Title: The False Perspective of Segregation
Text: Acts 11.1-18
Intro: While answering questions of a potential church calling, one of that church’s members asked me if I would ever allow a black person in that church. I answered yes, they need Jesus too. Another member then asked why God separated the cultures to their own parts of the World.
I explained that people grouped together will share characteristics.
The questioning upset me very much, because a person’s race has nothing to do with whether they accept God or not. It has to do with what they do with Christ, and that’s all that truly matters.
The Jews had a similar problem with racism. They didn’t want to accept that someone of another culture belonged in what they considered to be their world. But the truth was that the no longer belonged to a different culture, as their culture and identity were now in Christ!
I. The False Perspective (1-3)
Acts 11:1-3 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea 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.
These Jews didn’t know why Peter went in with Gentiles! They were appalled.
- While these had problem with someone going to another race, some today have problem of another race coming to them. (E.g. Church segregation happening still)
- In NT Times, As churches came about and gentiles were saved, they would all go to church together, based on the area in which they lived!
- Often someone’s opposition to the inclusion of another race is the result of perceptions being off. There’s something in the bigger picture that the person isn’t getting.
- God opened the path of salvation to ALL people!
- We are all the same people. We all share Adam’s blood!
- This is also a situation where what others think about the issue shouldn’t matter: Only God. Peter messed up later on this one, and Paul actually had to set him straight.
Galatians 2:11-12 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.
- Here is an example of BOTH Jew and Gentile needing to worship together and neither one be forbidden! Race didn’t matter, and it still shouldn’t! Christ links us!
Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
- Some may attend services with their own race simply for the reason of God’s leadership to be there, worship style, location, perhaps even comfort. Of course this is fine, so long as the reason isn’t because they aren’t WELCOME somewhere else!
II. The Testimony (4-17)
Acts 11:4-17 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch 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?
Peter told how the things that happened came to be.
- Our testimonies can combat ignorance!
- Don’t call common someone God has cleansed!
- Remember what he told the people in the event itself?
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
- “Could I withstand God?” Peter reasoned with these people for the sake of the truth.
III. The Acceptance (18)
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Once they learned the truth, they accepted the glorious fact that the gospel was for everyone!
- I think these people should be commended in that once they knew the truth, they not only accepted it, but rejoiced in it!
- If Christ would welcome someone, then his church had better welcome them too!
Conclusion: Even today, the inability to accept the inclusion of other races is often out of ignorance. Let us behold and share the truth of God, and shatter this ignorance. Remember: our identity isn’t in a skin color, but in Christ!
