The Multi-Ethnic Church

Introduction

Tension between not getting caught up in every little contemporary debate vs. helping you think biblically about all those things

CofC have focused on being the NT church — but are we?

UCC wants to look like Jesus — but do we fully look like the body of Christ?

Context of Acts 10 — Cornelius’ vision + Peter’s vision + church stuck in Judea/Samaria

Read Acts 10:34-48

Read Acts 11:19-26

Explanation

This is when the church goes fully multi-ethnic.

Halfway got there with the Samaritans

The multi-ethnic nature of the church has always been part of God’s plan. (10:43)

Faith is not adherence to Jewish law. Faith is trust in the Messiah of Israel.

Abraham’s children are not ethnic Jews. Abraham’s children are believers in the Messiah. ( — can’t believe Tucker Carlson is a recommended theologian on this)Romans 11

() This has always been the planIsaiah 49:6

The multi-ethnic nature of the church is a distinct feature of Christianity. (11:26)

On the faith side, the gospel message itself is unique.

On the inward side, the fruit of the Spirit distinguishes us.

On the outward side, our ability to contextualize based on the culture.

Islam is not like that. Hinduism is not like that. Buddhism is not like that.

This is what takes us from a Jewish sect to “Christians"

The multi-ethnic nature of the church is rooted in God’s love for all peoples. (10:34)

Is is something that is redeemed—turned beautiful from Babel to the new earth. ()Rev. 5:9-10

DEI was not the world’s idea ()Gal. 3:26-29

The multi-ethnic nature of the church is not an end, but a means to an end—Jesus getting the praise he deserves from peoples of all nations, tribes, and languages. (10:42)

Not diversity for diversity’s sake

ICOC being multi-ethnic because they evangelized without discrimination

Reconciling blacks and whites in America is important, but if that’s all it is, our vision is too small

Frustrations at Lipscomb with diversity and a lack of focus on missions

I’ve (personally) never met a racist missionary, but have meet plenty of people focused on racial reconciliation who don’t care about making disciples

Exhortation

Don’t merely hear the Word; do what it says.

At times this can be overwhelming, because I can’t possibly do it all — adopt orphans, care for the homeless, feed the hungry, etc.

But I can do something, and I should focus on the most pressing issues in my community, which here is welcoming strangers.

Go to international coffee hour or sign up for TIF (join GroupMe)