FORERUNNER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP STUART GREAVES

The Gospel Witness in the Midst of Racial Conflict (Mt 24:14)

The Gospel Witness in the Midst of Racial Conflict (Mt 24:14)

14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and
then the end will come. Mt. 24:14

I. EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AS OUR WORLDVIEW

A. In Mt. 24 Jesus describes the global landscape of the generation of His return. The primary burden
of this passage is the growing presence of deception that causes hearts to grow cold refusing to turn
to God and people in love. Jesus makes it clear that this deception comes from social messengers
who seek to connect our hearts with a different narrative rather than the gospel.

B. The Holy Spirit is delivering the Bride of Jesus from her political idolatry and options. Liberal and
conservative politics are slowly but surely becoming the new religion and it is like the clash of the
Titans in which the church, caught in the middle of the storm, is being forced to choose sides. Both
sides of the political spectrum feel a sense of moral superiority rooted in self-justification. Jesus
warns against deception which according to the gospel is simply that which bolsters self, the
primary issue the gospel confronts through the cross.

C. A religion is that which has your heart and the social pressure are exposing fissures in our souls.
Under the Fathers leadership the mounting social pressure must result in deep reflection on Christ
towards the formation of a gospel response in the heart (Gal. 4:19), in speech and deed (Mt. 24:14).

D. The religion of politics is the religion and the narrative of blame, the thing the gospel frees us from
(Eph. 1:4). Blame by nature is self justifying and it does not produce a turning in the heart namely a
Christ justified heart, a heart that works out the righteousness of Christ rather than our own.
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they

would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings. Jer. 23:21-22

E. In the current social debate it is striking how many historical icons are referenced but a small
number reference Jesus Christ, the apostles and the prophets. It is imperative that we have a biblical
perspective of the various dynamics that are taking place in this nation and the nations of the earth.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord. 6 And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children
to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse. Mal. 4:6

F. Our only hope is to study, meditate on and live (abiding) in the Word of God. We must set our heart
to grow in the gospel with a renewed focus, to understand it, live it generously and proclaim it
confidently. It is the only way for us to discern the truth.
but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of
the people who understand shall instruct manythey shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity
and plundering they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue.
Dn. 11:32-34

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II. DEVELOPING A BIBLICAL PARADIGM OF A DIVERSE WORSHIP COMMUNITY IN

LOVE

A. Premise: The way forward in this is by recognizing passages that clearly address this issue and to
interpret them as such and apply them prophetically in our present contexts.

B. The paradigm for forming a multi-ethic community of worship in love is clearly depicted in the
New Man reality, which is the pinnacle manifestation of the multi-ethic community of worship in
love before the Lord. The principles laid out here are powerfully applicable to the joining of Gentile
people groups.

C. Developing a biblical paradigm will help us overcome the temptation to politicize, trivialize or
sentimentalize the issue of ethnic diversity.

D. There is a clear message of the joining of ethnic groups in the gospel. The presence of racial divide
in the church today is a manifestation of either:

1. The limited and partial understanding of the apostolic gospel

2. The minimal but growing presence of the apostolic lifestyle

III. UNDERSTANDING THE 1ST CENTURYS RACIAL MILIEU

16. andthat He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting
to death the enmity. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Eph.
2:16-18

A. Acts 19:34 shows that there was deep hostility and animosity amongst the Jews and the Gentiles in
the city of Ephesus (see Acts 19:33-34).

B. It is essential to consider the context to which Ephesians was written as Paul was writing in a social
context in which there were deep racial tensions, and it came from both Jews and Gentiles (see Acts
22:19-23).

C. The power and message of the cross breaks down racial divides as God came through the person of
Christ Jesus to grant all people access to Gods presence. Every nation, tribe and tongue is invited
into sonship (Eph. 2:18, 3:15).

D. The issue of racism is about the issue of worship. The fullness of God comes to the family called by
Gods name in unity and worship. Ethnic divide keeps this reality from happening. The worship that
God desires is worship that flows from every nation, tribe and tongue in the embrace of one another
in Christ Jesus.

E. The apostolic gospel called for the removing of barriers both religious and sociological. The gospel
of Jesus Christ is spiritual, social and political in its scope.1

1
The Epistle to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians by F.F. Bruce NICNT pg. 295-296

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IV. THE CHURCH JESUS IS BUILDING A NATIONAL AND GLOBAL WITNESS

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the
gates of Hades shall not prevail against it Mt. 16:18

A. Jesus declared that His mission is to build the church. The prophet Daniel is shown that all that
which takes place under Gods leadership is toward that aimthe kingdom (see Dn. 7). It is the
Fathers plan for the church to be the full expression of His personality, power and purpose.
... the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Eph. 1:22-23

B. The greater concern in this hour is not the greatness of our nation but the building and the
preparation of a pure, spotless and racially unified bridethe church. The nations rise and fall
under Gods leadership as He creates a national, global context that will produce the maximum out
of the church in every generation.
21 toHim be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eph. 3:21

V. A GLOBAL MULTI-ETHNIC FAMILY OF AFFECTION: THE GLORY OF JESUS

INHERITANCE

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:20-21

And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For
You were slain, and have redeemed (purchased) us to God by your blood out of every tribe and
tongue and people and nation, 10 and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall
reign on the earth. Rev 5:9-10

A. The beauties of Christs inheritance (Eph. 1:18) consist of a people who are voluntary lovers, a
worshipping bride, who emerges from every nation, tribe and tongue (Eph. 1:4; 5:27, 32). Jesus
purchased possession is a global multi-ethnic family of affection, in whom His fullness will dwell
(Eph. 3:15).

