Red and Yellow, Black and White

The Word

Red and Yellow, Black and White (Eph 2:11-22)

In Paul’s description of the Church in Ephesians 2, he explained that Jesus’ cross broke down sinful, ethnic boundaries we established.  How are we to combat racism within the Body of Christ?

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.