It seems that some people (not all) are going crazy mixing up some idea of "social justice" based on skin color with the Gospel, and adding a work of our own justice as part of the Gospel.
Christ satisfied the justice of God on the cross for those who are His.
Sure, we need to grow in sanctification and believers are to have unity in Christ, but we can't demand some other form of justice as needed for the Gospel on top of what has already been accomplished.
Accusing each other of "racism" or "privilege" or any other guilting by skin color or ethnicity is more likely to cause bitterness to pop up its ugly head.
Accusing each other of "racism" or "privilege" or any other guilting by skin color or ethnicity is more likely to cause bitterness to pop up its ugly head.
We also need to remember that just because someone of a certain shade may have been mean to us or our ancestors, it doesn't mean that everybody that shade or nationality is guilty or that what was done was always motivated by a hatred of your color or ethnicity.
Assuming someone did something based on hatred of skin color without factual knowledge is wrong no matter who does it.
Assuming someone did something based on hatred of skin color without factual knowledge is wrong no matter who does it.
Also, if your ancestors actually were bigoted and had slaves, that doesn't make you guilty today of what your ancestors did.
Think back further, that slavery hasn't been just a white and black thing, and it's not just something that happened in America.
All people have Adam as our federal head to begin with. We are all related to each other after all.
Believers are forgiven in Christ. If we personally sin, then we confess our sins to God and to whoever we personally hurt.
Many churches had a blend of shades & cultural backgrounds, although some people of other shades did not seem to have a separate culture.
Where I live now, there happens to be less diversity in the population. There is also a somewhat different culture here in TN than in CA. Yes, even in different states, there are different cultures.
God grows His church, and we don't have to worry about percentages of color or whatever.
Where I live now, there happens to be less diversity in the population. There is also a somewhat different culture here in TN than in CA. Yes, even in different states, there are different cultures.
God grows His church, and we don't have to worry about percentages of color or whatever.
People can have the same shade of skin and have completely different cultures, but really, true Christians should focus on what we have in common as believers and not try to play politics with a church or its leadership.
God has leaders raised up, and we don't have to feel guilty if not every single ethnic background is represented.
If someone who is a believer is actually personally treating someone sinfully (and not just a felt perception of it), then they should personally be confronted in love in the manner the Scripture says.
"The world is not your parish. The culture is not your job. Feed the flock of God, and they will, when they become like Christ, affect their world."
John MacArthur
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 NASB
If someone who is a believer is actually personally treating someone sinfully (and not just a felt perception of it), then they should personally be confronted in love in the manner the Scripture says.
"The world is not your parish. The culture is not your job. Feed the flock of God, and they will, when they become like Christ, affect their world."
John MacArthur
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 NASB
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