Embracing Diversity: Reflecting Heaven's Unity on Earth

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, friends and fellow believers at TAB. Today, we delve into one of our core values: reflecting the reality of heaven. This value emphasizes that heaven will celebrate the beautiful diversity of God's creation, and we aim to mirror that diversity here and now. Our differences should not divide us but rather elevate the power of the cross. This is especially crucial in today's climate, where issues of diversity, race, and ethnicity are at the forefront of national discourse.

Drawing from Revelations 5:9-10, we see a vision of heaven where people from every tribe, language, and nation are united. This unity is not just a future hope but a present calling. Historically, TAB has evolved from a less diverse congregation to one that actively seeks to embody this heavenly reality. From the early days of Urban Discovery Ministry to the recent merger of diverse congregations, TAB has been on a journey toward greater inclusivity.

However, this journey is not without challenges. Cultural preferences and historical divisions can create barriers. Yet, the gospel calls us to transcend these barriers, as seen in the early church's efforts to bridge divides between Jews and Gentiles. Reflecting the reality of heaven means loving our neighbors, even when it requires us to go against our cultural norms.

Practical steps to achieve this include embracing diverse forms of worship, learning the names and stories of those different from us, and participating in ministries that promote inclusivity. By doing so, we not only reflect the reality of heaven but also bring glory to God in a divided world.

### Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Diversity Reflects God's Heart: The vision of heaven in Revelations 5:9-10 shows a diverse yet unified body of believers. This unity is not just a future hope but a present calling for the church. Embracing diversity elevates the power of the cross and reflects the heart of God. [32:26]

2. Historical Journey Toward Inclusivity: TAB's journey from a less diverse congregation to one that actively seeks to embody heavenly diversity is a testament to God's transformative power. From the early days of Urban Discovery Ministry to recent mergers, TAB has been committed to this vision. [36:34]

3. Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Cultural preferences can create barriers to unity, but the gospel calls us to transcend these divides. The early church's efforts to bridge gaps between Jews and Gentiles serve as a model for us today. Reflecting the reality of heaven means loving our neighbors, even when it requires us to go against our cultural norms. [51:26]

4. Practical Steps for Inclusivity: Embracing diverse forms of worship, learning the names and stories of those different from us, and participating in ministries that promote inclusivity are practical steps we can take. These actions not only reflect the reality of heaven but also bring glory to God in a divided world. [10:20]

5. The Power of the Cross to Unite: The power of the cross can bring people of different backgrounds together in unity. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of the heavenly reality we are called to embody. [01:00:56]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction and Theme
[1:30] - Core Value: Reflecting the Reality of Heaven
[3:00] - Scriptural Foundation: Revelations 5:9-10
[4:30] - Historical Context of TAB
[6:00] - Early Efforts Toward Diversity
[8:00] - Challenges and Cultural Barriers
[10:00] - Practical Steps for Inclusivity
[12:00] - The Power of the Cross to Unite
[14:00] - Examples of Unity in Diversity
[16:00] - Personal Reflections and Experiences
[18:00] - Call to Action
[20:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 5:9-10: "And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.'"
2. 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
3. Colossians 3:10-11: "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 5:9-10, what is the composition of the people who are redeemed by Christ? How does this vision of heaven reflect the diversity of God's creation? [33:21]
2. In 1 Peter 2:9, what are the titles given to believers, and what is their purpose? How does this relate to the idea of unity in diversity? [35:02]
3. Colossians 3:10-11 speaks about the new self. What does it say about cultural and ethnic distinctions in Christ? [50:04]
4. How did TAB's journey towards inclusivity begin, and what were some of the early efforts mentioned in the sermon? [36:34]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the vision of heaven in Revelation 5:9-10 challenge our current understanding of diversity and unity within the church? [33:21]
2. What does it mean to be a "chosen people" and a "royal priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:9? How should this identity influence our interactions with others? [35:02]
3. Colossians 3:10-11 mentions that in Christ, cultural and ethnic distinctions are removed. How can this principle be practically applied in a diverse church setting? [50:04]
4. Reflecting on the historical journey of TAB, what were some of the challenges faced in becoming a more inclusive congregation? How were these challenges addressed? [36:34]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the vision of heaven in Revelation 5:9-10, how can you personally contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse environment in your church? [33:21]
2. In what ways can you embrace and celebrate the diversity within your church community, as described in 1 Peter 2:9? Are there specific actions you can take to get to know people from different backgrounds? [35:02]
3. Colossians 3:10-11 speaks about putting on the new self. What cultural or personal preferences might you need to set aside to foster unity in your church? [50:04]
4. The sermon mentioned practical steps for inclusivity, such as embracing diverse forms of worship and learning the names and stories of those different from us. What specific steps can you take this week to practice these actions? [10:20]
5. How can you actively participate in ministries that promote inclusivity within your church? Are there specific ministries or events you can join or support? [10:20]
6. Reflect on a time when cultural preferences created a barrier for you in a church setting. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently in the future to promote unity? [51:26]
7. The sermon emphasized the power of the cross to unite people from different backgrounds. How can you share this message of unity and reconciliation with others in your community? [01:00:56]

Devotional

### Day 1: Unity in Diversity Reflects God's Heart

Description:
The vision of heaven as depicted in Revelations 5:9-10 shows a diverse yet unified body of believers. This unity is not just a future hope but a present calling for the church. Embracing diversity elevates the power of the cross and reflects the heart of God. In a world often divided by race, ethnicity, and cultural differences, the church is called to be a beacon of unity. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of the heavenly reality we are called to embody. [32:26]

Bible Passage:
"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone from a different cultural or ethnic background in your church or community. How can you reach out to them this week to build a bridge of unity and understanding?

