, I will also have the opportunity where you can purchase an actual copy of the series If you would like to have each episode on a flash drive. I'll give you more details on that later. As we get closer to the end of this series here coming up next week, I'll let you know how that you can get ahold of that. Once again, thanks to my sponsor, we Are Warriors Apparel. You can check them out at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom. Got some awesome clothing there that you can check out. I own several pieces of it myself and I love wearing it around. It's great looking and very well put together, very high quality. So go check that out. We're going to go ahead and get started now and this week's episode.

Daniel Moore: 4:58

Who is Jesus? He is justice. As we continue our series here on Connecting the Gap, jesus is justice. The Bible says in Isaiah 51, verses 4 through 5, listen to me, my people hear me, my nation Instruction will go out for me. My justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily. My salvation is on the way and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.

Daniel Moore: 5:41

In the season that we are in today, the world has its own perception of justice. Many debates happen on all sides daily, and hatred and extremes can be found on all sides of that debate. In this discussion for this week, we're going to steer our eyes upward, though, and we're going to take a look at justice the way that God sees it, regardless of how you may feel about the way God sees justice. Seeing justice the way God sees it includes hating what God hates. Some of you may be thinking, but God doesn't hate. He is all love. We talked about that a couple of weeks ago. Well, you need to stop and think about this for a moment.

Daniel Moore: 6:19

The Bible makes it very clear that God hates several things. According to Proverbs, chapter six, verses 16 through 19, there are six things that the Lord hates and seven that are detestable to him. The first thing is haughtier proud eyes. The second aligned tongue. The third hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that devises wicked schemes. Feet that are quick to rush into evil. A false witness who pours out lies. A person who stirs up conflict in the community. According to Proverbs 11-1,. God also hates dishonest scales, which refers to the use of deceit or unfair practices in business or financial transactions. God does have a righteous hatred towards these things, and we should too.

Daniel Moore: 7:10

Micah 6, verse 8 says he has shown you, o mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. This verse, along with other references, highlights how mirroring God's righteous hate for wickedness and sin actually showcases his love and desire for what is best for people. First and foremost, god's hatred for wickedness and sin stems from his perfect love. He seeks the best for his creation and does not want them to suffer the consequences of destructive and harmful behaviors. Just as loving parent teaches their child to avoid dangerous activities, god's hate for sin is born out of his desire to protect and guide humanity towards a better, more abundant life.

Daniel Moore: 7:56

Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent message that God calls his people to mirror his character. As believers, we are called to hate what he hates and love what he loves. This way, we showcase his loving nature and his desire for righteousness and justice. By hating sin, we align ourselves with God's heart and display his perfect standards. While true love requires standing against evil, it also demands compassion and mercy. Micah 6, verse 8, reminds us to act justly, love, mercy and walk humbly with God. This verse reflects God's desire for His people to imitate Him, not only in His hatred for sin, but also in His tender mercy and compassion toward others. It is a call to pursue justice for the oppressed, to extend forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged us, and to approach our relationship with humility and reverence for God. Therefore, when we mirror God's righteous hate for wickedness and sin, we showcase His love for humanity by protecting them from harm and leading them towards a better path. Simultaneously, when we love justice, show mercy and walk humbly, we manifest God's heart of compassion and grace. By embodying these qualities, we become a tangible demonstration of God's love and His desire for what is best for people. The unfortunate reality of the time we live in today is that we live in a world where the horrors of injustice leave us desiring a better world. We need a better way.

Daniel Moore: 9:29

In Alan Confino's book, a World Without Jews, the Nazi Imagination. From Persecution to Genocide. Numerous injustices that the Jews faced under Nazi Germany's regime were hurled upon the Jews to ethnically cleanse the world of Jews and purify the world of the Jewish spirit. Here are some examples of the countless injustices that they were subjected to. First of all, there was anti-Semitic legislation. The Nazis implemented a series of discriminatory laws known as the Nuremberg Laws in 1935. These law stripped Jews of their citizenship, prohibited intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews and segregated them from German society. Second, it was the dehumanization and marginalization issue. The Jews were systematically dehumanized and marginalized through propaganda campaigns that portrayed them as a threat to German society. They were labeled as subhuman, portrayed as money hungry and blamed for Germany's economic and social problems. Third, economic persecution. Jews faced economic persecution, including being dismissed from their jobs and banned from engaging in certain professions. They were also subjected to confiscation of their businesses and properties, leading to financial ruin for many Jewish families.

