Galatians 2:11-13 “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabus also was carried away with their dissimulation.”
Acts 11:1-3, 17-18 “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them … Foreasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
Acts 15:7-11 “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Racism and prejudice appeared in the early Christian church. This shameful bias raised its ugly head even among the apostles as they wrestled with Gentiles coming to salvation through Christ. Fortunately, the truths of God’s universal love quickly won the day!
God’s love through Christ sees no boundaries between people. He puts no distinction between us and other believers who may be different than us. He loved the world so much that He gave His Son to pay the sacrifice for all.
Equality was God’s design through creation – God made a choice among us that all should hear the word of the gospel and believe. It is His universal gift to a creation made in His image. Who are we to withstand God’s plan? Who are we to tempt God?
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO SHOW THE POWER OF GOD’S UNIVERSAL LOVE THROUGH OUR WITNESS AND THROUGH OUR FELLOWSHIP. When you see someone different than you, remember this one important truth – in God’s creation there is no difference between us and them.
