The 2030 Agenda In the Light of the Word

By Dr. Michael A. Patterson

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not see ourselves only as observers of the world, but as active participants in God's mission. We are called to be the light and salt of the earth, transformative influences that not only preserve, but also promote growth and healing in a broken world. As our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:13-14, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." This call is not just a metaphor, it is a divine commission to each of us.
At a time when global agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda, propose to change the world, we as a church have a duty to discern, to filter and to guide. This is not the time to retreat, but to engage more deeply, equipped with the wisdom of the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We are called to take these agendas and direct them toward the good of our communities, in Jesus' name.
Taking Action in the Light of ChristEvaluate with Discernment: Before we act, we must understand. Let us investigate aspects of this agenda and pray fervently for discernment. As Proverbs 15:14 says, "The understanding heart seeks wisdom." Let us not be carried away by the first thing we hear or see, but let us seek the truth deeply in prayer and the study of the Word.Educate Others: With knowledge comes the responsibility to educate. In our families, churches, and communities, let's share what we've learned. Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to speak the truth in love, growing in all things in the One who is the head, Christ.Influencing Society: We are called to be agents of change. Let us participate in platforms where decisions are made, bringing the perspectives and principles of the Kingdom of God to the dialogue table. May our voice, grounded in the justice and love of Christ, guide policies and practices that will affect millions.Support Just Initiatives: Let's identify and support initiatives that align with our Christian values. Whether contributing time, resources, or skills, let's be an active part of the solution, showing Christ's love through concrete actions.Pray Without Cessation: Prayer is not our last line of defense; it is our constant source of power and direction. Let us pray unceasingly for our leaders, our communities, and our enemies, just as Christ taught us.Brethren, we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, called to manifest his love, his justice and his truth in a world that longs for hope. Let us not be satisfied with being spectators; we are co-workers with Christ. Every step we take toward justice and mercy is a step toward fulfilling our Lord's great command.

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a global framework to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice. Integrating these goals into the ministry planning of churches and faith teams not only aligns the efforts of the Christian community with these global challenges, but also reinforces the biblical commitment to justice, creation care, and love of neighbor.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an action plan adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015. It is a global commitment to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has specific targets to be achieved by 2030. The agenda is ambitious and cross-cutting, ranging from the elimination of hunger to the fight against climate change, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable economic growth.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0D4F3M2XB
• ISBN13: 9798325879722
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"