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Sometimes when we hear words like "justice" and "righteousness," we think of big, abstract concepts that only apply to politicians or social activists. But biblical justice starts much closer to home than we might think. Justice begins with how we treat the people right in front of us.

Jesus reminds us that he's present wherever believers gather in his name. This promise isn't limited to church buildings or formal worship services. Jesus is with us when we gather around a hospital bed to pray for a friend. He's with us when we meet at a coffee shop to encourage someone who's struggling. He's with us when we come together to serve our community or to study the Bible in someone's living room.

From worship services to programs to special events, we spend a lot of time focusing on what happens inside our church buildings. But what if God cares more about how we live outside these walls than what we do inside them? In this sermon, we'll rethink the purpose of the church.

It's easy to measure our spiritual health by how often we attend church, how much we give, or how involved we are in church programs. These things aren't bad—they can be wonderful expressions of our faith. But they become hollow if they're disconnected from how we treat our families, our coworkers, our neighbors, and the vulnerable people in our community.