Does Social Justice Belong in the Church?

by Dale Partridge

Many modern Christians are finding themselves and their churches fighting more diligently for social justice than they are for the Gospel. While benevolent acts are characteristic of a person who has experienced the love of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is social justice really the mission (or even part of the mission) of the Church? Dale Partridge answers this question and more in this episode of Real Christianity.

Now the biblical term for social good is mercy ministry. In this episode of Real Christianity, pastor Dale Partridge looks to Scripture to not only see how mercy ministry plays a role in the Christian life but he also defines the one true mission of the Church.

This Episode’s Question

“Pastor Dale, I’m a 29-year-old reformed, conservative, baptist woman who believes in sound doctrine and theology. I also live in New York City. As you know, this makes it quite difficult for me to find a biblical church. The church I currently attend is becoming more and more progressive and is constantly focusing its sermons and outreach efforts not on the Gospel but on social matters like Racism, Feminism, Homelessness, and COVID relief. The pastor keeps preaching heavily on how it’s our mission as the church to make the world like heaven. Honestly, I know in my heart that something is off with this position but I’m not sure what’s actually right. Can you please help me?”

Kalista -Manhattan, New York

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Scripture References

  • Romans 12:6-8

    “6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

  • 1 John 4:19

    “We love because he first loved us.”

  • Romans 12:9-10

    “9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

  • Colossians 3:12

    “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”

  • Ephesians 4:32

    “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

  • 2 Peter 1:5-8

    “5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  • Romans 10:17

    “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

What is Biblical House Church?

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After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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