Racism

I just started a new Sunday night series entitled, "Biblical Ethics in an Unbiblical World." Our first topic was racism. In the Deep South, it is alive and well. Sadly, the most segregated places that I've noticed are the churches. People work, shop, and play together; but they do not worship together. Thank God we've broken through that barrier in our school, and we're working toward it in our church.

Let me share a few points from last Sunday night:
1) I want to thank my friend, Senator Gerald Malloy, for having a part in our service and sharing his thoughts on racism in Darlington County. Gerald keeps encouraging me to swap pulpits with some of the black preachers in our community and I hope to do so soon.

2) God only created one race -- the human race. Gen. 1:26-27 says both male and female (not red, yellow, black, or white) were created in God's image.

3) God gave instructions for people to care for foreigners. (Lev. 19:33-34) Jonah preached in Ninevah, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, Philip baptized the Ethopian, and Paul carried the Gospel to the Gentiles. God loves all people.

4) We know that King Solomon had a black wife. (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)

5) God did prohibit interracial marriage (Gen 28:6), but not due to skin color. This mandate was to protect His people from worshipping the gods of those outside of Israel. Notice His fury when they did (Num. 25:1-5).

6) While man focuses on skin color, God focuses on the heart. Sadly, many believers are more worried about skin color than doctrinal purity. Too many professing Christians are marrying unbelievers. Others marry "believers," but then attend churches of unsound doctrine. I could actually make a better case against interdenominational marriage than I can about interracial marriage.

7) Having said all of that, there are still many bridges to cross in America (especially in the Deep South), so many who choose an interracial marriage will encounter opposition.