A Gospel that transcends barriers

God of all

We stress as a church the message of the Gospel is for all.

Good in theory but sometimes difficult in application

personal biases

cultural biases

theological stances

Message of the Nativity/Incarnation

God came to save humanity

most level headed Christians would agree Christianity is for all.

But when application comes into play…faced with discomfort...cultural and personal biases impede the process.

In the days following Nativity the church emphasizes the acts of Christ which brought down barriers, allowing the work of salvation to be spread to all.

Jews and gentiles

Jews didn’t want gentiles to join the faith

Theological stance on circumcision

Personal and Cultural biases

Jesus Transcends boundaries

Theological premise for the universality of the Gospel for all humans

Jesus was circumcised in order to fulfill the law.

Feast of Circumcision celebrates the fulfillment of the Law allowing the law of Grace to be applied.

Romans 15:8–9 NKJV

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Bridging personal and cultural biases

Pentecost of the gentiles

experience of Paul and Barnabas with gentiles was pivotal in breaking through personal and cultural biases against them.

Acts 15:3 NKJV

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

The gentiles ‘grew on’ Paul and Barnabas. God affirmed their services through mighty works.

Feast of circumcision serves to remind us that Christ came to save everyone and did what was necessary to bring all people (Jews and gentiles) to himself.

As a church we need to follow suit in bridging barriers between others and the gospel.

Be reminded that God came to save all and took the necessary steps

Draw close to those that we share the gospel with in order help bridge personal and cultural biases.