Racism and Jesus

I read a great blog by Russell D. Moore on the importance of following Scripture, especially as it pertains to loving those of different races. It made me reconsider my love for those made in the image of God. Why are most of my friends young, white, middle-class males? For the sake of the Gospel we should deliberately seek to tear down any and every wall that Satan has tried to build up. I am reminded of a passage out of Romans 3:

For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

All are in need of Jesus Christ. All are dying without hope and perishing eternally without the good news. All can be justified by God because of the life, death, and resurrection of his Son for all. By not loving those who are different than us by living our lives in service to them, sharing the Gospel to them, and living out God’s Word before them we are counting ourselves and our judgement greater than God and his righteous judgement, which is the root of pride and evil. It is such a foolish and demonic thing to allow ANYTHING keep us from sharing the Gospel with everyone. Jesus made it clear to us in his final words here on earth in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Questions to ponder:

How often do you avoid friendships with men and women of a different race instead of seeking them out for the sake of the Gospel?

What issues, other than race, keep you from loving people? Is it their social class? age? gender? sexual orientation? Anything?

When was the last time you prayed for an unreached people group with tears in your eyes and passion in your heart and voice?

I pray that our services and community groups at Remedy Church become more and more a glimpse of Heaven. God’s children, every tribe, race, language, and nation worshiping Jesus with brotherly affection. I pray the Holy Spirit moves our hearts deeply for international missions.

The love and forgiveness of Christ to us is good news for everyone. Let us go and share it.

On mission with you,

Cameron