The Centenary Connexion - June 20

One in Christ

We celebrated Pentecost two weeks ago. A snapshot of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost would have shown men, women, and children of many nationalities and languages, people of diverse skin colors, adherents of Judaism, Roman and Greek mystery cults, and perhaps some with no religion at all. First-century Jerusalem was a mosaic of merchants and farmers, rich and poor, free and enslaved, able and disabled, young and old. Among all the straight folks, there were no doubt LGBTQ folks as well.

The Holy Spirit descended upon this diverse and unique group of human beings, filling

and empowering the disciples to proclaim the Gospel of God’s love in Christ. From that

incredible mix of people, three thousand were moved to become Christians.

If you read the second chapter of the Book of Acts, you won’t find any restrictions or

qualifications given to the crowd. EVERYONE was invited to follow Jesus; no one was

excluded.

Yet in 21st century America, Sunday morning is the most segregated time of the week.

People from all groups and classifications work together during the week, shop in the

same stores, and drive on the same roads. Yet, on Sunday, we withdraw into enclaves

of people like ourselves and somehow believe this pleases God.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion may have become a modern political litmus test, but

make no mistake: The idea of unity through diversity wasn’t the brainchild of “liberals.”

It’s neither a new idea nor a human insight. It’s been God’s intention since the beginning

to draw all people to Himself, leaving no one behind, no matter what we think of their

race, class, gender, or any other label we use to keep them away from grace.

The Apostle Paul faced prejudice of every sort in the early Church, and he didn’t

hesitate to name it and tell the truth about the kind of community God wants us to create

and sustain. Sunday, I’ll preach from Galatians 3:23-29. Check your political biases at

the door and come hear God’s word on the matter.

Pastor Vann