TENSE MOMENTS IN CHURCH/STATE RELATIONS   (Number 3)
 

The Problem of Race

 

  1.  Our racial heritage is a part of who we are.  We can change our opinions or start a new life, but if we are discriminated against because of race, there is nothing we can do.

    With the Holy Spirit in control the Jesus people cross the race divide and move around the world accepting one racial form – the human race.
     
  2. Read the story in Acts 10: 1-48; 11:1-18.  The apostle Peter pays a house call on senior officer of the Roman Army of Occupation at its Headquarters in Caesaria. Cornelius, a cultivated Roman gentleman, is fascinated by the lofty concepts of One  Holy God and His law, but will not become an Israelite.  So he gives to the  Synagogue and its people, but that’s it.
     
  3. Peter begins to explain the Jesus story, and again is gripped by its wonder and power.  Then the most amazing thing happens.  These Romans respond exactly as the Jerusalem Israelites did at Pentecost.  They are baptized which is now the mark being a member of the household of God.
     
  4. Over the centuries Church and State have contended over this issue of race, not always in disagreement.  Note the White Australia Policy.
    For the Jesus people there is this memory of when, with the Holy Spirit in charge,  racial differences were put aside, God’s gift of His Spirit makes every recipient a  member of His household without distinction.

    Rev. Graydon Swain

 

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