One of the subjects offered by the CPU College of Theology is “The church and contemporary issues.” Another subject offered by the Convention Baptist Bible College is
Church, gender and society.”
Why should the church get involve in contemporary and social issues? What are the Biblical and theological reasons why the church should do so?
Here are seven things on why Christians must get involve in what is happening around us?
First, God is the Creator of everything. Meaning, our mission is not limited in the four corners of the church and other “churchy” affairs.
Second, God is interested in the affairs of His people. We can read in Exodus, for example, that God is not a distant God. God saved His people from slavery.
Third, God appointed Prophets to remind the people what kind of society God wants. Meaning, we have a prophetic ministry. We are modern day prophets and prophetess. Throughout the Bible, prophets do not concern themselves in predicting the future but on preaching on an impending disaster if the people will not repent and turn from their wicked ways.
Fourth, God has given His people the responsibility to be the stewards of His creation. Meaning, we have the mission of restoring the integrity of God’s creation.
Fifth, God sent Jesus Christ to teach us how we ought to live. Jesus reminded us to be the salt of the earth and to let our light shine. Jesus commanded us to love God and our neighbors.
Sixth, God has sent us a message through the Epistles. Paul reminded us to overcome evil with good in Romans 12:9-21. Paul also challenged us to bear the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:13-26. James also wrote that our faith should be shown through good works in James 2:14-16.
Seventh, God has shown to us a kind of world in which He would like us to live. It is a world with no more violence in Micah 4:1-5. A peaceful community as described in Isaiah 11:6-9.
As Christians, let be involved in what is happening around us!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University 88MEGA