Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call

Devotional

Day 1: Biblical Foundation for Racial Harmony

The pursuit of racial harmony and diversity within the church is not just a social endeavor but a deeply theological one. It is rooted in the very nature of God, who created all races in His image, and in the reconciling work of Christ, who died to unite people from every tribe and nation. This is a gospel issue, as the doctrine of justification transcends ethnic boundaries and unites us in Christ. The Bible provides a foundation for this unity, as seen in texts like Revelation 5:9 and Ephesians 2, which highlight the blood-bought unity of believers from every nation. Understanding this biblical foundation is crucial for churches to advance the cause of racial harmony. [03:48]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in breaking down barriers of hostility in your community, reflecting the peace and unity that Christ has achieved for us?

Day 2: Theological Depth of Diversity

Ethnic diversity is not merely a social issue but a profound theological one. It is intertwined with doctrines like justification, which emphasizes that God is the God of all nations, and election, which underscores the unearned nature of God's grace. This understanding challenges believers to see diversity as integral to their faith, not as an optional add-on. By recognizing the theological depth of diversity, Christians are called to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities within the body of Christ, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. [06:38]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the theological significance of diversity, and how might this understanding change your interactions with those from different backgrounds?

Day 3: Innovative Approaches to Teaching

Engaging with racial issues requires creativity in teaching, using non-traditional texts to surprise and awaken congregations to the relevance of the Bible in addressing these matters. This approach keeps the message fresh and prevents complacency. By exploring diverse biblical narratives and perspectives, churches can foster a deeper understanding of racial harmony and inspire action. This innovative approach to teaching challenges believers to see the Bible as a living document that speaks directly to contemporary issues, encouraging them to apply its truths in their daily lives. [11:15]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: How can you creatively engage with Scripture to gain new insights into racial harmony, and what steps can you take to share these insights with others in your community?

Day 4: Vulnerability and Storytelling

Sharing personal stories, including past failures and growth, fosters authenticity and vulnerability within the church community. This openness, grounded in the security of the gospel, allows believers to confess their sins and learn from their mistakes, creating a culture of grace and growth. By embracing vulnerability, Christians can build deeper connections with one another, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity. Storytelling becomes a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation, as it allows individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another's journeys. [19:08]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What personal story of growth or failure can you share with someone this week to foster vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships?

Day 5: Intentional Leadership Diversity

Pursuing diverse leadership within the church is essential for reflecting the kingdom of God. This requires intentionality, prayer, and a commitment to making diversity a factor in leadership decisions, while ensuring that doctrinal fidelity remains the top priority. By prioritizing diverse leadership, churches can better represent the body of Christ and create an environment where all voices are heard and valued. This intentional approach to leadership diversity challenges congregations to reflect on their current practices and seek ways to be more inclusive and representative of the broader community. [37:21]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "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. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you advocate for and support diverse leadership within your church, ensuring that all voices are represented and valued?

Sermon Summary

In our time together, I have sought to address the pressing need for racial harmony and diversity within the local church, emphasizing that this is not merely a social issue but a deeply theological one. The pursuit of ethnic diversity and harmony is rooted in the very nature of God, who created all races in His image, and in the work of Christ, who died to reconcile people from every tribe and nation. This is a gospel issue, as seen in the doctrine of justification, which transcends ethnic boundaries and unites us in Christ.

I have shared practical steps for churches to advance this cause, starting with grounding our efforts in Scripture. We must show from the Bible why racial harmony is essential, using both traditional and non-traditional texts to keep the message fresh and engaging. For those of us who hold to Reformed theology, it is crucial to see how doctrines like total depravity and unconditional election speak directly to issues of race, reminding us of our shared need for grace and the unearned nature of God's love.

Celebrating historical figures who have engaged with these issues, like William Wilberforce, can inspire us to persevere in the fight for justice. Sharing our personal stories, including our failures and growth, can foster vulnerability and authenticity in our communities. We must also be intentional in building relationships across ethnic lines, listening and learning from those who are different from us.

Finally, pursuing diverse leadership within our churches is vital. This requires prayer, preparation, and a commitment to making diversity a factor in our decision-making processes, while always prioritizing doctrinal fidelity. The gospel must remain central, as it is the power source for sustaining long-term obedience and effecting true reconciliation.

