I Like To Think
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
Considering all that occurred under Hitler's regime and the fact that my ancestors are from Germany, I like to think I would have done my part to prevent the Jews from being slaughtered. I like to think that I would have protected their innocent lives and not brought them any harm. I like to think that I would have provided means of escape for those who didn't deserve the torture they were enduring.
More from:
Cindy Beall
My Heart, My Chapel
I Have A File
Are You A Big Deal?
I like to think.
As I reflect on our nation's remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I like to think that I would have been one of the white people who walked beside the black man that August afternoon in our nation's capital. I like to think that I would have held a sign that begged the mistreatment of the negro community to end. I like to think that I would have allowed people of any skin color to dine in my restaurant if I had owned one.
I like to think.
When I think about my Savior, Jesus Christ, and all he endured on his 33-year stint on this earth, I like to think I would have been one of his followers. I like to think that I would have dropped my nets and followed after him, no questions asked. I like to think that I would have been with him until the death never denying that I'd dined with him.
I like to think.
But, I'll never know what I would have done under those circumstances and in those days. Sure, those three scenarios have moved me in ways I didn't know was possible as I watch footage and read the Bible, but then? What would I have done then?
I like to think that I would have done something good, something inspiring, something to spare lives, something to salvage the hopes and dreams of many. I like to think that the little girl my parents raised, that the woman I've become would have remained steady during such times of opposition and would have stuck to her guns because of the convictions that live deep within her. I like to think that who I am today is who I would have been then.
I like to think.
Scripture Of The Day: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:35 (NKJV)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Unity, Agreement, And Love Is The Key
Unity, Agreement, And Love Is The Key
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
There is power in agreement, unity and love. Jesus said "...Whatsoever ye shall bind..." or paralyze "...on earth shall be bound in heaven."
More from:
Bishop Keith Butler
The Prayer That Leads To Praise
For a New Beginning, Forsake the World
Keep A Steadfast Mind
The heaven He's referring to is not the heaven where God resides. There isn't anything where God resides that needs to be bound. There are three heavens in the Scripture. And this one refers to the atmospheric heaven around the earth. He said, Whatsoever you bind or paralyze on earth shall be bound in heaven, or the heavenlies, "...and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then in verse 20, Jesus makes this statement: For where two or three are gathered together in my name (the name of Jesus), there am I." The Greek text actually says, "I am there to make good that which they agree on."
The power of agreement puts you in a position where God moves. Good things happen when we agree with one another, when we come in unity with one another, when we drop all of our differences and love one another. When we agree, we have the power to paralyze Satan and his acts. As the scripture points out, if you bind satanic activity in Jesus' name on the earth, it's going to be bound in the atmospheric heaven where demons reside. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in the heavenlies. In this sense, the believer, the one who stands in the name of Jesus, is the one who determines ultimately what happens here on this planet.
So agreement, unity and love is the key to making it work. Don't hold what a few people do against a whole race. That just makes us further divided. Rather pray that the few be revealed. We have Christian brothers and sisters in every race. So it is time to set aside all the junk that keeps us going against each other. No man is better than another man. Jesus died for every one of us. He shed His blood which was the price for our redemption. As a result, every one of us can make heaven our home, and have peace and victory on the earth.
Scripture Of The Day: "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 18:18-19 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
There is power in agreement, unity and love. Jesus said "...Whatsoever ye shall bind..." or paralyze "...on earth shall be bound in heaven."
More from:
Bishop Keith Butler
The Prayer That Leads To Praise
For a New Beginning, Forsake the World
Keep A Steadfast Mind
The heaven He's referring to is not the heaven where God resides. There isn't anything where God resides that needs to be bound. There are three heavens in the Scripture. And this one refers to the atmospheric heaven around the earth. He said, Whatsoever you bind or paralyze on earth shall be bound in heaven, or the heavenlies, "...and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then in verse 20, Jesus makes this statement: For where two or three are gathered together in my name (the name of Jesus), there am I." The Greek text actually says, "I am there to make good that which they agree on."
