Race and Reconciliation

Race isn’t a political issue but a Gospel issue. 

The picture of heaven with the diversity of people worshiping around the throne shouldn’t have to be reserved just for heaven – it is supposed to happen down here too!  

The Realities of Racism

-  Racism and racial tension isn’t anything new in the last 200 years – it’s been happening for thousands of years.

-  Our country grows ever more diverse and the population diversity is rapidly shifting.

-  There is still racial division on our country, and it some areas and and with some groups of people, it grows stronger among all races.

-  There is still racism that exists in the church – Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour in America.

-  There have been some strides in reconciliation but there is still a long way to go. There are some systemic issues that are still pervasive.  

The Reasons People Give

-  Tradition – way it’s always been

-  Ignorance  - Stereotypes

-  Excuses

-  Fear

The Results of Racism

-  Misunderstanding

-  Hatred

-  Fear

-  Division

Our Return to Scripture

-  Peter had prejudice - he had bias - Jew towards Gentile.

-  The Lord challenged Peter.

-  Peter had to admit the truth.

-  God had to change his heart and mind.

-  Peter had to be willing to change.

-  God used Peter to see the doors flung wide open for the Gospel & the church.

Our Response to Racism

-  Recognize your prejudice & biases.

-  Reexamine your heart.

-  Repent of those sins.

-  Refuse to stay that way.

-  Rejoice in our differences & our sameness.

-  Realize it’s easier to stay with your own culture but fight that temptation. 

-  Reach Out in Reconciliation 

• Be aware & appreciate other ethnicities and cultures.
• Be eager to understand – Seek to understand before trying to be understood.
• Be willing to listen & learn (have a teachable spirit).
• Be intentional in building relationships.
• Be mindful this is challenging at times to do but worth

it in the end.

• Be certain to die to yourself.

-  Remember God’s desire is for The Church to be undivided. So let's not build back what Jesus came to tear down, nor create divisions where Jesus came to bring peace.