Key Takeaways

1. Biblical Foundation for Racial Harmony: Racial diversity and harmony are deeply rooted in the Bible, reflecting God's creation of all races in His image and the reconciling work of Christ. This is not a peripheral issue but central to the gospel, as seen in texts like Revelation 5:9 and Ephesians 2, which highlight the blood-bought unity of believers from every nation. [03:48]
2. Theological Depth of Diversity: The pursuit of ethnic diversity is a theological issue, not just a social one. It is intertwined with doctrines like justification, which emphasizes that God is the God of all nations, and election, which underscores the unearned nature of God's grace. This understanding challenges us to see diversity as integral to our faith. [06:38]
3. Innovative Approaches to Teaching: Engaging with racial issues requires creativity in teaching, using non-traditional texts to surprise and awaken our congregations to the relevance of the Bible in addressing these matters. This approach keeps the message fresh and prevents complacency. [11:15]
4. Vulnerability and Storytelling: Sharing our personal stories, including our past failures and growth, fosters authenticity and vulnerability. This openness, grounded in the security of the gospel, allows us to confess our sins and learn from our mistakes, creating a culture of grace and growth. [19:08]
5. Intentional Leadership Diversity: Pursuing diverse leadership within the church is essential for reflecting the kingdom of God. This requires intentionality, prayer, and a commitment to making diversity a factor in leadership decisions, while ensuring that doctrinal fidelity remains the top priority. [37:21]
** [37:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Opening Prayer
[00:59] - Focus on the Local Church
[01:17] - Christ-Exalting Diversity
[02:36] - Advancing Ethnic Harmony
[03:12] - Biblical Reasons for Diversity
[04:46] - Diversity as a Blood Issue
[06:00] - Justification and Global Diversity
[07:55] - Gospel-Centered Fellowship
[08:45] - Non-Traditional Texts
[11:39] - Reformed Theology and Race
[14:29] - Historical Figures and Justification
[18:05] - Vulnerability and Storytelling
[24:52] - Mission Statement and Core Values
[29:18] - Global and National Context
[33:12] - Building Cross-Ethnic Friendships
[37:21] - Pursuing Diverse Leadership

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Revelation 5:9
Ephesians 2:14-16
Galatians 2:11-14

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Observation Questions:

According to the sermon, how does Revelation 5:9 illustrate the importance of racial diversity and harmony in the church? [05:21]
What does Ephesians 2:14-16 say about the role of Christ's work on the cross in reconciling different ethnic groups? How was this explained in the sermon? [03:48]
In the sermon, how is the incident between Peter and Paul in Galatians 2 used to highlight the importance of maintaining gospel-centered unity across ethnic lines? [07:32]
What are some of the practical steps mentioned in the sermon for advancing ethnic diversity and harmony within the local church? [02:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of being created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) relate to the pursuit of racial harmony as discussed in the sermon? [03:12]
The sermon emphasizes that racial diversity is not just a social issue but a "blood issue." How does this perspective challenge or affirm your understanding of the gospel's role in addressing racial issues? [05:21]
How does the sermon suggest that the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 3:28) supports the idea of ethnic diversity within the church? [06:00]
In what ways does the sermon propose that sharing personal stories of failure and growth can foster authenticity and vulnerability in church communities? [19:08]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own church or community. How can you contribute to fostering an environment that values and pursues racial harmony and diversity? What specific actions can you take this week? [02:36]
The sermon encourages using non-traditional texts to keep the message of racial harmony fresh. How can you incorporate this approach in your personal Bible study or teaching? Can you think of a non-traditional text that might speak to this issue? [11:15]
Consider the relationships you have across ethnic lines. How can you be more intentional in building and nurturing these relationships? What steps can you take to listen and learn from those who are different from you? [33:12]
The sermon highlights the importance of diverse leadership within the church. How can you support or advocate for diversity in leadership roles in your church or community? What challenges might you face, and how can you address them? [37:21]
Think about a personal story of failure or growth related to racial issues. How can sharing this story with others in your community foster a culture of grace and growth? What fears might you need to overcome to share this story? [19:08]
How does understanding racial diversity as a "blood issue" change the way you view your role in promoting racial harmony? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with this understanding? [05:21]
Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on the gospel as the power source for sustaining long-term obedience in racial reconciliation. How can you ensure that the gospel remains central in your efforts to promote diversity and harmony? [40:28]