The power of agreement puts you in a position where God moves. Good things happen when we agree with one another, when we come in unity with one another, when we drop all of our differences and love one another. When we agree, we have the power to paralyze Satan and his acts. As the scripture points out, if you bind satanic activity in Jesus' name on the earth, it's going to be bound in the atmospheric heaven where demons reside. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in the heavenlies. In this sense, the believer, the one who stands in the name of Jesus, is the one who determines ultimately what happens here on this planet.
So agreement, unity and love is the key to making it work. Don't hold what a few people do against a whole race. That just makes us further divided. Rather pray that the few be revealed. We have Christian brothers and sisters in every race. So it is time to set aside all the junk that keeps us going against each other. No man is better than another man. Jesus died for every one of us. He shed His blood which was the price for our redemption. As a result, every one of us can make heaven our home, and have peace and victory on the earth.
Scripture Of The Day: "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 18:18-19 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
In All Your Getting, Get Together
2010
Thursday
29
April
Daily Devotional
In All Your Getting, Get Together
By Lloyd Owens
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
If you glance at the title of this devotional, it would seem that I have misquoted a very popular passage of scripture found in Prov. 4:7, but in all sincerity, I may have said exactly what needs to be said.
More from:
Lloyd Owens
The Most Segregated Day of the Week
Especially for today.
It is time for the church, His Bride, You and I, to finally...get together. Not for our sakes, but for the sake of the Kingdom. Can "we" possibly move beyond our unhealed wounds, neglected symptoms of falsehoods and denial? Can the body of Christ ever lead in this charge?
Every Sunday morning, our families gather together in their Sunday's best, place their Sunday smiles on and head out to their "local" church. We belong to a local body of Christ that looks just like us. The diversity in our churches often consist of the one or two members that for no other reason than being lost, ended up at your church, and stayed.
So why is that so bad? Is there anything wrong with this picture? Who's complaining?
It is amazing to me that we can listen to one another's music, attend one another's concerts, play sports with one another, go to games with one another, work with one another, but we cannot seem to sit and Worship the one true God collectively. So, yes something is wrong! Matthew 5:23-24 calls us to be 'reconciled to one another' before bringing an offering of any kind before the altar.
The word reconcile means: to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable; to compose or settle; to bring into agreement or harmony; to reconsecrate; and to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired. The church has been commanded to love, not tolerate! We must begin to look past our differences, our past, our faults and unhealed scabs to seek His face as one body, with one heart.
We must bring into agreement and harmony before we will be able to offer our gifts at the alter. If we are to heal as a nation, the church must lead the charge, and not be the poster child for the most segregated time of the week. We must first see this as a problem, as an issue the affects our services, our children,and our future.
We must cast vision larger than our comfort zone. We must challenge ourselves to ask the questions, create the debate, and dig deep into the well to create solutions. We must be the example if we are to live outside of racial boundaries, stereotypes and exclusion.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)
Lloyd Owens is a devoted husband and father, and the Lead Pastor of The Peculiar Place, a new church plant soon to be located in Atlanta, Georgia. You can find Lloyd blogging at http://www.therstblog.com.
Thursday
29
April
Daily Devotional
In All Your Getting, Get Together
By Lloyd Owens
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
If you glance at the title of this devotional, it would seem that I have misquoted a very popular passage of scripture found in Prov. 4:7, but in all sincerity, I may have said exactly what needs to be said.
More from:
Lloyd Owens
The Most Segregated Day of the Week
Especially for today.
It is time for the church, His Bride, You and I, to finally...get together. Not for our sakes, but for the sake of the Kingdom. Can "we" possibly move beyond our unhealed wounds, neglected symptoms of falsehoods and denial? Can the body of Christ ever lead in this charge?
Every Sunday morning, our families gather together in their Sunday's best, place their Sunday smiles on and head out to their "local" church. We belong to a local body of Christ that looks just like us. The diversity in our churches often consist of the one or two members that for no other reason than being lost, ended up at your church, and stayed.
So why is that so bad? Is there anything wrong with this picture? Who's complaining?
It is amazing to me that we can listen to one another's music, attend one another's concerts, play sports with one another, go to games with one another, work with one another, but we cannot seem to sit and Worship the one true God collectively. So, yes something is wrong! Matthew 5:23-24 calls us to be 'reconciled to one another' before bringing an offering of any kind before the altar.