Daniel Moore: 10:46

Fourth, forced labor and ghettos was another one. Jewish populations were forced into ghettos, confined to cramped and unsanitary living conditions. They were subjected to extreme overcrowding, starvation and lack of basic necessities. Jews were also exploited for forced labor and factories, concentration camps and other work sites. Also, there was expropriation and confiscation. The Nazis confiscated Jewish property, wealth and valuable possessions Through a systematic process of expropriation. Jews were robbed of their assets and forced to surrender their belongings without compensation. There was also persecution and violence. Jews endured various forms of persecution and violence, including physical attack, harassment and public humiliations. Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, was a nationwide program in 1938 during which numerous Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues and homes were vandalized and destroyed. And this list represents only a fraction of the many injustices inflicted upon the Jews during the Holocaust. Alon Confino's book provides a comprehensive exploration of the Nazi imagination and the extent of persecution Jews faced within that context.

Daniel Moore: 12:07

That glimpse of history is enough to make anyone's blood boil. What's more frustrating is that here in the US and across the world, people still experience mistreatment, injustice, persecution and prejudice for reasons no human being ever should. Today's news is filled with stories of injustice that continue to plague our world. Whether it is the oppression of marginalized communities, the prevalence of systematic racism, the mistreatment of immigrants and refugees, or the perpetuation of economic inequalities, we are confronted daily with painful reality of injustice. These stories show the brokenness of our world and the urgent need for transformation and restoration. The impact of these injustices goes beyond just the immediate victims. It also reaches into the hearts of countless individuals, including those within the Church.

Daniel Moore: 12:59

The Church, as a beacon of hope and redemption, should be at the forefront of fighting against injustice. However, when the Church fails to address or actively engages in harmful practices or turns a blind eye to injustice, it can discourage and hurt people who are seeking peace, guidance and support. When the Church remains silent on matters of injustice or, worse, perpetuates discriminatory attitudes or practices, it can lead individuals to question the significance and credibility of their faith. It undermines the message of love, justice and compassion that Christ taught and embodied. The failure of the Church to confront injustice can cause deep wounds, disillusionment and feelings of exclusion among those who have been directly impacted or empathized with those who suffer. However, it is essential to recognize that there are also many individuals and communities within the Church who actively strive to combat injustice and promote equality. These individuals work tirelessly to advocate for the marginalized, address systematic issues and foster a sense of inclusivity and love within their communities. Their efforts offer hope and inspire others to join in the pursuit of justice.

Daniel Moore: 14:13

The Church has the potential to be a powerful force for transformation and healing. By actively engaging in conversations about injustice, educating themselves in their congregations and advocating for change, churches can create spaces that promote justice and a godly compassion. Such commitment can start with the local community and extend to a larger, systematic issues as the Church seeks to restore dignity and address the needs of those who have been marginalized or mistreated. Ultimately, the Church must recognize the responsibility it holds to be a voice for justice and actively pursue a world where everyone is treated with a godly fairness and a godly dignity. By doing so, the Church can provide peace, healing and hope to those who have been discouraged or hurt by the injustices that they witness here in this world. We are a people in need of justice, but who do we look to for justice? How do we define justice? Who ultimately defines justice and how is justice enacted? If you ask a diverse group of people about justice and how it should be affected, there will inevitably be a range of answers, probably a large range of answers. That's the challenge with justice and with us as people. It seems that many justify justice on their own terms.

Daniel Moore: 15:33

The story is told of a fervent socialist activist that decided to seek out the renowned industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The activists, full of anger, believe that Carnegie's accumulation of wealth was a prime example of the socioeconomic injustices that plague society. Determined to voice his concerns, he went to see Carnegie at his luxurious mansion. Upon arriving at Carnegie's grand estate, the activist was overwhelmed by the opulence and lavishness that surrounded him. He was escorted into a spacious hall where the industrialist was seated in Regal Splendor With a stern expression on his face. The activist approached Carnegie and began to vent his frustrations. You, mr Carnegie, have amasseda tremendous fortune, while countless others suffer under the oppressive weight of poverty. How can you justify such wealth and power when so many struggle to make ends meet? The activist said, his voice filled with indignation.

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Carnegie, known for his sharp intellect and philanthropic endeavors, listened intently. He leaned back and calmly responded my dear friend, I understand your concerns and, I must admit, the question of wealth distribution is a fundamental one. However, let me offer you a different perspective. Carnegie went on to explain. I believe that with great wealth comes great responsibility. Money is not just a tool for personal gain, but it can also be used to benefit society as a whole. Through capitalism and business enterprises, wealth can be generated, jobs can be created and innovation can flourish. My philosophy is that wealth should be used to uplift those less fortunate, to drive progress and to improve the lives of others.

