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.
But there were too many points at which the other self could invade the self he wanted to preserve, and there were too many forms of invasion: certain words, sounds, lights, actions his hands or feet performed, and if he did nothing at all, heard and saw nothing, the shouting of some triumphant inner voice that shocked him and cowed him.
It is a predisposition of human nature to consider an unpleasant idea untrue, and then it is easy to find arguments against it.
Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth - more than ruin, more even than death.
Authority and place demonstrate and try the tempers of men, by moving every passion and discovering every frailty.
Our nation was not founded because we all looked alike, or prayed alike, or descended from the same family tree. But our founders, in their genius, in this, the oldest constitutional democracy, put forth on this earth the idea that all are created equal; that we all have inalienable rights.
One of the things my family taught me - I think very important in religion and science - is that you must be ready to stand up for what you think. Decide what you really think is best, and stick with it.
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