The word reconcile means: to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable; to compose or settle; to bring into agreement or harmony; to reconsecrate; and to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired. The church has been commanded to love, not tolerate! We must begin to look past our differences, our past, our faults and unhealed scabs to seek His face as one body, with one heart.
We must bring into agreement and harmony before we will be able to offer our gifts at the alter. If we are to heal as a nation, the church must lead the charge, and not be the poster child for the most segregated time of the week. We must first see this as a problem, as an issue the affects our services, our children,and our future.
We must cast vision larger than our comfort zone. We must challenge ourselves to ask the questions, create the debate, and dig deep into the well to create solutions. We must be the example if we are to live outside of racial boundaries, stereotypes and exclusion.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)
Lloyd Owens is a devoted husband and father, and the Lead Pastor of The Peculiar Place, a new church plant soon to be located in Atlanta, Georgia. You can find Lloyd blogging at http://www.therstblog.com.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Habitat For Humanity Service Project April 17,2010 (click on images to enlarge)
The Habitat for Humanity service project was an opportunity for us to contribute to the finishing of a 4-family affordable housing unit for families in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. We learned how to use the power saw, apply caulking,and add door moldings for a nice finished look. The whole experience was uplifting and gave us a great sense of accomplishment.
Go Against Nature
Daily Devotional
Go Against Nature
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
It never fails.
Observe a room of complete strangers, where nobody knows anybody, and you’ll see people gravitating toward others who look like them or those who share commonalities. Eventually some may work their way over to those who are different, but usually the personal preference and tendancy is to seek out who we think can identify with us or understand us better.
More from:
Lisa Birch
What Is Your Reality?
Striving To Be Weak
To Reach Them Is To Love Them
It’s second nature, and if you say you haven’t done it, you’re either in denial or flat out untruthful.
When I think back over the years I realize that my second nature has likely caused me to miss out on plenty of purpose-filled friendships and connections. It’s so much easier to flash a smile, cordially say hello and keep on moving than it is to invest time and effort into genuinely developing a relationship with someone who is totally unlike you.
God’s way calls us out of comfort and convenience, requiring that we truly honor and value one another—every race, every culture.
Not just in passing.
Not just on the surface.
Not just in professional environments.
And not with any motives at all, just a pure and simple reverence for the God who equally loves all human beings and commands that we do the same.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)
It all starts and ends with God’s love—a power stronger than our most wholehearted intentions; the Official Force that enables us to go against our selfish nature and put Philippians 2:1-4 into practice.
Scripture of The Day: "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)
Go Against Nature
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
It never fails.
Observe a room of complete strangers, where nobody knows anybody, and you’ll see people gravitating toward others who look like them or those who share commonalities. Eventually some may work their way over to those who are different, but usually the personal preference and tendancy is to seek out who we think can identify with us or understand us better.
More from:
Lisa Birch
What Is Your Reality?
Striving To Be Weak
To Reach Them Is To Love Them
It’s second nature, and if you say you haven’t done it, you’re either in denial or flat out untruthful.
When I think back over the years I realize that my second nature has likely caused me to miss out on plenty of purpose-filled friendships and connections. It’s so much easier to flash a smile, cordially say hello and keep on moving than it is to invest time and effort into genuinely developing a relationship with someone who is totally unlike you.
God’s way calls us out of comfort and convenience, requiring that we truly honor and value one another—every race, every culture.
Not just in passing.
Not just on the surface.
Not just in professional environments.
And not with any motives at all, just a pure and simple reverence for the God who equally loves all human beings and commands that we do the same.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)
It all starts and ends with God’s love—a power stronger than our most wholehearted intentions; the Official Force that enables us to go against our selfish nature and put Philippians 2:1-4 into practice.
Scripture of The Day: "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Unity Through DisUnity
Unity Through Disunity
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. (Letter From A Birmingham Jail)
Before proceeding any further with this devotional, I encourage you to read over the above quotation once more.
The power of those words most certainly demand it.
More from:
Milan Ford
Eliminate The Noise
Classic Conditioning
Vent Up
Powerful words, don’t you agree?