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Carnegie shared the story of his own journey, starting as a young immigrant working in an unbolt cotton factory, and how he seized opportunities and built his empire. He emphasized that he viewed his vast wealth not as a means for selfish indulgence, but as a means to make a difference in the world. He explained. I do not accumulate wealth simply for the sake of personal gain and luxury. My focus is on applying that wealth towards philanthropy, education and social welfare initiatives. I have established various foundations and institutions to support causes such as libraries, universities and pensions for retired employees. My aim is to share the opportunities that wealth offers, empowering others to achieve their own success and contribute to society.

Daniel Moore: 18:02

Carnegie concluded by saying wealth in itself is not inherently evil or unjust. Its ethical implications are determined by how it is acquired and how it is used. I challenge you, my friend, to join me in reimagining the possibilities of wealth to create a more equitable and just world. Carnegie then asked his secretary to make a tally of his assets and net worth, then divide his wealth by the total world population. Once the math was completed, carnegie told his secretary give this gentleman sixteen cents. That is his share of my wealth.

Daniel Moore: 18:39

Well, like the clueless socialist in the height of our pain, we rightfully cry out that life is not fair or that something isn't right. We ask how could God let this happen to me? Why won't he do anything about this injustice? Why isn't my healing happening now? Why am I treated with prejudice because of my looks, net worth or education? Why do I not have the opportunities others have? There is nothing wrong with asking these questions, but the answers we offer and the conclusions we come to must be sourced from Jesus and His definition of justice, not just ours. We can't let our emotions drive us. In 1 Peter 5, verse 7, it says we need to express our feelings and anxiety. But we must put anxiety in its place and lay aside all malice, anger, bitterness and slander, surrendering to Jesus.

Daniel Moore: 19:33

As a Christian, we first have to understand where true justice originates. God is the very foundation and definition of true justice. One aspect of God's justice is His wrath. The concept of God's justice is a fundamental aspect of His character and is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture. In Romans 1, verse 18, it states the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. This verse emphasizes that God's justice is a response to godlessness and wickedness. It reveals His firm stance against sin and unrighteousness. God's justice is grounded in His holy nature and it ensures that wrongdoing does not go unpunished. Romans 2, verse 5 further emphasizes the truth and righteousness of God's justice as well. It states that because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath when His righteous judgment will be revealed. This verse highlights the importance of repentance and acknowledges that God's justice is both righteous and impartial. It affirms that there will be a day when God's judgments will be fully revealed, ensuring that each person is held accountable for their actions.

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In Revelation 20, verse 10, we find a depiction of the final judgment and the eternal destiny of the evil one. It states and the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night, forever and ever. This verse reveals that God's justice extends beyond this earthly life and ensures that all evil and unrighteousness will be ultimately dealt with. It reflects the truth that God's justice is eternal and just.

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In Romans 6-23, it presents the concept of God's justice in conjunction with His love and mercy. It states for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life and Christ Jesus, our Lord. This verse showcases that the economy of God's justice and mercy, affirms that sin leads to death, underscoring the consequences of unrighteousness. However, it also emphasizes that God, and His love and mercy, offers the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. God's justice is manifested in the punishment of sin, but also in the provision of a path to redemption.

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Other of these verses illustrate that God's justice is integral to His nature and character. It is true and righteous, uncompromisingly opposing sin and evil. God's justice ensures accountability and recompense, while also offering the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness and redemption. Understanding God's justice helps us recognize the significance of living in alignment with His righteous standards and can motivate us to seek His mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue and conclude our study on who is Jesus. He is justice. We'll be back right after this.

Chat About Jesus dot com: 22:57

What's in a name? Would you believe? A girl named Rota Bike? How about Cheers Boozer? A retired policeman has a collection of strange names, every one of which he says, is a real name he came across on duty Names like Rockpile, cherry Pits and Billy Club. Perhaps the downside of modern technology and electronic communication is a loss of personal identity. In some places we are better known by a number than by our name. It is also more common, in a world of over seven billion people, to feel all alone. But the Bible says God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. God loves you and offers you eternal life. He knows your name and why he created you. If you would like to know how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please call 888-NEED-HIM or chat with us at chataboutjesuscom.

