Good day dear readers! Racism is a huge sin in this world; not just in the USA! As it’s festering and raising its ugly head again, I will share what I found at http://www.destinyimage.com [full web address after Kelly Varner’s quotes] and some verses from the Bible.
James Goll points out that the three persons of the Holy Trinity are one; they complement each other without competing, jealousy or covetousness. Most of us, even if we call ourselves Christian, are far away from the oneness of Father, Son and Spirit with our neighbors and fellow Believers. People say, “Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.”
As pastor and author Kelley Varner writes, “God hates racism in any form—it is sin. Racism is rooted in degeneracy, pride, superior attitudes, ignorance, and fear. Unregenerate Adamic flesh is the soil from which racism springs. Included here are pride of place (social status),
pride of face (physical attributes),
pride of grace (religious or denominational traditions),
and pride of race (based on skin color or ethnicity). “
Kelley Varner, The Three Prejudices https://www.destinyimage.com/2020/07/02/americas-greatest-generational-sin/?
As for me, I think my social status is middle-class, my physical attributes white European; maybe WASP. I trace my roots back to Germany where I’m sure there were a few Huns in the bloodline, European Ashkenazi Jews, and Scotland where we are from the Douglas and Bowes clans, most likely related to “Brave Heart” (or at least fought with him). As far as denominations and religious traditions, I grew up in a Presbyterian church with many proud “Denominationalists” to learn from, then moved to a Spirit filled church that came from a Mennonite church. I now am part of an independent Charismatic church. Over the years I have been prideful in the fact I can sing, I read my Bible, and am filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. But what do I have that God did not give me? Where does pride have a leg to stand on when the ground is level at the cross?
Jesus prayed to the Father for us;
John 3:12 … that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
What does the Bible say about race relations?
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And again Paul says:
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Let us drop all that divides us and come together. Until each of us sees others as God sees us, until we all accept that every person on earth has intrinsic worth. Because all humans have an eternal soul and blood running through their veins; all of it red. Let us strive to outdo each other in brotherly and sisterly love, preferring others above ourselves. and heed Jesus’ command:
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus... Until we meet again, I pray Shalom over you all dear readers. Amen.
Musings along life's journey 