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.
As with many people, Charles, who could not talk, wrote with fullness. He set down his loneliness and his perplexities, and he put on paper many things he did not know about himself.
whose steps were a restless substitute for flight.
Legislators invent too many devices for subdividing property, only taking care to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the natural affections of the human mind.
People who make history know nothing about history. You can see that in the sort of history they make.
What is it to be a fool for Christ? It is to control one's thoughts when they stray out of line. It is to make the mind empty and free.
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, Confusion worse confounded.
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