Racism
Acts 10
A worldwide problem
A community problem
A problem in the church
God’s people have the only
real solution for the world
What we must do…
Answer Three Questions
What is Racism?
Why should we stop it?
How stop it?
What is Racism
The belief that all members of each race
possess characteristics or abilities specific to
that race, especially so as to distinguish it as
inferior or superior to another race or races.
What is Racism
Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism
directed against someone of a different race
based on the belief that one's own race is
superior.
A Working Definition
Racism and any other “ism” is any way in
which we feel an annoyance, irritation, anger,
repulsion, a devaluing of, or a disgust of any
human being of another race, gender, age,
socio-economic status, etc. that we think in
our minds or express to others.
Why should we stop Racism?
A story from the book of Acts
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a
centurion in what was known as the Italian
Regiment. He and all his family were devout and
God- fearing; he gave generously to those in need
and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:1-2 (NIV)
One day at about three in the afternoon he had a
vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who
came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?”
he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and
gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial
offering before God. Acts 10:3-4 (NIV)
Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man
named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying
with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the
sea.” Acts 10:5-6 (NIV)
Why Stop it
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God hates it
All humans made in God’s Image
God loves every race of people
God wants to reach every race of people with
the life-changing message of Jesus
About noon the following day as they were on their
journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on
the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted
something to eat, and while the meal was being
prepared, he fell into a trance. Acts 10:9-10 (NIV)
He saw heaven opened and something like a large
sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It
contained all kinds of four- footed animals, as well
as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get
up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Acts 10:11-13 (NIV)
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never
eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call
anything impure that God has made clean.”
This happened three times, and immediately the
sheet was taken back to heaven.
Acts 10:14-16 (NIV)
The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius
was expecting them and had called together his
relatives and close friends. Acts 10:24 (NIV)
He said to them: “You are well aware that it is
against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a
Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not
call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent
for, I came without raising any objection.
Acts 10:28-29 (NIV)
Then Peter began to speak:“I now realize how true
it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts
from every nation the one who fears him and does
what is right. Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)
How to Stop Racism
• Be obedient to God’s call
• Take a risk and build a relationship with
someone of another race
• Ask God to lead you to someone
• Look for opportunities to share the lifechanging message of Jesus
For he himself is our peace, who has made the
two groups one and has destroyed the barrier,
the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:14
…His purpose was to create in himself one new
humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in
one body to reconcile both of them to God through
the cross, by which he put to death their hostility
Ephesians 2:15b-16
How to Stop Racism
• Be obedient to God’s call
• Ask God to lead you to someone
• Take a risk and build a relationship with
someone of another race
How to Stop Racism
• Look for opportunities to share the lifechanging message of Jesus
• Rely on God’s power to remove racism from
your heart
• Work through conflicts and Fight to stay on
course
After this I looked, and there before me was a great
multitude that no one could count, from every
nation, tribe, people and language, standing before
the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing
white robes and were holding palm branches in their
hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the
throne, and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)
We Need A New Vision
Get a crystal clear vision of what Heaven is
really like and live life here on earth as it is
lived in heaven.