Relationships

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Bethany Bible Church LIVING UPSIDE DOWN

November 13, 2016 DR. KENT DELHOUSAYE

Relationships Matthew 7:12 Kent Delhousaye’s interview with Adam Thomason David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons in their book Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant and Extreme write: “If we get relationships wrong, little else matters.” Something has been and currently is wrong with racial relationships in our country. Prejudice continues to be the leading factor in poor racial relationships. Prejudice means preference, and our preferences present significant barriers to improved racial relationships. Through such things as prejudice, Satan can deceive us to do his dirty work. In fact, this is Satan’s preferred strategy - not to attack directly, but to attack indirectly by deceiving us to accomplish his evil purposes. In our efforts to overcome racism, we need a proper understanding of our history and the kingdoms that vie for our allegiance. Properly understanding the roots of racism in American history will help us bring appropriate, targeted responses to racist tendencies that exist today. Three kingdoms vie for our allegiance in our present world: the kingdoms of Man, Satan, and God. Only our participation in God’s Kingdom can effectively combat racism. The kingdoms of mankind and the devil are steeped in greed and arrogance. God’s Kingdom is characterized by such things as humility, justice, and peace. Questions for Discussion and Further Reflection 1. Martin Luther King once said: “Eleven o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in the country.” Is this still true today? 2. What can we do about segregation? 3. Why are there racial tensions in our country now? 4. Regarding present-day racial protesting: What is the injustice being protested? Are these protests legitimate? 5. Is racial bias still a problem in our country today? 6. How are we blind to injustice around us? 7. What can we do to foster racial reconciliation?