Sermon Clips

The aim of this book has been to encourage you to pursue Christ exalting gospel driven racial and ethnic diversity and harmony, especially in the family of God, the Church of Jesus Christ. So that's the goal of the book to do what I'm expected to do tonight so it's not a alien purpose that I have undertaken to advance a Christ exalting gospel driven racial diversity and harmony especially in the local church. [00:39:59]

Number one show from the Bible why this should be pursued show why it should be pursued and and instead of giving the sermons that would back this up I'm just going to sketch a little something with each of these points so you can see the kind of thing that I mean we should be talking about so you would say things like this these five number one racial diversity and harmony I won't repeat that each time illustrates more clearly the truth that God created all races and all ethnicities in his own image. [00:02:50]

It displays more visibly that Jesus is not a tribal deity but in fact is the Lord of all races and nations and ethnicities it demonstrates more clearly the blood-bought destiny of the church as we see in revelation 5:9 that he bought people from every tribe tongue and nation for it exhibits more compellingly the aim and power of the cross we all know Ephesians 2 he reconciles us both in God in one body through the cross thereby killing the hostility. [00:03:26]

Number two show that ethnic diversity and harmony is not a social issue but a blood issue in many of the churches represented here they are conservative churches they think social action is liberal and the cross of Christ is conservative and therefore they need to be shown from the Bible I need to be shown I'm one of those conservative guys I'm a Bible guy I'm suspicious of people who just try to feed bellies and let people go to hell I don't like it. [00:04:46]

Romans 3:28 which goes to the doctrine of justification which is blood bought and shows how ethnic diversity global ethnic diversity is woven into the doctrine of justification for example Romans 3:28 following we hold that one is justified by God justified by faith apart from works of the law or is God the God of the Jews only is he not the god of the nations also yes of the nations also since God is one who will justify the circumcised by their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith. [00:05:49]

Number three use non-traditional texts when preaching or teaching in other words when you walk into a group like I did this morning surprise them, I've got chose my my topic this morning because I thought you wouldn't be expecting it that's one of the I went at it the way I did because I didn't want you to go to sleep on me you students I don't I I don't want to just use I don't want to preach on Ephesians two it's overworked. [00:08:35]

Number four if you're a Calvinist no it's just look for the little tribe I know like me then and you can just adjust this to your angle may if your angle okay if your sense of how the Bible fits together and how God makes sense in the world doesn't address this you you got the wrong angle which means as a reformed guy I got to make the five points speak to this which is not hard so I've preached sermons on the five points and how every one of them is a racial issue. [00:11:21]

Number five celebrate historical figures who engaged with this issue and I suppose we would all default to William Wilberforce kind of the poster boy of evangelical get it right very few people know that William Wilberforce I suppose you do know that he devoted his life in a amazing perseverance to overcoming the slave trade in Britain but what you may not know is that he only wrote one book in his life the name of the book was a practical view of Christianity. [00:14:40]

Tell your story with all of its warts and horrors I tried to do that in the first two chapters of this book made a video of it to just just lay lay the ugliness of my first 20 years out and and let it be and and here's here's the point tell your story by loving the gospel loving the cross loving substitutionary propitiation sji packers definition of the gospel propitiation by substitution I think that's grand love that so much. [00:18:05]

God's not mad at me anymore because of Jesus my sins are covered and therefore I have no more guilt I have a righteousness not my own I am safe in Jesus go there love that so much that you can confess all your sins in front of anybody you can tell your whole story and don't be afraid you got nobody to impress gods for you this is what Christians ought to be pastors leaders model secure vulnerability texts that have made a difference for me in that regard. [00:18:56]

Reach out to friends different from you and listen now I know I know this is gonna be criticized at all you guys another white person need a project you know look that kind of talk doesn't help rather what we need to say is how about just trying blatant honesty so I called up the black pastor down the streets they Arthur we've hardly met we have lunch I want some I want to ask you sure you meet and say you know I hardly know any blacks in this city. [00:33:07]

Pursue leaders different ethnically from yourself intentionally okay we're talking the dangerous language here of racial preference and affirmative action loaded phrases right so you're a pastor you have some influence over who your colleagues are you live in a where there's a significant diversity of various ethnicities and you'd like to have some color on the staff for the reasons I gave at the beginning not because it's the thing to do and your conscience will be relieved and people would admire you for being cutting edge and blah blah blah but because it's right it's helpful it displays more of the kingdom and more of the gospel and the people need it and the kids need to grow up seeing and all kinds of reasons. [00:37:18]

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