B. The Godhead is zealous concerning this issue. Jesus at the end of the age will contend through
judgments and revival (taking the scroll & opening its seals) for the purpose of His Father
receiving the inheritance (Rev. 21:3) that He desires for Himselfa people of every nation tribe
and tongue. The Father desires a diverse people who would rule and reign (kings) with Him in love
(priests) in the earth forever.

C. Jesus, through the breaking of the seals, will administer the Fathers judgment to remove everything
that hinders love. The Great Tribulation will in part help forge a multi-ethnic family of affection.
The pressures of the Great tribulation will form and fashion a holy multi-ethic brotherhood
worldwide.
17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov. 17:17

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VI. BREAKING THE CEILING: THE MULTI-ETHNIC HABITATION OF GOD

21in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in
whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Eph. 2:21-22

A. Jesus as the divine architect is building a multi-ethnic dwelling place for His Father in keeping with
the Fathers blueprint (mystery). God desires that this building be made up of living stones from
every nation, tribe and tongue.

B. The Father desires that the nations through Christ Jesus fall in love with one another in the grace of
God. God promised that through Christ Jesus the nations would be a part of the same body
inheriting the same promises, first to the Jew and then to the Gentilethe fullness of Him.

C. The wall of hostility that kept people groups, Jew and Gentile, from dwelling together has been torn
down. Now in Christ (2:13, 17, 18) they have become the dwelling of God. All of human history is
Jesus, through the Spirit of Might (Eph. 3), forging together people groups who are naturally hostile
towards one another into the dwelling place of God unto the fullness of Gods glory and love
expressed foreverEph. 2:22; 3:19.

D. The bride will love one another in the fullness of the 2nd commandment. There will be no blame, no
judgment towards one another. At the very pinnacle of eternity, the most adversarial people in the
grace of God will be unified, with deep affection and love.
16 that He would grant you (Jew and Gentile) to be strengthened with might through His
Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted
and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all (Jew and Gentile) the saints the love
of Christ which passes knowledge; that you (One New Man) may be filled with all the fullness of
God. Eph. 3:16-19

VII. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY - THE EFFECTIVE WORKING OF HIS POWER

A. Ch. 1 of Ephesians emphasizes the eternal destiny of the Church whereas Ch. 2 unfolds the beauties
of Gods inheritance. The emphasis of Ch. 3 is on the effective and sure work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul highlights the operation of the power of the Holy Spirit unto bringing the people of God into
their destiny (Ch. 1) and God obtaining His inheritance (Ch. 2).

B. Ephesians 3 shows us the activity of the Holy Spirit in establishing this international family. Paul
here highlights four basic activities of the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, reveals the mystery (Eph. 3:3).

2. The Holy Spirit releases the anointing (grace) to proclaim (Eph. 3:8).

3. The Holy Spirit releases might in the inner-man unto walking out the mystery (Eph. 3:16).

4. The Holy Spirit imparts the revelation of the love of God to our emotions (Eph. 3:17-19).

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VIII. THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM: A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Lk. 2:14
A. One of the central cadences of the gospel life is the breaking down of ethnic hostilities and
suspicions and the impulse of unity and harmony. John Piper

B. The dynamics of racial justice and reconciliation is a subject that needs to be taken out of the
political realm and understood through the narrative of the kingdomthe gospel.

C. The Holy Spirit wants to give the church a holistic understanding of what it means for Jesus to be
the Christ or the Messiah so that the church can have a holistic understanding of the gospel.

D. The Messiah, Jesus, is both a personal as well a socio-political deliver. The angel Gabriel told
Joseph that Jesus would deliver people from their sins (Mt. 1:21) and set up a just socio-political
infrastructure (Lk. 1:31-33). The gospel calls for the transformation of souls and the transformation
of society.

IX. CULTIVATING GRACE TO STEWARD THE MYSTERY EPHESIANS 3:2, 6-10

2 if
indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you
Eph. 3:2

A. Paul here speaks of having received a stewardship in regard to the mystery of God. This means that
He was entrusted with a message. The Father of glory by revelation gives Paul insight into that
which is near and dear to the holy heart of Godthe mystery of the gospel.

