Friends,
Before we sing, before we pray, we need to take a breath together and name the world we are living in.
This has been a hard week. A heavy week.
There is war—again and still—between nations:
- Ukraine and Russia continue their conflict.
- Israel and Iran are shooting at each other.
- Gaza is still bleeding and starving.
- Hamas still has Israeli hostages from October 2023.
And here at home, our own streets are filled with protests and unrest.
The National Guard and Marines have been deployed on U.S. soil.
And in Minnesota, violence has spilled over into the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
There is a lot of fear in the air.
A lot of division. A lot of noise.
Information overload. Disinformation overload.
And in the middle of all that… here. we. are.
Church.
We have no easy answers, no simple solutions…
But we have honesty (Ephesians 4:25),
Hope (Romans 15:13),
Love (1 Corinthians 13:13),
Justice (Micah 6:8),
Mercy (Matthew 23:23),
Kindness (Colossians 3:12),
Peace (John 14:27),
Patience (Galatians 5:22),
Humility (Philippians 2:3–4),
Courage (2 Timothy 1:7),
And Faith (Hebrews 11:1),
We believe that God is still Sovereign—even now. (Psalm 103:19)
We believe that Jesus is still Lord—still our all-sufficient Savior. (Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 7:25)
We believe that the Holy Spirit is still moving—moving among people who are humble, hungry for justice and righteousness, and ready to do the will of God. (Romans 8:26–27; Matthew 5:6; James 1:22)
So as the world trembles, we root ourselves again in the One who calms the storm, steadies our steps, and holds us fast. (Mark 4:39–40; Psalm 37:23–24; Isaiah 41:13)
We offer not cheap grace, (Romans 6:1–2)
not just talk of justice, (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 23:3)
not performative virtue, (Matthew 6:1–6)
But the real thing—intentional, disciplined, embodied. (Matthew 7:16-27; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 9:25–27)
Today we worship not because everything is okay—but because God is still God. (Habakkuk 3:17–18; Psalm 46:1)
The Bible gives us tools for times of fear, anxiety, and conflict:
Psalm 46:1–2 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way…”
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
John 14:27 – Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled…”
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”
The Bible calls us toward justice, peace, and righteousness:
Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?”
Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The Bible prepares us for times of global unrest and violence:
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
Isaiah 2:4 – “…They shall beat their swords into plowshares… nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
Romans 8:22–25 – “We know that the whole creation has been groaning… but we hope for what we do not yet see.”
Psalm 85:10 – “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.”
The Bible equips us with courage to speak and act faithfully:
Proverbs 31:8–9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
So take a deep breath. Be still for a moment. Reorient your heart and mind towards God. (Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 26:3; Colossians 3:2)
- Offensive violence is never an option for the Christian. (Matthew 26:52; Romans 12:17–21)
- Christians are called to love even those who act as our enemies. (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27)
- The way of Kingdom resistance is by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)
- Jesus defeated his enemies not through power, but through the cross. (Philippians 2:5–8; Colossians 2:15)
- We represent Jesus and the Gospel in all of our actions, words, and social media posts. (Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20)
- God is always on the side of the oppressed. (Psalm 9:9; Luke 4:18–19; James 5:4)
- Jesus calls the Church to be peacemakers—agents of truth and reconciliation. (Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19)
- Our first allegiance is always to the Kingdom of God, not any nation, party, or ideology. (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:20; Acts 5:29)
So let us worship together as a people committed to the Kingdom of God, the love of Jesus, and the reforming power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:2; John 13:34–35; Titus 3:5)
6/15/2025
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Hall,
Sr. Pastor