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Welcome back to Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore. We are continuing our study this week on who is Jesus. This week we're talking about Jesus. He is justice.

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Trusting in God's justice is a vital aspect of our faith journey. As we navigate a world filled with injustice and uncertainty, we can find peace and assurance in the fact that God keeps his promises. In Deuteronomy, chapter 7, verses 9 through 10, it says Know, therefore, that the Lord, your God, is God. He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. But those who hate him, he will repay to their face by destruction. This verse assures us that God is faithful in keeping his promises. His justice is intertwined with his faithfulness, assuring that those who reject him and embrace wickedness will face the consequences of their actions. In 1st John, chapter 5, verses 22 to 27, we see the connection between trust in God and his justice through his son, jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes that God's justice is divinely linked to his judgment and Jesus, as the son of God, is the one who executes that judgment. Believers can trust in God's justice because it comes from the highest authority and God keeps his promises.

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Romans 2, verse 11, declares for God does not show favoritism. This verse shows the impartiality of God's justice, regardless of one's status, position or background. God's justice is applied equally to all. This truth provides assurance that God's justice is fair and just, founded on his unchanging character. 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 10, affirms for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each of us may receive what is do us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. This verse speaks to the individual accountability we have before God's judgment seat. It underscores the certainty that God's justice will be meted out and we will each receive what is do based on our actions, whether good or bad. These passages collectively reveal that God's justice is deeply intertwined with his faithfulness, impartiality and promise keeping nature. Believers can trust in God's justice because it is anchored in his unfailing love and commitment to his people. In times of uncertainty or when faced with injustice, we can lean on God's character and know that he will fulfill his promises, ensuring justice is served. As we strive to align our lives with his righteous standards, we can find peace in his justice, trusting that he will bring all things that to account in the end. As with every other section in this study, we have to reiterate that all of this is not just about the information about Jesus, but it's about transformation. We have to learn how to live out a Jesus kind of justice With the right definition and source of justice in mind. Let's look at a few marks of biblical justice that every believer is called to live out.

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Number one justice requires the deep love for our neighbor. In Luke, chapter 10, verses 26 to 37, it presents the well known parable of the Good Samaritan, which offers a good example into the concept of justice and the importance of loving our neighbors. In this parable, a religious expert asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. In response, jesus poses the question what is written in the law? How do you understand it? Well, the religious expert replies, summarizing the law's two greatest commandments to love God with all of one's heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love one's neighbor as themselves. The expert's response reveals an understanding that justice involves both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Justice begins with intimacy and devotion to God, but must also extend horizontally to encompass our relationships with others. In this context, jesus proceeds to share the parable to illustrate the depth of love required in justice.

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The parable describes a man who is attacked by robbers and left for dead on the side of the road. Both a priest and a Levite individuals associated with religious piety pass by and choose not to help. However, it is a Samaritan, someone despised and considered an outcast by society, who shows compassion and provides practical aid to the injured man. The significance of this parable lies not only in the actions of the Samaritan, but also in the motive behind his kindness. The Samaritan demonstrates an active love and concern for his fellow human being, going above and beyond to ensure his well-being. Despite societal and religious differences, he sees the injured man as his neighbor and acts selflessly to uphold justice. This parable teaches us that justice requires recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person as our neighbor. It underscores the call to transcend religious, social and cultural barriers to extend love and mercy to those in need. True justice involves stepping out of our comfort zones, sacrificing our own convenience and actively seeking ways to promote the well-being and flourishing of others. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to examine our attitudes towards justice and our interactions with those around us. It reminds us that acts of justice and love are inseparable and they demand a deep concern for the well-being of our fellow human beings. As we cultivate empathy, compassion and a genuine love for our neighbor, we align ourselves with the heart of God and contribute towards creating a more just and equitable world.

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Secondly, justice requires a commitment to truth and righteous anger. One of the foundational aspects of Jesus' justice is that it is always rooted in truth. Jesus consistently speaks the truth and seeks to bring about justice by upholding what is right and just. In John 14.6, jesus proclaims I am the way, the truth and the life. He presents himself as the embodiment of truth, implying that his justice is based on absolute truth and not subjective opinion or personal bias. Additionally, jesus demonstrates his commitment to truth in various encounters. In Matthew 22.16, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking a politically sensitive question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds with wisdom and truth, saying Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. His response reflects a just understanding of both earthly authority and divine sovereignty.

