Red and Yellow, Black and White

Context

• The early Church was originally predominately Jewish, and they initially struggled with how to accept Gentiles.
• At the Jerusalem Council, the leaders denounced the notion that Gentiles had to become Jewish before becoming Christians.
• Paul wrote to the Gentiles in Ephesus to communicate their standing before God in light of the gospel.

Content

• The Jews unfortunately believed themselves to be the end rather than a means of God’s redemption (Eph. 2:11-12).
• Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation for all peoples (Eph. 2:13)
• While differences divide us, the cross is able to unite us (Eph. 2:14-16).
• There is no preferential placement regarding race in God’s family (Eph. 2:17-18).
• The Church is a multiracial family that should celebrate diversity rather than condemning it (Eph. 2:19-20).
• The closer we grow in the Lord, the less resistance we will feel towards embracing all types of people (Eph. 2:21-22).

Concept

• Stop desensitizing feelings that you have never felt.
• Don’t rebuild racial walls where the cross of Christ has knocked them down.
• Don’t let your associations become your identity.
• Racial reconciliation will not happen without churches becoming intentional.