This week, we continued our Make and Multiply series with a focus on Chosen Ministry—our church’s commitment to adoption, foster care, and supporting vulnerable families. The heart of the message was clear: The gospel gives us a heart for adoption and foster care.
God’s Word compels us to act, and through the gospel, we are reminded that we, too, were once spiritual orphans. God chose us, adopted us, and gave us a new identity in Christ. It is out of this truth and this identity that we are to reflect this same love to the vulnerable around us.
Accepting God’s Word Means Acting on God’s Word
James is a practical book, focused on how our faith works itself out in our lives. James 1:22-27 reminds us that accepting God’s word means acting on God’s word. Hearing the Word without action is self-deception. Just as looking in a mirror without addressing what’s wrong is pointless, so is hearing God’s Word without obedience.
As Tony Merida put it, “There are a lot of people who are charmed by the Bible but not changed by the Bible.” Conviction alone isn’t enough—it must lead to action. If you felt convicted by the sermon this weekend, think about it like this: Conviction on Sunday should lead to obedience on Monday.
The gospel is the ultimate motivation for action. Looking into the “perfect law of liberty,” we see the gospel: Jesus fulfilled the law we couldn’t keep, died for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. When we see that, it changes us. We look into the gospel mirror and see Jesus’ righteousness reflected back, reminding us of who we are in Him.
A Call to Visit the Orphan
James 1:27 calls us to “visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” Visiting means advocating for, helping, and being involved with those who are overlooked or vulnerable. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a thread woven throughout Scripture. From the millions of street kids in Brazil to the children in foster care in Guilford and Forsyth County, God’s heart breaks for the vulnerable, and ours should too.
What does this look like in practice? For our church, it means adoption, fostering, rope holding, and giving generously.
Application: Adopt, foster, hold the rope, and give.
Consider Adoption
Would you pray and ask God if adoption is something He’s calling your family to? Adoption is a picture of the gospel—God chose us when we were spiritually helpless, and He gave us His name and a new identity. As a church, we’ve set a goal of raising up 200 foster and adoptive families by 2025. Would you consider adoption as we seek to build families the way God builds His?
Consider Fostering
While the aim of adoption is to build families the way God builds His, the aim of foster care is to restore families. Foster care is a ministry on the front lines, and our goal in this should be to help children reunite with their parents in healthy environments. Church, the need is great, with over 800 children in foster care in Guilford and Forsyth Counties. Programs like Families Count are already bearing incredible fruit—parents and children from this ministry will be baptized at Mercy Hill Church this Christmas! Praise God! Would you consider what it would look like for your family to step into foster care?
Consider Rope Holding
While not everyone is called to adopt or foster, everyone can help. At Mercy Hill Church, rope holders support adoptive and foster families through practical care and spiritual encouragement. Adoption and fostering are spiritual battles, and our families need us in their corner. What would it look like for you to step into this type of encouraging role?
The Role of Generosity
As a church, we’ve committed to making a difference in these areas, but the mission depends on generosity. Whether it’s upgrading DSS properties or supporting adoptive families financially, the mission only goes as far as our giving takes it. Let’s finish the Deeper Initiative strong, increase our giving, or jump in for the first time.
Conclusion
Adoption and foster care reflect the gospel in a unique and powerful way. God adopted us into His family, and now we get to reflect that love to others. Let’s be a church where families are built and restored for God’s glory. Whether it’s adopting, fostering, holding the rope, or giving, there’s a part for everyone to play. Will you jump in?
-Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor
Watch the full sermon from week four of our “Make and Multiply” series below:
