Applying Biblical Principles to Social Justice Issues

Welcome to my initial blog. My name is Bart Young, and I planted and pastor Breakpoint Community Church in Hackettstown, NJ. The church will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022. I bring a unique perspective to social justice issues because I was raised in the Bible Belt and now live in the Northeast. I see how the different cultures and politics of the geographical areas influence social issues differently. My congregation is one of all political affiliations, and yes, we do get along and minister side by side because the Bible is our guide and not politics or agendas. 

One of the things that I stress over and over in our church is that we must follow 1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Believers must address all issues with "gentleness and respect." We must never stray from the truth, but grace must always be present. In these blogs, I'm probably going to offend everyone, and I'm ok with that. These blogs are not for you to agree with me but maybe look at an issue differently. This short video shows truth and grace in action. Perhaps you'll be able to spot yourself.

 So, one of the most important things to me is defending the gospel and God by showing others His unconditional love and amazing grace. It's crucial for us to realize that we can have a belief system without putting down those around us that disagree with it. The Bible even tells us that "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." We shouldn't expect those who do not believe to have the same belief system or even understand our belief system because they have not experienced the cross. We should not be surprised when non-believers react strongly against us. But for the believer, if we understand this truth, we should respond, explain, and teach without putting others down, name-calling, or taking on an elitist perspective. 

I would like to discuss three foundational themes when responding biblically to social justice issues in this blog. These are essential to make an impact on the believer and non-believer.  If we misuse God's Word or give in to the consensus, we devalue our position in Christ and make God out to be a weak God. 1Timothy 2:8-9 states:  So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.  For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 

The first theme is the Sovereignty of God. I think Charles Spurgeon simply clarifies the meaning of the sovereignty of God when he said, "There are two great certainties about things that shall come to pass—one is that God knows, and the other is that we do not know." 

Do you realize that because of the sovereignty of God, you don't have to win the argument, and it is not all up to you to change everyone else's view?  Daniel 4:17 proclaims, "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." In our weakness, we believe that we have all the answers; those answers are based upon our experience and our environment (and other factors). Even our interpretation of Biblical truth (and this is where I'm going to step on toes) is based upon our experience, environment, etc. Scripture is most widely misinterpreted because it is applied through the lens of western civilization. And in my humble opinion, everyone does this. The early believers of the Bible were not living in a democracy. Most of the readers had no rights, there was no voting for specific leaders, they were oppressed, they were exiles (book of James), but they believed that God was in control of all, and they promoted Jesus. The writers of the New Testament didn't tell people to be victims because of their circumstances and the persecution they suffered; they urged followers to serve God and love others. When we grasp God's sovereignty, the words from the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" that the "the things of earth will grow strangely dim" will become a reality for each of us. 

The second theme is that believers have dual citizenship. Philippians confirms that while we live in this world, we will live in corruption, but our focus is not on the corruption; our focus is on the hope we have of heaven. Philippians 2:17-20 states: "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their God is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." When we focus on the corruption of this world as believers (and it's easy to do), we will always be divided because we will be called to choose sides. We point fingers and try to determine who or what is more or less corrupt. Then we try to influence others to join our viewpoint of who or what is more or less corrupt. When we focus on heaven, we will always be united because of our hope in Jesus Christ. "As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him" (Psalm 118:30).

The third theme I would like to discuss is "salt and light," found in Matthew 5:13-16. People don't realize it, but this is an excellent calling for those of us who believe. Jesus called us salt and light so that we might influence, improve, and make this world a better place, not necessarily for ourselves but for others as they find truth in Jesus Christ. These verses aren't about changing someone else's belief system; these verses are about changing ourselves so that God might use us to influence others for the sake of the Gospel. 

As we will see over time with these blogs, not all social justice issues are biblical. Still, our response to them must be biblical as we protect God's truth and show people that even though we may disagree with their belief system, we are compassionate about others. As believers, we have a mandate from the Author of Compassion to love and serve others.