On yesterday, I took some time out and read all 6,932 words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter From A Birmingham Jail. What is (in my opinion) one of the most brilliant and compassionate collection of words ever written, the circumstances that led King to write this letter that day were rooted in the shallow understanding and lukewarm acceptance that many southern white church leaders had regarding the civil rights movement at that time.
King along with many other freedom fighters were being accused by them of precipitating violence and disorder by leading several marches against the racial injustices occurring in Birmingham.
This deeply saddened King, who after being placed under arrest by the Birmingham police, made the decision to unveil his heart to the white church leaders who were upset at his actions. With the love of Christ being the common denominator, he set out to turn his adversaries into his advocates.
His call for unity and an end to injustice was heard around the world. A powerful letter indeed.
This month, we celebrate the 47th anniversary of this powerful letter. Yet, as a young leader, I am sometimes concerned that we as a Body of Christ have yet to achieve the UNITY King aspired to. While I am quite certain that perspectives range on this from person to person, I’d like to suggest this one thought for us all to consider today:
Perhaps it is not UNITY that we should be striving for alone.
But rather DISUNITY as well.
In Isaiah 43:18, these words are found: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” And in Hebrews 10:9, these words are found: “God takes away the first, so that He may establish the second.”
While our country indeed has matured incredibly from its once insidious past as it relates to matters of race, many are still surprised that Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in America. Yet believe it or not, this is in no way a surprise to God. In order to achieve the kind of UNITY God desires for us to have as believers, our churches must examine those things we no longer need to be doing.
How will we ever see what NEW things God has in store for us as believers, if we do not allow Him to challenge us to take away some of the OLD things that keep our churches segregated?
Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our comfortable preferences of worship? Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our methodical forms of preaching? Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from a few of our traditions that may be causing others (of different races or nationalities) to feel unwelcome?
This simple and timeless truth convicts me time after time: CULTURE trumps VISION.
The integrated greatness of our God will always be overshadowed by our culturally segregated safe houses. Culture is indeed something we should celebrate, but it can become dangerous when institutionalized. Narrowing the church's mission as either black or white must come to an end.
Today, I believe God is looking for a grey church. One that has discovered that we can (at times) only gain to the degree that we are willing to let go.
May we all strive for such maturity.
Scripture For The Day: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” - Isaiah 43:18 (NKJV)
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. (Letter From A Birmingham Jail)
Before proceeding any further with this devotional, I encourage you to read over the above quotation once more.
The power of those words most certainly demand it.
More from:
Milan Ford
Eliminate The Noise
Classic Conditioning
Vent Up
Powerful words, don’t you agree?
On yesterday, I took some time out and read all 6,932 words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter From A Birmingham Jail. What is (in my opinion) one of the most brilliant and compassionate collection of words ever written, the circumstances that led King to write this letter that day were rooted in the shallow understanding and lukewarm acceptance that many southern white church leaders had regarding the civil rights movement at that time.
King along with many other freedom fighters were being accused by them of precipitating violence and disorder by leading several marches against the racial injustices occurring in Birmingham.
This deeply saddened King, who after being placed under arrest by the Birmingham police, made the decision to unveil his heart to the white church leaders who were upset at his actions. With the love of Christ being the common denominator, he set out to turn his adversaries into his advocates.
His call for unity and an end to injustice was heard around the world. A powerful letter indeed.
This month, we celebrate the 47th anniversary of this powerful letter. Yet, as a young leader, I am sometimes concerned that we as a Body of Christ have yet to achieve the UNITY King aspired to. While I am quite certain that perspectives range on this from person to person, I’d like to suggest this one thought for us all to consider today:
Perhaps it is not UNITY that we should be striving for alone.
But rather DISUNITY as well.
In Isaiah 43:18, these words are found: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” And in Hebrews 10:9, these words are found: “God takes away the first, so that He may establish the second.”
While our country indeed has matured incredibly from its once insidious past as it relates to matters of race, many are still surprised that Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in America. Yet believe it or not, this is in no way a surprise to God. In order to achieve the kind of UNITY God desires for us to have as believers, our churches must examine those things we no longer need to be doing.
How will we ever see what NEW things God has in store for us as believers, if we do not allow Him to challenge us to take away some of the OLD things that keep our churches segregated?
Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our comfortable preferences of worship? Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our methodical forms of preaching? Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from a few of our traditions that may be causing others (of different races or nationalities) to feel unwelcome?
This simple and timeless truth convicts me time after time: CULTURE trumps VISION.
The integrated greatness of our God will always be overshadowed by our culturally segregated safe houses. Culture is indeed something we should celebrate, but it can become dangerous when institutionalized. Narrowing the church's mission as either black or white must come to an end.
Today, I believe God is looking for a grey church. One that has discovered that we can (at times) only gain to the degree that we are willing to let go.
May we all strive for such maturity.
Scripture For The Day: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” - Isaiah 43:18 (NKJV)
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
Monday, April 26, 2010
Better Together
Better Together
By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
Favoritism and partiality is deadly.
The cancer of favoritism has affected every area of American society. But one of its most deadly victims is God’s church.
Today’s church has allowed this deadly disease of favoritism to separate and divide among many lines, namely along racial lines. Sure, there are generational divides, denominational preferences, gender biases, political divides, class and economic gaps, and other social misalignments. But by far, the most deeply rooted and spiritual disruptive to God’s plan is racial and ethnic exclusivity.
More from:
Overseer Christopher J. Harris
Is Alone Time With God Realistic?
Prayer Is The Launching Pad
The Church Has My Vote
Acts 10:34 says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
This scripture is just as relevant today as it was on the day in which Peter spoke it. Jews and Gentiles were at odds with who could actually have relationship with God. God allowed both Peter and a guy named Cornelius to have visions that coincided with one another. Simply put – God showed both of them that racial, ethnic, and cultural distinctions were not as important as personal character and connection with your heart and God’s plan.
To be honest with you I realize that I am not of the generation that endured or experienced separate water fountains, encountered angry dogs, or awaken to see a cross burning in my yard on a regular basis. Nonetheless, we are still engaged in a real stronghold that has hampered what I believe is one of the final frontiers of the church. That is a harmonious body of believers that are willing to hit the pause button on some of its strongly held cultural preferences for the sake of an undeniable revival that impacts every cultural and racial group.
I was fortunate to live in the state of South Carolina for a couple of years. The day that I moved there was the same day that a major race issue was being addressed. It was quite an eye opener for me and a great life lesson. From the outside looking in, I was quickly learned how little either side was really listening the other. I also learned how little either side was willing to give up. This is harmful for many of today’s Civil Rights and Heritage groups on all sides of the argument. But it is totally disruptive to the kingdom when these two thought processes are brought into the church.
The goal of God’s church, without hesitation, is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to share in such a way that convinces those that have not accepted Him as their personal Savior, to become compelled to do so. This gospel is clearly not just for one racial or cultural group.
The best quote and undeniably a mission statement that may guide all of us in our pursuit to share and embrace the gospel together with every race is Acts 10: 38, “God is no respecter of persons…” These six words transformed the early church in the Book of Acts and if embraced holistically will continue to transform today’s church.
I have seen people from various occupations lay aside their racial and cultural differences to pursue a common goal. I have observed students of different racial hues embrace their similarities to complete a class project. I have listened to panel discussions and read books in which a social platforms were pursued, irrespective of pigmentation, because there was a great cause. If work professionals, students, academicians and public intellectuals can pursue these common denominators, surely the power of Pentecost and the redemptive nature of the life of Jesus can bring us together to share this hope with the world.
So – what do we do? We must be intentional.
Literally, I believe the days of simply hosting summits, creating conversations, producing documentaries, and publishing books is no longer enough. In order to make progressive movement towards a goal of reconciliation, all of our efforts must be strategically intentional. Words and dreams must develop legs and arms that engage in mutual submission to embrace God’s plan for harmony.
We must also be inspiring. There is no misnomer here. Racial reconciliation is hard work. This work is also uncomfortable, draining, and most of all, can be brutal to historical legacies, egos, and racial traditions. But the strategically intentional efforts must be inspiring. A glimpse of the picture of churches that are operating in harmony within and without must be inspiring enough to keep everyone motivated and engaged enough to remain inspired to the cause.
Most of our work towards racial harmony and reconciliation has been more rhetorical than it has been real. I don’t really buy into the argument that I’ve heard of God being color blind as much as I firmly believe that God does not discriminate his blessings based on race. We all must simply decide – we are better together.