### Day 2: Historical Journey Toward Inclusivity

Description:
TAB's journey from a less diverse congregation to one that actively seeks to embody heavenly diversity is a testament to God's transformative power. From the early days of Urban Discovery Ministry to recent mergers, TAB has been committed to this vision. This historical journey highlights the importance of intentional efforts and the willingness to embrace change for the sake of inclusivity. It serves as an encouragement for other congregations to pursue a similar path, recognizing that the journey toward inclusivity is ongoing and requires continuous effort. [36:34]

Bible Passage:
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on the history of your own church or community. What steps have been taken toward inclusivity, and what more can be done to reflect the diversity of God's kingdom?

### Day 3: Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Description:
Cultural preferences can create barriers to unity, but the gospel calls us to transcend these divides. The early church's efforts to bridge gaps between Jews and Gentiles serve as a model for us today. Reflecting the reality of heaven means loving our neighbors, even when it requires us to go against our cultural norms. This involves intentional actions and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to build relationships with those who are different from us. By doing so, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and the unity that it brings. [51:26]

Bible Passage:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a cultural barrier in your life or community. What practical steps can you take this week to overcome this barrier and build a bridge of unity?

### Day 4: Practical Steps for Inclusivity

Description:
Embracing diverse forms of worship, learning the names and stories of those different from us, and participating in ministries that promote inclusivity are practical steps we can take. These actions not only reflect the reality of heaven but also bring glory to God in a divided world. By intentionally engaging in these practices, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. This not only strengthens the church community but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of God's love and unity. [10:20]

Bible Passage:
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of one practical step you can take this week to promote inclusivity in your church or community. How can you make someone feel more welcomed and valued?

### Day 5: The Power of the Cross to Unite

Description:
The power of the cross can bring people of different backgrounds together in unity. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of the heavenly reality we are called to embody. The cross breaks down the walls of division and creates a new community where all are equal and loved. By focusing on the cross, we are reminded of the sacrificial love of Christ and the call to extend that love to others, regardless of their background or differences. [01:00:56]

Bible Passage:
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on the power of the cross in your own life. How can you use this power to bring unity in your relationships and community this week?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We believe heaven will reflect the beautiful diversity of God's creation. Heaven will be a place where our diversity will be celebrated, and we seek to celebrate what is to come here and now. And we unify around our one Lord and our one faith. Our differences are not viewed through a lens of division, but through God's diverse design to elevate the power of the cross." [32:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God has given us his spirit making us one, no matter our differences. Our differences are welcome because we are fully restored through Christ into the image of God, the imago Dei, that was broken through sin. We were all one in our sins, but now we are one in our baptism into Christ and our resurrection. We have one spirit and we see the value of diversity through a new life in Christ." [48:09] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus killed the hostility. So Christians have the capacity to overcome the greatest differences of culture and preference. How is it that we can have a white, six foot four inches, maybe taller, blonde pastor, steeped in Bayou and Texas culture, his very eyebrows are blonde, who swears by the crimson tide. How is it that he can go to Chad of all places and be able to relate and be accepted? Only God. Only God. Only God can create that kind of unity." [58:40] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Are you willing to go against your culture to fulfill our Lord's command to love your neighbor? Are the rules of your community more important than the golden rule? So how do you do this? Colossians 3 says this. Put on then as God's chosen one holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another. And if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." [01:04:27] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Reflecting the reality of heaven means loving my neighbor no matter who he is or where he's come from. My neighbor might be, most of us here are well-to-do, but my neighbor might be, he might be scraping to get by. God wants me to love those who are different from me. That's what reflecting the reality of heaven is all about. If we expect to eat with our brothers and sisters here in the kingdom, shouldn't we also eat with them here?" [01:08:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The importance of this core value at this time in the life of the American church, and the current realities of our national politics, can't be overstated. We are confronted with issues of diversity, race, and ethnicity. As we look at the reality of heaven and the command of our Lord in scripture, these are the issues that we see. Diversity is a trigger word today. Is God a trigger word? Is God a God of diversity, equity, and inclusion? Is God a D-E-I God?" [33:21] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So we're living in a time now where diversity is not being pursued, ethnic purity is being pursued. Diversity has become a curse word and it's become a controversy in our nation's discourse. And that so many in our country are now retreating to their silos. Yet we are told in the scripture that in the body of Christ, these silos have been demolished. That God has given us his spirit making us one, no matter our differences." [48:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Reflecting the reality of heaven means we place the oneness commanded by God above the dictates of our culture. It means that I reject the things in my culture which God rejects and that's hard. You gotta call it out and then people will say, oh, you're a white boy because you think that that's wrong what I'm doing. Or better still, people will shun you." [01:07:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Reflecting the reality of heaven means that we're willing to embrace diverse forms of worship. you know, like I say, I live at this intersection of race and culture and so I'm always attuned to this and I've been looking at what was happening at TAB and a few years ago I was sitting right over there I saw the praise team come up and it was all people of color. All of them. With the exception of Ben. But we've already given Ben the African American card so we've adopted him already so he's African American as well." [01:10:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Nadia and her husband wanted to understand and know the word of God. They wanted to worship with us here even though they had language barriers. Nadia died a couple of days ago from cancer. And she's gone on to be in the presence of her Lord. But she'll be able to communicate with everyone and all of us when we join her in that great assembly. And she'll understand us and we'll understand her. And we thank the Lord for her being here." [01:14:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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