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Furthermore, jesus' justice is often accompanied by righteous anger. In John 2.13-16, jesus becomes visibly angry when he finds the temple being used for commercial purposes. He overturns tables and drives out the merchants, stating Get these out of here, stop turning my father's house into a market. This righteous anger stems from the violation of God's holy presence and reflects Jesus' commitment to upholding the truth and sacredness of worship. Another example of Jesus' righteous anger is seen in his interactions with the religious leaders In Matthew 23. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes who become hypocritical and burden the people with their legalistic interpretations. He strongly denounces their actions and exposes their hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of truth and righteous living Overall. Jesus' justice is rooted in truth and expressed through righteous anger. When confronted with injustice and ungodliness, he consistently upholds absolute truth and seeks to bring about righteousness in all circumstances. We cannot live out Jesus' kind of justice by using lies and sinful violence.

Daniel Moore: 32:27

Thirdly, justice requires patience and suffering. You might be thinking Well, how in the world is patience and suffering a mark of biblical justice? And you're asking a fair question. And here is the answer. In Revelation 6.10-11, the souls of the martyrs cry out to God for justice, saying how long, sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood. This passage highlights the longing for justice among those who have suffered for their faith. However, the response they receive from God indicates the importance of patience and suffering as a mark of biblical justice, god responds to the martyrs, telling them to wait a little longer until the full number of their fellow servants and brothers would be completed. This response implies that there is a divine timing and purpose for justice to be fully realized.

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The call to patience and suffering as a mark of biblical justice is further supported in other biblical passages, for instance in James 5-7-8,. It encourages believers to be patient in times of suffering and injustice, comparing it to the patience of farmers waiting for their crops to grow. The passage emphasizes the need to wait for God's justice, trusting in His perfect timing. Additionally, the concept of patience is closely tied to the biblical principle of God as the ultimate judge In Romans, 12, verse 19,. It says it is mine to avenge, I will repay, says the Lord. This verse underscores the idea that justice ultimately belongs to God and it is not for us to take matters into our own hands. Instead, we are called to patiently trust in God's justice. The mark of biblical justice, then, lies not only in seeking justice, but also in patiently enduring suffering and trusting in God's perfect timing for justice to be fully realized. By demonstrating patience in the face of injustice, believers reflect the character of God and show the reliance on His ultimate justice.

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Fourthly, justice requires trust in the gospel. Biblical justice requires trust in the gospel because it is through the gospel that God's justice is fully manifested. In Romans, chapter 1, verses 16 and 17,. The apostle Paul writes For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, for in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith, from first to last. Just as it is written, the righteous will live by faith. This passage emphasizes that the gospel carries the power to save and bring righteousness to all who believe. This righteousness is not based on one's own efforts or works, but is received through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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Trusting in the gospel means acknowledging that God's justice is fully accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, and it is through faith in Him that we are justified before God. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17,. Paul states Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here. This verse highlights the transformative power of the gospel. Through faith in Christ, we become new creations, with the old sinful self being replaced by a new nature in Christ. This transformation enables us to live a life that aligns with God's justice and righteousness.

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Trusting in the gospel also requires recognizing our dependence on God's grace and mercy. The gospel reveals that all humanity falls short of God's standard of justice and righteousness in Romans 3-23,. Yet God, out of His love and mercy, offers salvation and forgiveness through faith in Jesus. This understanding umbles us and leads us to rely on God's grace rather than our own merit and ability to achieve justice. Therefore, biblical justice requires trust in the gospel, because it is through faith in Jesus that we are justified, transformed and empowered to pursue justice. It is through the gospel that we understand God's perfect justice and recognize our need for Him to bring about justice in our lives and in the world. Trusting in the gospel leads us to live justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, as described in Micah, chapter 6, verse 8.

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And fifthly, justice requires resistance to apathy. Justice requires resistance to apathy because apathy is the attitude of indifference or lack of concern towards injustice and the suffering of others. It reflects a failure to engage and take action to address when there is a need. There are several reasons why justice requires resistance to apathy. Number one human dignity. Justice recognizes the inheritance, worth and dignity of every individual. Apathy fails to acknowledge the value of human life and disregards the sufferings of others. Resisting apathy means actively working towards a more just society where the dignity of all individuals is upheld and respected. Secondly, responsibility Justice calls us to recognize our responsibility towards others, particularly the marginalized and the oppressed. Apathy abdicates this responsibility and ignores the duty to actively seek fairness and compassion. Resisting apathy means taking personal and collective responsibility to address injustice and work towards positive change. Thirdly, empathy and solidarity Justice involves empathizing with the experiences and struggles of others, especially those who are oppressed and marginalized. Apathy shuts down empathy and hinders the development of solidarity, which is crucial for advocating for justice. Resisting apathy means cultivating empathy and standing in solidarity with those who face injustice.