Scripture Of The Day: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” - Acts 10:34 (KJV)
Overseer Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, Florida, currently serves as the Youth & College Pastor at Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise in North Carolina. He also serves as the International General Overseer of the Children & Youth Division for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. For more information, visit http://www.cedargrovetop.org.…
By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
Favoritism and partiality is deadly.
The cancer of favoritism has affected every area of American society. But one of its most deadly victims is God’s church.
Today’s church has allowed this deadly disease of favoritism to separate and divide among many lines, namely along racial lines. Sure, there are generational divides, denominational preferences, gender biases, political divides, class and economic gaps, and other social misalignments. But by far, the most deeply rooted and spiritual disruptive to God’s plan is racial and ethnic exclusivity.
More from:
Overseer Christopher J. Harris
Is Alone Time With God Realistic?
Prayer Is The Launching Pad
The Church Has My Vote
Acts 10:34 says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
This scripture is just as relevant today as it was on the day in which Peter spoke it. Jews and Gentiles were at odds with who could actually have relationship with God. God allowed both Peter and a guy named Cornelius to have visions that coincided with one another. Simply put – God showed both of them that racial, ethnic, and cultural distinctions were not as important as personal character and connection with your heart and God’s plan.
To be honest with you I realize that I am not of the generation that endured or experienced separate water fountains, encountered angry dogs, or awaken to see a cross burning in my yard on a regular basis. Nonetheless, we are still engaged in a real stronghold that has hampered what I believe is one of the final frontiers of the church. That is a harmonious body of believers that are willing to hit the pause button on some of its strongly held cultural preferences for the sake of an undeniable revival that impacts every cultural and racial group.
I was fortunate to live in the state of South Carolina for a couple of years. The day that I moved there was the same day that a major race issue was being addressed. It was quite an eye opener for me and a great life lesson. From the outside looking in, I was quickly learned how little either side was really listening the other. I also learned how little either side was willing to give up. This is harmful for many of today’s Civil Rights and Heritage groups on all sides of the argument. But it is totally disruptive to the kingdom when these two thought processes are brought into the church.
The goal of God’s church, without hesitation, is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to share in such a way that convinces those that have not accepted Him as their personal Savior, to become compelled to do so. This gospel is clearly not just for one racial or cultural group.
The best quote and undeniably a mission statement that may guide all of us in our pursuit to share and embrace the gospel together with every race is Acts 10: 38, “God is no respecter of persons…” These six words transformed the early church in the Book of Acts and if embraced holistically will continue to transform today’s church.
I have seen people from various occupations lay aside their racial and cultural differences to pursue a common goal. I have observed students of different racial hues embrace their similarities to complete a class project. I have listened to panel discussions and read books in which a social platforms were pursued, irrespective of pigmentation, because there was a great cause. If work professionals, students, academicians and public intellectuals can pursue these common denominators, surely the power of Pentecost and the redemptive nature of the life of Jesus can bring us together to share this hope with the world.
So – what do we do? We must be intentional.
Literally, I believe the days of simply hosting summits, creating conversations, producing documentaries, and publishing books is no longer enough. In order to make progressive movement towards a goal of reconciliation, all of our efforts must be strategically intentional. Words and dreams must develop legs and arms that engage in mutual submission to embrace God’s plan for harmony.
We must also be inspiring. There is no misnomer here. Racial reconciliation is hard work. This work is also uncomfortable, draining, and most of all, can be brutal to historical legacies, egos, and racial traditions. But the strategically intentional efforts must be inspiring. A glimpse of the picture of churches that are operating in harmony within and without must be inspiring enough to keep everyone motivated and engaged enough to remain inspired to the cause.
Most of our work towards racial harmony and reconciliation has been more rhetorical than it has been real. I don’t really buy into the argument that I’ve heard of God being color blind as much as I firmly believe that God does not discriminate his blessings based on race. We all must simply decide – we are better together.
