Faith in Action: The Church's Role in Racial Justice
Summary
In this conversation, I address the pressing issues of racial injustice and the role of the church in shaping society. Reflecting on personal experiences and systemic challenges, I emphasize that the root of racial issues is theological rather than sociological. The church has historically contributed to racial injustices by endorsing systems like slavery and segregation. Therefore, it is imperative for the church to lead the way in rectifying these wrongs. The church must not only preach justice and righteousness but also embody these principles in action. This involves a commitment to being kingdom disciples who live out their faith fully, rather than selectively adhering to cultural norms.
I highlight the biblical role of civil government, which is to maintain a just and compassionate environment for freedom to flourish. When governments stray from these principles, chaos ensues. The church's historical role in providing charity and good works is crucial, and it must reclaim this responsibility to influence culture positively. The African-American church's resilience during slavery serves as a powerful example of faith overcoming systemic evil. Today, the church must unite across racial lines to demonstrate full-time Christianity.
I propose a three-point plan for churches: holding solemn assemblies for prayer and fasting, engaging in comprehensive discipleship, and performing collective good works in the community. This approach will make the church a visible and active force for good. Additionally, I discuss the importance of righteous protest, distinguishing it from unrighteous actions that involve violence and destruction. The church must advocate for justice while maintaining order and safety.
Prayer is a powerful tool, but it must align with God's will rather than our desires. The church needs to pray with authority, seeking to fulfill God's purposes on earth. Unity in the church is achieved through service, not just seminars. By serving others together, we can foster authentic reconciliation and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. The root of racial injustice is theological, not sociological. The church has historically contributed to these issues and must now lead the way in rectifying them by embodying justice and righteousness in action. [03:09]
2. The biblical role of civil government is to maintain a just and compassionate environment for freedom to flourish. When governments stray from these principles, chaos ensues, highlighting the need for the church to reclaim its role in influencing culture positively. [07:11]
3. The African-American church's resilience during slavery serves as a powerful example of faith overcoming systemic evil. Today, the church must unite across racial lines to demonstrate full-time Christianity and influence society for the better. [09:11]
4. Righteous protest is supported by the Bible, but it must be distinguished from unrighteous actions that involve violence and destruction. The church must advocate for justice while maintaining order and safety. [12:40]
5. Prayer is a powerful tool, but it must align with God's will rather than our desires. The church needs to pray with authority, seeking to fulfill God's purposes on earth, and achieve unity through service, not just seminars. [14:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:06] - Introduction of Dr. Tony Evans
- [01:02] - Reaction to George Floyd's Death
- [01:38] - Personal Experiences with Racism
- [02:15] - Systemic Racism in the Church
- [03:09] - Theological Roots of Racial Issues
- [03:44] - The Church's Role in Racial Injustice
- [05:24] - Kingdom Discipleship
- [07:11] - Biblical Role of Civil Government
- [09:11] - Resilience of the African-American Church
- [10:00] - Three-Point Plan for Churches
- [12:40] - Righteous vs. Unrighteous Protest
- [14:00] - The Power of Prayer
- [14:57] - Achieving Unity Through Service
- [15:30] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Chronicles 15:5-6
2. Psalm 89:14
3. Acts 16:37-39
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Chronicles 15:5-6, what was the consequence of the people's departure from God? How does this relate to the sermon’s assertion that racial injustice is a theological issue? [03:09]
2. In Psalm 89:14, what two attributes are said to come from God's throne? How does the sermon connect these attributes to the church's responsibility in addressing racial injustice? [05:56]
3. How does Acts 16:37-39 illustrate the concept of righteous protest as discussed in the sermon? What actions did Paul take to assert his rights? [12:40]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the historical role of the church in racial injustice, and how does this relate to the need for the church to lead in rectifying these wrongs? [03:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the role of civil government according to biblical principles, and what are the implications for the church's involvement in societal issues? [07:11]
2. The sermon mentions the resilience of the African-American church during slavery. What lessons can be drawn from this historical example for the church today in terms of unity and influence? [09:11]
3. How does the sermon distinguish between righteous and unrighteous protest, and what criteria are used to make this distinction? [12:40]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer should align with God's will, and how does this affect the church's approach to achieving unity and justice? [14:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that racial injustice is a theological issue. How can you personally contribute to addressing this within your church community? [03:09]
2. Considering the biblical role of civil government, how can you engage with local government to promote justice and compassion in your community? [07:11]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of unity across racial lines. What practical steps can you take to foster relationships with people from different racial backgrounds within your church? [09:11]
4. How can you participate in righteous protest in your community? What actions can you take to ensure that your advocacy aligns with biblical principles of justice and order? [12:40]
5. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer aligned with God's will. What specific prayers can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek God's purposes for justice and unity? [14:00]
6. Reflect on the three-point plan proposed in the sermon: solemn assemblies, comprehensive discipleship, and collective good works. Which of these areas can you actively participate in, and how? [10:00]
7. How can you serve others in your community to promote unity and demonstrate the love of Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve someone in need. [14:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Theological Roots of Racial Injustice
The root of racial injustice is deeply theological, not merely sociological. Historically, the church has played a role in perpetuating racial injustices by supporting systems like slavery and segregation. This calls for a profound transformation within the church, urging it to lead the way in rectifying these wrongs. The church must not only preach justice and righteousness but also embody these principles in action. This involves a commitment to being kingdom disciples who live out their faith fully, rather than selectively adhering to cultural norms. The church's mission is to reflect God's kingdom on earth, which includes dismantling racial barriers and promoting unity and equality. [03:09]
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: Consider a cultural norm or belief you hold that might contribute to division rather than unity. How can you actively work to align this area of your life with the principles of God's kingdom today?
