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The current situation in Baltimore has reignited many conversations in our country regarding social justice issues, such as: oppression, systematic injustice, racism, white privilege, poverty, etc. Today, and through much of this series, we are focused on the issue of poverty and what we can do to reduce it.
Causes of Poverty:
- Foolish decisions
- Moral Failures
- Natural Disasters
- Disabilities
- Personal Injustice
- Social Injustice
The Sabbath Year – God’s Reset Button #1
Leviticus 25:1-5; Deuteronomy 15:1-2; Deuteronomy 15:12
Purposes of the Sabbath Year:
- Dependence on the Lord
- Reminder of God’s ownership
- Provision for the Poor
- Release from Debt and Poverty
- Rest
The Year of Jubilee – God’s Reset Button #2
- Freedom and Restoration
- Return to original land ownership
How does this look in our context?
Difficulties
- America is not Israel
- Welfare vs. Charity
- Irregular Oppression
- Debt Culture
Taking Action
1. Avoid long term debt
2. Give to eliminate poverty
3. Trust God to meet your needs
Big Idea: Just as God gave Israel a regular reset button, we, the Church, should be in the business of helping people reset their lives.