Church notes - 21st February 2021
Psalm 100
Colossians 1:9, 10
James 2:1 - 13
Discrimination
Causes rejection and heartache.
It shouldn't happen in the church.
Example - In the 18th Century the Church of England was elitist. John Wesley formed the Methodist Church for the downtrodden. But in the mid 19th Century, the Booths formed the Salvation Army, in part, as a response to Methodist elitism.
vs 2, 3
That more value is placed on Rich people - that's detestable!
Favouritism is indicative of a heart with out a sense of grace.
Acts 10:9 - 16
Peter learned not to discriminate against Gentiles.
Partiality
- Only looking at part of something, or someone's personality.
Bias
Prejudice.
At the foot of the Cross there is level ground. We all fall short.
vs 8
vs 9
A scandalous breach of God's love.
vs 12
A stark and serious warning.
There may be no condemnation, but Christians will still be judged.
Discrimination - evidence of sin and lack of mercy in one's heart.
vs 13
We should find a place in our hearts for every person, for they are all valuable to God.
Deeply flawed yet valuable to God.
We need to understand these truths.
Forgiveness is a done deal, acheived at the Cross.
We need to be focused on Christ, rather than ourselves, so we can welcome all without favouritism.