Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

Isa. 42.5 - Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.

A. Causes for alarm and concern

1. Runaway population growth and urbanization

2. Shortage of and depletion of natural resources: fossil fuels and mineral capital

3. Pollution and erosion of the earth’s natural defense mechanisms: from ozone depletion to global warming

4. Out-of-control technology ( fuel hungry, resource depleting, dangerous by products: e.g., nuclear technology )

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B. Biblical affirmations and insights

1. The earth belongs to God, Ps. 24.1-2.

2. The earth was given to humankind for stewardship: we were given dominion over the earth.

a. A unique dominion (based on our relationship with God and his mandate to us, Gen. 1.28)