As with other entrenched injustices in this fallen world, the New Testament does not directly abolish slavery, but calls Christians to live in a way that honors and submits to God, focuses on Christ, promotes the Gospel, and looks to our eternal reward.

The Gospel of God’s grace restores our relationship with God, and it calls us to act as Christ would to see relationships restored with others as well.

The Gospel of God’s grace releases us from our chains of sin, and sets us free to live in the peace of God - no matter our circumstances.

Longing for acceptance we have fallen captive to shame and fear - which condemns us to relationships of isolation and apathy. Now our rescue can only be found in perfect integrity.

Relationships can be strengthened or damaged by words - which are the overflow of the heart - and repairing them requires confession and repentance in word and deed.

Relationships are damaged when we act out of the improper motivation to manipulate others to meet our needs, but are repaired when we follow Christ and let our actions be driven by the motivation to minister to the deepest needs of the other person.

The ultimate display of God’s power is the resurrection of Christ, Who has conquered death and rules over all to fulfill God’s purposes for us.

Theme: Israel rejected the LORD as their King, preferring to led by a human king to be like the nations around them.

Our God reigns over all things, and this calls for a response of repentance, worship, and remembrance of God’s work in our behalf.

Lee and Carol Short with LSMI talk about their work as missionaries down in Mexico.