Day 2: The Church's Role in Influencing Culture
The biblical role of civil government is to maintain a just and compassionate environment for freedom to flourish. When governments stray from these principles, chaos ensues, highlighting the need for the church to reclaim its role in influencing culture positively. The church has historically provided charity and good works, and it must reclaim this responsibility to influence culture positively. By doing so, the church can help create a society that reflects God's justice and compassion. The church's influence should be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, encouraging governments and societies to uphold justice and righteousness. [07:11]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Identify one way your local church can positively influence your community or local government. How can you personally contribute to this effort?
Day 3: Unity Across Racial Lines
The resilience of the African-American church during slavery serves as a powerful example of faith overcoming systemic evil. Today, the church must unite across racial lines to demonstrate full-time Christianity and influence society for the better. This unity is not just about coming together in worship but also about standing together in action and advocacy. By uniting across racial lines, the church can be a powerful force for change, demonstrating the love of Christ and the power of the gospel to transform lives and societies. [09:11]
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: Think of a person from a different racial or cultural background within your church community. How can you reach out to them this week to build a bridge of understanding and unity?
Day 4: Righteous Protest and Advocacy
Righteous protest is supported by the Bible, but it must be distinguished from unrighteous actions that involve violence and destruction. The church must advocate for justice while maintaining order and safety. This means standing up for what is right in a way that reflects the character of Christ—peaceful, loving, and just. The church's voice should be one of reason and righteousness, calling for change while exemplifying the peace and order that God desires for His creation. [12:40]
Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Reflection: Reflect on a current social issue that you feel passionate about. How can you advocate for change in a way that aligns with the principles of righteous protest?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Unity Through Service
Prayer is a powerful tool, but it must align with God's will rather than our desires. The church needs to pray with authority, seeking to fulfill God's purposes on earth, and achieve unity through service, not just seminars. By serving others together, the church can foster authentic reconciliation and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. Unity is achieved not just through words but through actions that reflect the heart of God. [14:00]
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: Consider a service project or ministry opportunity within your church. How can you participate in this effort to foster unity and demonstrate the love of Christ in your community?
Quotes
our problem we talk about race we talk about you know injustice and all that's real but it emanates from a theological first and not a sociological reality and that is you know in second chronicles 15 it says because there was a departure from god it says there was no peace in the land [00:03:00]
if god is your problem i don't care what programs you come up with how many marches you do how many protests you make or how many adjustments you seek to make if god is your problem then you got to get him back in sync and the only reason this problem has existed this deep for this long is the failure of the church [00:03:24]
the biblical role of civil government is to maintain a safe just righteous and compassionately responsible environment for freedom to flourish when god established government in the garden he had maximum freedom from every tree you may eat limited regulation one tree you can eat dire consequences you shall surely die [00:07:09]
the closer a government is to god's definition of civil government the more order the society will be the further god's principles are from a civil government the more chaotic the environment will become and the great society program of lyndon bay johnson was certainly well-intentioned [00:07:47]
the black church in slavery was probably the greatest illustration of biblical christianity in the history of america there was no government support there were no federal programs but it not only hit a hewed out a faith order it built schools and newspapers and banks and educational institutions [00:09:09]
if the african-american church could do that in slavery what could the church of jesus christ across racial lines do today if we decided to be full-time christians in our part-time saints [00:09:37]
we have a three-point plan we we're trying to get community of churches together who are biblically minded to have one a solemn assembly a sacred gathering at the same time in the same place where there's fasting and prayer secondly where they are now influenced to to to move people to comprehensive discipleship [00:10:00]
the bible gives us right to protest in acts chapter 16 paul was in prison illegally as a roman citizen and he protested he did he did the first biblical sit-in he would not allow them to treat him unjustly and uh because there were laws that protected him and he utilized those laws for his favor [00:12:40]
god's not against righteous protesting he's against unrighteous protesting and when it is mixed with violence when it is mixed with theft when it is mixed with destruction then it is not a biblical protest it is an unrighteous protest and we need to make the distinction between the two [00:13:00]
we often pray our desires but our desires have to be plugged into his worldview so we're not just asking god to bless what we want we're asking god to take our prayers and accomplish through us his will in history as it is dictated to from heaven [00:14:17]
until we are praying like that on his terms and not on our desires we don't play with authority without authority you can't get the benefits that god wants to to bring into history and if there's anything that the church needs and we say it a lot to the point that i'm concerned to become trite [00:14:34]
we have unity through service not through seminars you get with people different than you and together you go serve somebody else worse off than you and when you do that now you're getting to know each other as you're helping somebody else and that's authentic reconciliation not just uh having classes on it [00:15:00]
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