Compassion for the Vulnerable

1 sermons

The biblical topic of "Compassion for the Vulnerable" is a pervasive theme throughout the Christian scriptures, emphasizing the importance of caring for those in need, such as the poor, widows, and orphans. As seen in Psalms 68:5, which describes God as "a father to the fatherless" and "a defender of widows," the Bible portrays a God who is deeply concerned with the well-being of the vulnerable, and calls believers to follow His example. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that serving the least of these is equivalent to serving Him directly, highlighting the significance of compassion and mercy in the Christian faith. Ultimately, as Galatians 2:10 reminds us, the church is called to "remember the poor," demonstrating that compassion for the vulnerable is an essential aspect of living out one's faith.

Psalm 53 - a Prophetic Reflection on Israel

Art Katz

Art Katz reflects on Psalm 53, emphasizing the consequences of atheism and the rejection of God in the context of Israel's current struggles. He argues that true wisdom involves seeking God and recognizing His providence, which has sustained Israel through numerous challenges. Katz warns that action

Psalms 14:1

“The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous. You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!”

Psalms 10:4

“In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.”

Luke 12:20

“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?'”

Romans 3:10

“As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The venom of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes." Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.”

Romans 1:28

“Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.”