Date: January 21, 2024
A Cry for Justice
The Point: Join God in seeking justice, including justice for unborn children.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
Inflation of the U.S. Dollar has brought rising property values. In December 2023, the Dayton Daily News reported that in three Ohio counties, property values have increased: “37% in Butler County, 34% in Montgomery County, and 29% in Greene County.” While fluctuations in real estate costs can provide opportunities for shrewd investors, unique difficulties exist for the elderly.
The Columbus Dispatch reports, “As homeowners brace for bigger property tax bills in 2024, a group of state lawmakers is launching an effort to freeze those taxes for older Ohioans.” Lawmakers are seeking to alleviate the pressure on homeowners over 70 with a tax freeze for those with small budgets or fixed incomes.
These programs have run in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Illinois for many years, while others like New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington have recently updated their policies. Even with income limitations, age specifications, or other requirements, “according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, more than half of U.S. states have laws that can reduce what seniors owe in property taxes.” Laws like these are a way citizens can honor the long-term investment older Americans have put into their communities.
Say: No matter our politics, there are certain legislative matters that reveal the need for citizens to engage with compassion and kindness toward those who are in a more needy or vulnerable situation. As Christians, we should desire to grow in our courage and willingness to stand up for those who are weak, poor, or vulnerable.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
- Ohio proposal: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/12/ohio-plan-would-freeze-property-taxes-for-seniors-70-or-older/70831547007/
- Ohio Senate action in December: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-senate-passes-property-tax-relief-bill-that-helps-older-ohioans/YBRXRHHMQVDBZI7CLOYEQOA2QU/
- June 2023 (overview) – https://money.com/states-lower-property-taxes-seniors/
- Current list of states with tax freeze situations: https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-property-tax-freeze-and-assessment-freeze-programs
- Current US Inflation Rates: https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a video clip demonstrating someone standing up for another person. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #5.
In December 2023, the Washington Times wrote, “Pro-life pregnancy centers provided a record $358.7 million in goods and services to help women keep their babies after the end of Roe v. Wade.” The “goods and services” provided at these centers give genuine support to women in precarious circumstances– whether due to an unexpected pregnancy, an abusive home situation, or some other circumstance where women lack outside support.
“Researchers put the number of ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ at anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000.” The UK’s Guardian newspaper reports that, “in 2022, crisis pregnancy centers saw more than 16 million individuals in person and virtually.” By giving pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, maternity clothes, formula, baby supplies, counseling, and parenting classes, women who may otherwise turn to abortion are given the option of choosing life for their growing baby.
This past year, “legislatures in 12 states passed 25 bills providing at least $250 million in new taxpayer funds or tax credits for crisis pregnancy centers.” While public funding is increasing, almost all of these centers designed to reach pregnant and abortion-minded women began as faith-based ministries by churches and local volunteers. Almost all still heavily rely on volunteers and support from local churches.
Volunteers can serve in a variety of capacities from something as simple as sorting donations (like baby clothes, diapers, and formula), to positions that require more training like answering phones, providing sonograms, or offering counseling and support to young mothers.
Say: “While every community may not have a crisis pregnancy center, every Christian can be on the lookout for opportunities to serve vulnerable women in their area.”
Information for this post was gleaned from:
- https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/19/report-pro-life-pregnancy-centers-gave-record-3587/
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/anti-abortion-pregnancy-crisis-centers-taxpayer-money-roe
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/09/14/gop-lawmakers-crisis-pregnancy-centers-state-funding/
- https://www.chieftain.com/story/news/2023/09/25/crisis-pregnancy-centers-face-new-regulations-but-gain-support-after-roe/70965212007/
Jessica Connell wrote these Leader Extras. Jess is a homeschooling mom of 9 who has served around the world in ministry with her husband. She loves hiking, exploring, and being active in her local church in North Texas.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When has someone stood up for you?
- What is one of your favorite movies that draws a clear line between good and evil?
- What was your favorite movie in which the good guy showed up just in time?
- When was a time in your life that someone showed up just in time and you experienced a great sense of joy and relief?
- Who are some of your heroes who stood for justice?
Psalm 10:1-4
- When have you seen people boasting about wickedness?
- Where do you see the wicked appearing to prosper today?
- What are some ways “wickedness” is being tolerated (or even celebrated) in our world?
- Who do you view as victims of injustice in our culture?
- How does our fallen world try to justify violence and injustice?
Psalm 10:12-15
- What role can the church play in seeking justice for the unborn?
- How can our actions and attitudes reflect humility when seeking justice?
- How does your faith impact your response to injustice?
- What does it look like for us to entrust ourselves into God’s hands for deliverance?
- Because God is the one who demonstrates justice, what role do Christ-followers have in that process?
- Why is it wise to look to God for justice?
- What does it look like to humbly call out to God for justice?
Psalm 10:16-18
- How can we appropriately share our views on protecting the lives of the unborn?
- What does this passage reveal about God’s role in injustice?
- What opportunities does our group have to join God in seeking justice for others?
- What truths about God help you trust in His justice?
- How can believers practically join God to seek justice for those who cannot seek it for themselves?
- What risks do believers face when choosing to seek justice on behalf of those who cannot seek it for themselves?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
You Are Unique (Just Like Everyone Else)
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Thank you for this lesson on Sanctity of Life Sunday. We also need to hear this message from our pastors and state Baptist convention and for those who don’t use this Bible study plan. The curse of abortion remains even with the overturning of Roe vs Wade.