Scripture Of The Day: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” - Acts 10:34 (KJV)
Overseer Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, Florida, currently serves as the Youth & College Pastor at Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise in North Carolina. He also serves as the International General Overseer of the Children & Youth Division for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. For more information, visit http://www.cedargrovetop.org.…
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Most Segregated Day of The Week
The Most Segregated Day of the Week
By Scott Williams
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best nearly 40 years ago, when he said "We must face the sad fact that at 11 o'clock on Sunday morning, when we stand to sing... we stand in the most segregated hour in America."
It's hard to believe that same statement still rings true today for both traditional "African American" and "White" Churches. Although the local church continues to be relevant, it is still one of the most segregated institutions in American culture.
More from:
Scott WilliamsThe Church in general does not have a problem worshiping God with people who might not look like them. However, if you put a truth serum in church attendees, church diversity is one of those uncomfortable, black elephant in the room topics that people really don't want to discuss.
When people talk about race, diversity, or racial reconciliation, a general a non-minority response will sound something like: "I don't have a problem with race, I don't even pay attention" or "I voted for Obama, I have a good friend who is black, I have a pair of black boots, and I even have a colored TV."
Maybe not the last two (LOL), but you get the picture.
It's important for the church to understand the difference between EMBRACING diversity and TOLERATING diversity. By definition, tolerating means to put up with or endure without prohibition. Embracing is to take or receive gladly, eagerly or willingly.
There is a huge difference between the two! It boils down to intentionality and heart. If we are to fulfill The Great Commission and "go and make disciples of all nations", we need to be intentional and prepare our hearts to embrace diversity.
When you look in the book of Matthew, specifically when Jesus taught his disciples to pray, let us remember two key verses: Matthew 6:9-10 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
We know that heaven will not be segregated; as a matter of fact heaven will personify the beauty of diversity. Shouldn't the church on earth be the same? I understand the local church should be of some representation of the local community, however, that does not stop the heart of the church leadership and congregation to be one that truly embraces diversity.
If we plan for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, Sunday cannot continue to be the most segregated day of the week. Check your heart and check yourself!
Scripture Of The Day: "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:6v.
Scott Williams is the Campus Pastor for the NW Oklahoma City Campus of LifeChurch.tv, recently voted as the Most Innovative Church In America by Outreach Magazine. A devoted husband and father of two boys, you can find Scott blogging at http://www.bigisthenewsmall.com.
By Scott Williams
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best nearly 40 years ago, when he said "We must face the sad fact that at 11 o'clock on Sunday morning, when we stand to sing... we stand in the most segregated hour in America."
It's hard to believe that same statement still rings true today for both traditional "African American" and "White" Churches. Although the local church continues to be relevant, it is still one of the most segregated institutions in American culture.
More from:
Scott WilliamsThe Church in general does not have a problem worshiping God with people who might not look like them. However, if you put a truth serum in church attendees, church diversity is one of those uncomfortable, black elephant in the room topics that people really don't want to discuss.
When people talk about race, diversity, or racial reconciliation, a general a non-minority response will sound something like: "I don't have a problem with race, I don't even pay attention" or "I voted for Obama, I have a good friend who is black, I have a pair of black boots, and I even have a colored TV."
Maybe not the last two (LOL), but you get the picture.
It's important for the church to understand the difference between EMBRACING diversity and TOLERATING diversity. By definition, tolerating means to put up with or endure without prohibition. Embracing is to take or receive gladly, eagerly or willingly.
There is a huge difference between the two! It boils down to intentionality and heart. If we are to fulfill The Great Commission and "go and make disciples of all nations", we need to be intentional and prepare our hearts to embrace diversity.
When you look in the book of Matthew, specifically when Jesus taught his disciples to pray, let us remember two key verses: Matthew 6:9-10 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
We know that heaven will not be segregated; as a matter of fact heaven will personify the beauty of diversity. Shouldn't the church on earth be the same? I understand the local church should be of some representation of the local community, however, that does not stop the heart of the church leadership and congregation to be one that truly embraces diversity.
If we plan for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, Sunday cannot continue to be the most segregated day of the week. Check your heart and check yourself!
Scripture Of The Day: "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:6v.
Scott Williams is the Campus Pastor for the NW Oklahoma City Campus of LifeChurch.tv, recently voted as the Most Innovative Church In America by Outreach Magazine. A devoted husband and father of two boys, you can find Scott blogging at http://www.bigisthenewsmall.com.
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