Paul writes the letter of Ephesians to the Saints. What does it mean that we are saints in Christ? It means that we have entered into a new story and have a new identity. Living this out is our new purpose.

The book of Micah closes with worship. As it turns out, the center of Micah's message is not Israel's unfaithfulness but God's faithfulness, and not God's judgment but his forgiveness. Understanding this leads us to ask, as Micah did, "Who is like you Lord?"

Lament is an essential part of being a community of justice in a world of injustice. Although it is not natural to us, the discipline of lament helps us to take the reality of evil seriously, own our responsibility in its existence, and place our hope in the God who can fix things.

Here Micah makes clear that injustice isn't just wrong, its wrong headed. Using the traditional language and perspective of wisdom, Micah warns Israel that their behavior doesn't bring life but death. We also need to recognize that injustice isn't cheating to win, but a foolish loss.

Why isn't God satisfied with all of the worship of Israel that takes place at the temple? What is it that he requires? The same thing he has always required; that we would respond to all he is and all he has done for us by doing the same things. This alone is true worship.

What are the people of God supposed to be about during the interim? The mission is both one of blessing and judgment. It is simultaneously a fragrance of life and a fragrance of death. Both of these are accomplished as God publicly transforms us, changing us into witnesses of God.

What does Christmas have to do with Civil Rights? At the very Center of Micah's book and message is the announcement of the one who is to be born in Bethlehem. How does the coming of Jesus and the gospel relate to issues of Social Justice? Here we see how to think of their connection.

God makes clear that although in "that day" he will set all things right "now" will be a time of suffering, exile and difficulty. However, this is not a detour to the plan. It is the plan. If we are to embrace God's way of justice, we also will have to embrace suffering, but that suffering will be productive and lead to life.

Christianity provides us with a unique hope that fuels pursuing justice in our world. Unlike other utopian visions it leads neither to passivity nor to a pressure to make the world perfect. Instead we live out our lives as models of the world to come, walking in the ways of the Lord our God.

Power is a big component in injustice, but it's also a vital component in Justice. Micah shows us how to stand against those who abuse their power and rely on the power of God for change in the image of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.