Courageous Convos Panel

Introduction

Why this series?

Article: majority of anglo churches ignoring the racial divide

Ephesians 3:1–13 ESV

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Mystery of Christ and his kingdom - Gentiles - former sworn enemies are part of the kingdom. Big picture: Christ is uniting all of creating with God and one another.

Is a matter of discipleship

Following Jesus and overcoming our obstacles that trip us up - like the things we’ve been talking about this series.

To do so is unhealthy and shallow on our part

Prophetic witness to the demonic forces that are opposed to the kingdom and the world in which those forces are creating division.

Can’t ignore the life situations and perspectives of others as we make disciples. Jesus didn’t do that and neither did the early church.

Important for us to listen and be willing to go deep.

Justin Coleman

African American Pastor at University UMC, Chapel Hill, NC.

Bramwel Massasabi

YFC family member, immigrant from Kenya.

Tamara Fyke

Creator of Love in a Big World which provides curriculum, professional development, student assemblies, and family resources for schools and faith based organizations and a mom of 3 adopted bi-racial children.

Wrap