When we adopt—and when we encourage a culture of adoption in our churches and communities—we’re picturing something that’s true about our God. We, like Jesus, see what our Father is doing and do likewise (John 5:19). And what our Father is doing, it turns out, is fighting for orphans, making them sons and daughters.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of adopting a culture of caring for orphans, reflecting God's desire for all to belong as family.
In this quote, Russell D. Moore speaks to the profound connection between the act of adoption within religious communities and the nature of God. He draws a parallel between the nurturing behavior encouraged by Jesus and God's own love for orphans, suggesting that adopting a culture of care not only enriches lives but also mirrors divine love. This perspective invites communities to embody the familial spirit inherent in faith, recognizing that by helping those in need, they fulfill their spiritual calling.
In practice
During a church service focused on outreach, this quote could inspire a congregation to support orphan programs.
Conservative evangelicals don't want government support for our faith, because we believe God created all consciences free and a state-coerced act of worship isn't acceptable to God. Moreover, we believe the gospel isn't in need of state endorsement or assistance. Wall Street may need government bailouts but the Damascus Road never does.
For too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life.” Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into his life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless or static. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.
Ultimately, the transgender question is about more than just sex. It's about what it means to be human.
Life is lived forward but is judged in reverse.
The fear of death comes from limited awareness.
What really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the World.
We have Christians against Muslims against Jews, and no matter how liberal your theology, merely identifying yourself as a Christian or a Jew lends tacit validity to this status quo. People have morally identified with a subset of humanity rather than with humanity as a whole.
Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same.
God has made the cat to give man the pleasure of caressing the tiger.
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