Yesterday at Redeemer Fellowship we looked at Paul's instructions on how to apply the gospel in the midst of intolerable circumstances and oppressive social orders (Ephesians 6:5-9).
I wanted to link a few of the references I mentioned in my sermon.
- Mark Noll, The Civil War as a Theological Crisis
- Rodney Stark, For The Glory Of God
- Also, though I didn't mention the book, Murray Harris offers a wealth of information regarding slavery. His book, Slave of Christ, is a comprehensive survey of slavery as a background to a biblical theology of devotion to Christ. I read the book in 2001 and have returned to it several times since.
Also, I mentioned as we closed that your small groups would be a great place to advance the discussion and talk about how we apply the truth of gospel to the current realities of human trafficking as well as how we can take action as a church.
IJM - Reality of Human Trafficking from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.
I recommend everyone read Angelise Anderson's BreakPoint article: Modern Day Slavery: A Task Bigger Than Wilberforce's. Also, check out International Justice Mission, and visit their "Take Action" page. IJM's founder, Gary Haugen, has authored several profoundly helpful books: Good News About Injustice, Terrify No More and Just Courage (read about Haugen here).
Three other organizations I would reccomend checking out are:
Technorati Tags: human+trafficking, IJM, slavery
A friend just emailed me another book suggestion: Escaping the Devil's Bedroom. I haven't read this book, but look forward to checking it out.
Posted by: Kevin Cawley | October 14, 2008 at 07:57 AM
The Church will always be around to help those who need it and welcome those with open hearts. God has left us clues in the Bible that help us make decisions today--that is why I know that the injustices of human trafficking will one day end!
Posted by: Human Directionals | November 17, 2008 at 05:09 PM
IJM is a fantastic ministry. I'm so glad your church family is thinking through gospel justice like this. My buddy Doug Elder from the Wrecking (http://www.ijm.org/getinvolved/artistpartners)is a artist partner with IJM and has been getting the word out up here in New England. They also work with Love146 (http://www.love146.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21460)another great ministry dedicated to abolishing human traficking. Thought you'd be interested in checking them out too and spreading the word.
Posted by: josh o. | November 18, 2008 at 06:21 AM