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And fourth, faith and values. For many individuals, religious or moral beliefs are foundational to their understanding of justice. These beliefs often call for active engagement and compassion towards others. Apathy contradicts such values and fails to live up to the teachings of justice and love that Jesus has set for us. Resisting apathy means aligning actions with the principles and values of justice that are deeply rooted in one's faith or personal beliefs. Justice requires faith in Christ, our coming King, because our understanding and pursuit of justice should be rooted in the truth of God's Word and His redemptive plan for humanity.

Daniel Moore: 39:18

Ephesians 6-12 reminds us that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. In the context of justice, it highlights that our battle for justice is ultimately a spiritual one. We need faith in Christ as our King, who has already triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness, to enact justice and bring about true transformation. 2 Peter 3-8 reminds us that God's concept of time is not the same as ours. His timing may not allow with our expectations, but we are called to trust His faithfulness and His ultimate plan of justice. This verse encourages believers to have faith in patience, knowing that Christ will return His King to establish perfect justice in His kingdom.

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Hebrews 11-1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Justice is often an elusive concept, but as followers of Christ, we can have faith in His character and promises. We trust that God's justice, though not fully seen now, will ultimately prevail. This faith enables us to persevere in seeking justice even when we face setbacks or discouragement. Hebrews 11-6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God.

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In the pursuit of justice, our faith in Christ is crucial. Believing that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him motivates us to persevere in the face of injustice. Our faith in Christ's righteousness, justice and authority compels us to emulate His character and work towards a more just world. Justice requires faith in Christ, our coming King, because our battle is spiritual in nature. Our timeline may not align with God's, and faith assures us of the things that we hope for. Without faith in Christ, it is impossible to please God, and our pursuit of justice is grounded in His character and promises. As we put our faith in Christ and trust His redemptive plan, we are empowered to engage in acts of justice with perseverance and hope, knowing that he will ultimately establish perfect justice in His kingdom.

Daniel Moore: 41:29

In conclusion, today of this episode, jesus embodies the essence of justice. His life, teachings and actions reveal a deep commitment to upholding truth, righteousness and compassion in all circumstances. Jesus' justice is rooted in absolute truth and is accompanied by righteous anger against injustice. He confronts and exposes hypocrisy, challenges oppressive systems and stands up for the marginalized and oppressed. Furthermore, jesus' justice is characterized by patience and suffering, as he teaches us to trust in God's timing and rely on His perfect justice. Through the gospel, jesus offers us the transformative power to live justly and empowers us to resist apathy, engage in acts of compassion and work towards systematic change. He is our coming King, in whom we place our faith, knowing that ultimate justice will be realized in His perfect kingdom. May we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with our just and righteous Savior. Just remember no matter how much we do to live out Jesus' justice in this world, humanity will not experience ultimate and final justice until it returns. That's going to end for this week's episode of Connecting the Gap, as we have completed. Who is Jesus? Jesus is justice.

Daniel Moore: 42:56

Next week, on Connecting the Gap, we will have our final episode of this series. Don't forget. You can get the transcript for this series on my website at ConnectingtheGapnet. You can also find out everything you need to know about our ministry there as well. Also hope you guys had a Merry Christmas last week and, of course, coming up this weekend here. I pray that you all have a happy New Year and I wish you all the best as we go into this New Year, starting off a whole new chapter in all of our lives.

Daniel Moore: 43:22

We'll be starting a new series after next week when we do our final episode, and I'll go ahead and let you know what that's going to be. It's going to be about the battle within. It's going to be an extensive series on spiritual warfare and, when we fight anxiety and fight things going on in our minds, how Satan likes to have his little playground, as they say, in our minds we're going to talk about how to overcome all of that and what it means to put on the armor of God and how we can battle Satan daily in the spiritual warfare that we're involved in 24-7. I'm looking forward to that and that'll be starting off here in a couple of weeks after the New Year. Well, I'm out of here for now. Hope you guys have a great and awesome New Year. We'll be back next week. Until then, don't forget that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.

Daniel Moore: 44:14

You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening. Each week In this world there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.

Daniel Moore: 44:41

We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify. You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, deezer, spotify, google Podcast, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and many more. We are also available on your Alexa enabled devices. If you would like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.