Read Exodus 22:21-24. Have you ever asked yourself, “What makes God angry?” This exodus passage gives us a glimpse of the righteous anger that God has for injustice. God is angered by the mistreatment and neglect of strangers, aliens, widows, the poor, and the weak by people with power and influence. Nehemiah also becomes incensed with his leaders literally putting their own people into slavery, and challenges them to change this injustice. Read Nehemiah 5:1-8.

-What is something that currently makes you angry?

-Have you ever been angry about an injustice in your life or the life of a friend? What happened?

Read Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 61:1-3. One of the most frequently recurring themes in Scripture is justice and the priority of the poor. It is also a requirement for you to be about doing justice if you want to show true faithfulness to God. The problem is many people often walk around unaware of the exploitation of people or are just indifferent to the plight of others. But Jesus came specifically to bring good news to the poor and to set the prisoner free and you need to show your faithfulness to Christ by doing so as well.

-How have you seen justice demonstrated in our community and in our Church? How have you seen it ignored?

-How are you indifferent to the plight of others around you? How do you stay aware of other’s needs?

-Have you ever experienced Jesus when working with people who were in need? Explain.

Read Matthew 11:4-5. Your commissioned responsibility is not just to bring justice to those in need, but to also restore the broken, the poor, the oppressed and the powerless to a place of meaning and worth. Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of God was found in restoring people on earth and not just in filling up heaven.

-How has Jesus restored your life?

-Do you help bring Jesus’ restoration to others? Explain.

Read Nehemiah 5:9-13. Your responsibility also requires that you have a Christ Response to the world of injustice. Just as Nehemiah spoke out you must speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Not only are you to speak out but also come together as a community devising and implementing solutions to make a difference in this world.

-Have you ever felt powerless to prevent the injustice you see and hear? What steps have you taken to at least protest these injustices?

-What can you and your cell group do together as a faith community to reach out to the poor and needy?

-"Consider one of these Christ Responses for your family or cell group to do together:" 1) Serve at Gateway Cafe' - contact Therese Garison - 898-8552

2) Commit to a summer mission trip or experience

3) Become a voice for change by signing petitions on