Racism Has Only One Cure....

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.(Acts 8:2-8)

Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh to share God's Word. He did not believe they deserved grace. The disciples did not want Jesus to go through Samaria. Yet, when salvation was offered in both places, we read in God's Word that the people accepted His grace and repented. People were saved and baptized and began to follow Christ. After Stephen's death, the Christ followers were scattered, fearing the persecution led by Saul (Paul). Philip was led to Samaria, the same city Jesus visited in His journeys. (John 4) The Jews and Samaritans were still at odds spiritually and culturally. There were racial tensions between the two peoples. Yet this did not deter Philip from going. He did not let race, color, culture or anything else get in the way of his obedience as a Christ-follower. Wouldn't it be RIGHT if we too would be as obedient to the Word of God rather than the customs and teachings of man? Yes, we are TAUGHT prejudice and discrimination. We are TAUGHT racism. We are encouraged to PRACTICE hatred toward others. We CHOOSE sin! Just as we CHOOSE any sin, we can CHOOSE to REPENT and CHOOSE to follow Christ. There is no half-stepping allowed. There is not partial CHRISTian or Sunday CHRISTian. It's one or the other. One is racist or a CHRISTian. One hates and distrust certain people or loves as God loves, showing grace and mercy to all. One follows the teachings of CHRIST or the teachings of their culture. What are we today? Make a choice. Take a stand. But know this . . . GOD IS THE FINAL JUDGE!