While visiting in a southern...
Illustration
While visiting in a southern state recently, I came across two churches of the same denomination just one mile apart. They were both within the limits of the same small town of several hundred people. Upon inquiring about these two churches, I received an interesting answer. It seems that one day a black resident of this community came forth seeking membership in the long-established church. His request was denied, but later granted after considerable pressure had been brought to bear by some of the church members. A congregational vote was taken, and the decision to admit him was granted by little more than a simple majority. So much dissension developed within the congregation that over one third of the group withdrew its membership and formed a new church.
Some of the members of this congregation had difficulty in dealing with the lesson Paul is proclaiming in this text. He is pointing out that the Church of Jesus Christ cannot be exclusive. Christ came not just for the Jew, but for the Gentile as well. Likewise, the Son of God came not to be the Savior just for those who are of the white race, but he died upon the cross to save every person, regardless of race or status in life.
Some of the members of this congregation had difficulty in dealing with the lesson Paul is proclaiming in this text. He is pointing out that the Church of Jesus Christ cannot be exclusive. Christ came not just for the Jew, but for the Gentile as well. Likewise, the Son of God came not to be the Savior just for those who are of the white race, but he died upon the cross to save every person, regardless of race or status in life.
