ves Matter, who incites and organizes in order to protest police actions prior to any kind of investigation but then conveniently ignores the much greater violence occurring daily in the inner cities of Chicago, Detroit, or Oakland only further reveals an agenda rather than truly caring about any particular life or anything constructive. To God, all lives matter.
Racism of any form is foreign and has no place in those who truly follow Jesus. Jesus came to redeem everyone. The Biblical worldview rightly understands that all were created in the image of God. Black humans reflect that image just as beautifully as the white humans. In Christ there is no difference. To emphasize race as anything more than the result of a creative God who loved to create with variety rather than monochromatic boredom is to truly fail to understand God. This same God who created with such incredible diversity, is also the God who hates injustice. He hates the oppression of the poor and He hates revenge.
As I contemplate the chaos and division that the evil one has used and is using so effectively in our country, I am drawn to Matt 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Peacemakers are not a group of individuals who go around making peace; rather Jesus was talking about the qualities and characteristics of Kingdom people. That is people who follow Him and will indeed be rewarded by Him. They will be the ones who make peace. If we follow Christ we should all be peacemakers. We have a unique opportunity. Speak words of peace, deescalate the rhetoric, emphasize love, and embrace all humans. Insist on justice from our government and reject those who would use division as a means to obtain power. Pray for our country.
This week we will be talking about Vision 2020 and the importance of fellowship. I hope you come and are encouraged by what the church can do.
God bless,
Pastor Chris