B. The stewardship of Paul included:

1. Night and day intercession concerning the mystery (Eph. 1:17-19; Eph. 3:16-19; Col. 1:9-13)

2. To declare and unfold the mystery to the saints by giving instruction (Eph. 3:8)

3. To be faithful in holding the line concerning the mystery even unto imprisonment (3:1, 13; 4:1)
faithful witness
This grace was given, that I should preach the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph. 3:8)

C. Paul was commissioned to declare the mystery showing Gods heart for unity among ethnic groups
under His Sons leadership. He was given the grace to declare:

1. Christs unsearchable riches and His eternal plan

2. The church is equipped to walk in the full expression of Godfullness

3. Powers and principalities (good and evil) gain insight into the mystery (3:10)

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X. RACIAL UNITY IN THE CHURCH: A MATTER OF GOSPEL PRIORITY

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom Mt. 24:7
A. One of the central cadences of the gospel life is the breaking down of ethnic hostilities and
suspicions and the impulse of unity and harmony. John Piper

B. Much of the theological perspective of the church in the West has failed to recognize this as a
theological priority. This is evidenced by either the silence or the subtle discarding of the subject.
We have to look at the scripture and find our way forward and make the subject of racial hostilities
a matter of gospel priority as seen in the Scriptures. The solving of racial tension is not a matter of
politics but rather it is an issue of the gospel.

C. The gospel in the Western world has been mostly spiritualized and individualized and thus ignores
its very strong call to racial unity and justice. Therefore, we need to embrace the rigor of adapting
new paradigms or lenses and ponder the cultural and social context in which Jesus and the apostles
spoke (I.e. Lk. 9:51-55; 10:25-37; Jn. 4:1-27; Ac. 6:1-4; 10:1-11, 18; 13:1-3; 15:1-17; 21:27-30;
22:21-23; Rm. 12:7-21(context is Gentile attitude towards Jews - Rm. 11:15-26); Rm. 14:1, 19;
15:5-6; Gal. 2:11-21; 3:26-29; Eph. 2:14-4:32; Col. 3:11-15).

D. Our focus firstly needs to be on us as a spiritual family in the way we relate with one another across
the cultures. Secondly, it is the end-time church overcoming racial tension in her midst that will
result in power evangelism. My friend Randy Curtis said, The world wont know that we are his
disciples by the way we love the world, rather, the world will know that we are Jesus disciples by
the way we love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. Jn. 13:35
23 Iin them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know
that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Jn. 17:23

E. Many key passages regarding unity in the epistles address specifically ethnic and cultural unity
within the spiritual community of Jesus. To the church of Ephesus, consisting of both Jews and
Gentiles, Paul shows that God has removed the social wall that exists between the two groups by
pointing to a literal dividing wall in the templethe dividing wall of hostility or separation.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of
separation. Eph. 2:14
F. There was tremendous racial animosity between the Jews and the Gentiles at that time, and this
animosity was reflected in various areas, including the place of worship. Within the temple was a
wall of hostility. Written on it was a warning: No Gentile may enter within the barricade which
surrounds the sanctuary and the enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to
blame for his ensuing death. Another area where this hatred manifested was in marriages between
Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were so opposed to these that if a Jewish son or daughter married a
Gentile, they sometimes performed a funeral and considered them as good as dead.

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XI. ENDEAVORING TO KEEP THE BOND OF PEACE

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord (Pauls deep commitment to this in 3:1 as well), beseech you
to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with
longsuffering, bearing with one another (Jew and Gentile) in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity
(Jew and Gentile) of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (leadership responsible) 12 for
the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying (building) of the body of
Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith (Jew and Gentile) Eph. 4:1-3, 11-13
A. The subject of racial conflict is vast, perplexing and overwhelming. The temptation is either to
disconnect or to engage the entire mountain, and neither approach is the way forward.

B. The primary way forward in this hour is preparatory where, as a spiritual family with different
cultures, we endeavor (exert and make every effort) to walk in love.
10 andhave put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who
created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all (this is about the supremacy of Jesus). 12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved (multi-ethnic), put on tender mercies, kindness,
humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if
anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But
above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule
in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Col. 3:10-16

C. The church of Jesus Christ is the optimum context for the developing of awareness where we can
relate with one another with grace and truth. In a culture of grace and truth, over-sensitivities,
offenses, prejudices and misunderstandings can be addressed. An environment of grace and truth
allows for a community to interact with one another with confidence knowing that if there are
things done out of insensitivity, lack of awareness, prejudice or bigotry that:

1. There is the grace to cover one another Col. 3:12

2. There is the truth to address it Col. 3:13

D. Our FCF spiritual family has the necessary ingredients to move forward in this with grace and truth.
In the church we pursue the knowledge of God through intimacy (Col. 3:10), in a multi-cultural
context (Col. 3:11), while as one family walking out the Second Commandment (Col. 3:12-15), as
we sing the Word together (Col. 3:16).

E. We must actively engage in:

1. Actively seeking to put on new lenses when looking at the Scripture (Eph. 3:3, 8, 10)

2. Actively pursuing others from a different culture and relating in love (Col. 3:11-15)

3. Pray for ourselves and our spiritual family to grow in these truths (Eph. 3:16-21; Rm. 15:5-6)

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