Dear Quail,
Today I will share some thoughts about the ethnic tension that we are now witnessing in our land and then give you some programming updates.
I am not a community organizer nor an “activist” in the sense that I feel called to influence society in any way other than with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most relevant thing that we can talk about in this situation. Here is why…
We have a “skin” problem because we have a sin problem. It is a sin to kneel on someone’s neck until he is compromised to the point of death. It is right to speak out against such a sin. It is a sin to hate another person simply because of the color of their skin and it is right to speak out against that sin.
It is also a sin to use the occasion of speaking out against evil to do further evil in the form of looting and stealing, and taking away the livelihood of shop owners due to theft. It is right to speak out against that sin. It is a sin to engage in violence and destruction and call it speech. It is right to speak out against that sin.
Thus, we are left to ask the question, “Where will the change come from?” Surely we can admit that we have been here many times before and we have seen that politics, promises and platitudes from so called leaders will not bring about the change that we need. As we look at the world and at history we see that the vast majority of societal changes toward morality and righteousness have been driven by those who have experienced a heart change through the message and world of Jesus Christ. From South Africa, to Savannah, British slave trade to social justice for “the least of these,” it has been Christ-followers who have led the way. That is because we have the Word to guide us and the Holy Spirit to empower us. Here is what the Word says…
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
These verses give guidance to the family of Quail Lakes Baptist Church. We refer to ourselves as a “tapestry.” A tapestry celebrates the various colors rather than trying to mute them. A tapestry is by definition not a monochrome item. We are not color blind, we are color (and ethnicity) celebrate!
We seek to spread that celebration to our community realizing that at its most basic level community is not a place, it is an ideal. It is seen in the way we treat one another and demonstrated in fellowship, respect and peace. Community contains the word “unity” and the ultimate source of unity is in the gracious touch of our savior in the hearts of those who follow Jesus. Thus, I believe that the gospel message of Jesus that brings victory over sin is the most important (but often missing) element in lasting social justice conversations.
We are called to model Christ-centered unity in the church of Christ and to spread His love which is the force that will cause the transformation in our society and world that we are all seeking.
I will talk more about the issue of God’s will for harmony and the call to eradicate the sin of racial prejudice this Sunday in our 10:00 am webcast service. I hope that you will tune in.
His and yours,
Dr. Marc Maffucci
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.qlbc.org/
Quail Lakes Baptist Church has a variety of ministries for everyone, young and old.
Website Contents © Quail Lakes Baptist Church | Unauthorized duplication or reposting of the contents of this site in any form is strictly prohibited.
Stockton Website Design by Brentwood Visual