VI. Justice, Community, and Culture
22. Race, Justice, and Gospel Unity
We believe every person is created in the image of God and equally valuable in His sight. The gospel of Jesus Christ tears down dividing walls of hostility and makes us one family in Him. We reject racism, prejudice, and partiality in every form, and we affirm the Church’s call to pursue reconciliation, justice, and unity. While cultural definitions of justice shift, we hold to God’s unchanging standard of righteousness and truth.
Scripture References: Micah 6:8; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16
Expanded Explanation:
Biblical justice begins with the character of God. He is perfectly righteous, impartial, and compassionate toward the oppressed (Psalm 89:14). Because every person bears His image, all forms of racism, prejudice, or discrimination are sin. In Christ, the dividing wall between peoples has been broken down, creating one new humanity united by His blood (Ephesians 2:14–16).
The gospel does more than call for tolerance—it produces reconciliation. Believers are not only forgiven but also made ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Our unity is not built on culture, ethnicity, or preference but on Christ alone.
While culture often redefines justice according to human standards, Scripture grounds it in God’s moral law and love. Biblical justice seeks both righteousness and restoration—it confronts sin and heals wounds. The Church’s role is to model this unity and truth, demonstrating that real reconciliation happens at the cross, where mercy and justice meet.
23. The Role of the Church in Culture
We believe the Church is called to be salt and light in the world—living as a faithful presence of God’s truth and love in every sphere of society. Our mission is not to withdraw from culture but to engage it with grace and conviction, showing the beauty of the gospel in both word and action. The Church must stand firm in truth without compromise while extending compassion to all people, reflecting Christ’s heart full of grace and truth.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16; John 17:15-18; Romans 12:2; Colossians 4:5-6
Expanded Explanation:
Jesus called His followers to be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13–16)—preserving truth, exposing darkness, and displaying the goodness of God in a decaying world. The Church does not retreat from culture in fear, nor does it conform to it for acceptance. Instead, it stands as a redemptive influence, embodying grace and truth just as Christ did (John 1:14).
Engaging culture requires both courage and humility. We must speak truth even when it’s unpopular, yet do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The Church’s witness loses credibility when it sacrifices truth for approval or truthfulness for harshness. Our mission is to reflect God’s kingdom values in the marketplace, media, education, family, and government—living with integrity in every sphere.
When believers live this way, the world sees not self-righteousness, but hope. The gospel becomes visible through our compassion, generosity, and integrity, proving that the love of Christ transforms both hearts and communities.
24. Compassion and Mercy
We believe God’s heart is for the broken, the hurting, and the forgotten. Jesus modeled perfect compassion, serving the poor, the sick, and the sinner with humility and love. As His followers, we are called to do the same—feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, and helping the helpless. Acts of mercy are not secondary to the gospel but expressions of it, revealing the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6:36; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:27
Expanded Explanation:
Compassion is not optional for the people of God—it’s the heartbeat of the gospel. Jesus’ ministry consistently revealed mercy in action. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and forgave sinners, demonstrating that God’s love meets people in their need. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates that genuine faith expresses itself in practical care for others, regardless of status or difference.
The Church continues this mission by serving those in physical, emotional, and spiritual need. James calls this “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). Acts of mercy are not replacements for evangelism but partners with it, showing that the gospel is both spoken and seen. When believers love in word and deed, they reflect the heart of the Savior who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Compassionate ministry draws people toward Christ and builds bridges for the message of salvation. Every act of mercy is a proclamation of His kingdom—a reminder that God still sees, still cares, and still redeems.
25. Love and Unity in the Church
We believe love is the defining mark of every follower of Jesus and the foundation of true Christian unity. The Church is one body with many members, united by the Holy Spirit under the lordship of Christ. Though we differ in background and perspective, we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Truth keeps our love grounded; love keeps our truth gracious.
Scripture References: John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:14
Expanded Explanation:
Love is the clearest evidence of discipleship (John 13:34–35). Unity within the Church is not uniformity, but harmony—a diversity of gifts, callings, and backgrounds brought together under the lordship of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the bond that holds believers in fellowship, empowering us to forgive, encourage, and serve one another.
Unity must be built on both love and truth. Love without truth becomes shallow sentimentality; truth without love becomes harsh legalism. Paul urges believers to “speak the truth in love” so that the body may grow and mature (Ephesians 4:15–16). Maintaining this unity requires humility, patience, and constant grace.
When the Church lives in unity, it testifies to the watching world that the gospel is real. Our oneness becomes a living witness to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 — “that they may all be one… so that the world will believe.” A divided Church cannot heal a divided world, but a loving Church can reveal the unity of Christ’s heart to all people.