Being a Matthew 25 Church in 2023
Part One
Before we look to 2023, let us review what it means to be a Matthew 25 church. JKPC is one of 1,037 Presbyterian churches to make this commitment. Many denominations throughout the world have also chosen to make Matthew 25: 31-46 a Call to Action. These verses are Christ’s message to us to serve our communities by feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting those in prison. Please grab your Bible and read these verses. You can feel His compassion for those in need. As Christians, we must act out that compassion.
While you have your Bible in your hands, read the Book of James. It is only five chapters! In 2:8, James says we must love and help our neighbors as much as we take care of ourselves. In 2:17, he says to prove our faith we must do good works. Then, in 4:17, James gives us a reality check saying that when we know what the right thing to do is and do not do it, it is a sin.
As a committed Matthew 25 Presbyterian church, we chose one of the following:
- Building congregational vitality by challenging people and congregations to deepen their faith and get actively and joyfully engaged with their community and the world.
- Dismantling structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
- Eradicating systemic poverty by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
Each of these ministries requires us, individually and as a congregation, to open our eyes and hearts to the injustice and disparity within our community. Even though we live in the TriValley, there are many (yes, many!) who do not have enough food to eat, or enough money to buy clothes, get children to school, pay rent, pay medical bills, get to work, and so many other things necessary for survival. This is why we became a Matthew 25 church. We are committed to make our community a better place for everyone to live. Some of us are already helping others, but there is so much more we can do.
Email jkpccares@gmail.com if you want to do more in showing Christ’s compassion for others, and/or you have ideas you want to share how we can help those in need.
