Injustice always stems from an underlying ideology about life. The good life often fuels bad behavior. If we are to uproot injustice in our lives and world then we must reject the culture of more and better for a life of contentment in the Good Shepherd.

In the introduction to the book of Micah we see impending judgment on Israel for their Idolatry. Why is the focus on idolatry when the primary sin in the rest of the book is injustice? It's because idolatry always underlies injustice. The theological underpinning of injustice is an essential component of a Christian response.

Jesus has sent us out as sheep among wolves. This vulnerability is not coincidental but central to the mission and message of Jesus. We need to follow Jesus, the lamb that was slain, in doing good to our enemies and proclaiming the Kingdom of Peace and Reconciliation in Jesus Christ.

Jesus doesn't limit the great commission to mere evangelism, nor does he rely on cults of personality. The great commission is about Jesus alone, and everything He teaches.

All prior limitations in the lesser commissions have been removed upon Jessus' resurrection, and He sends His followers out to the ends of the earth.

Jesus Christ has been given, and deserves, all authority in heaven and on earth. Here’s the question as we emerge from this pandemic: Does Jesus have authority over our daily lives? If we give him that authority afresh, we won’t regret it. As we seek to make disciples of him, we’ll have renewed purpose, methods, and Jesus himself with us.

Maybe no gift is more misunderstood or debated than the gift of prophecy. Nonetheless Paul makes it clear that this is a great and necessary gift for the body of Christ, one that we should pray for and use for the edification of all.

The gift of tongues can be both confusing and controversial. However Paul gives the church guidance on what the gift is, what it's for, and how its best used. As always, we should desire all God has for us but also use it responsibly for its intended purpose: to build up the church in love.

How is God's Spirit made manifest in the church? Through the gifts God has given the body. For the sake of the whole church we should seek to discover and utilize our gifts, and earnestly desire the best gifts so that each part of the body does its part and the whole body grows in love.

What resources do we have available to fight against the spiritual forces at work in our lives and world? God has given us everything we need in Jesus Christ to stand against the schemes of the devil. Learning to employ them in our lives and others will lead to victory and peace.