Jew vs. Gentile. Black vs. White.

The more I learn about God, the more I learn that there is nothing that he hasn't seen that isn't addressed in the Bible. As I sit here in the midst of an election year, I see so much division in the world. It's devastating to see Christian against Christian. It's not just a matter of Democratic vs. Republican. It's other issues as well.

Yesterday as I was scrolling through my instagram, I saw a post by a well known Christian artist that caused me great anger. Basically the comments that preceded the post. This artist is a huge advocate for African American rights and treatment. I can be respectful of someone who takes a strong stance on a particular subject, but there comes a point where it goes to far.

The point this person was trying to make was that we all have different histories. The commentary that followed was awful. Person against person. Over 1,500 comments of arguments and personal opinion. Each person being defensive and scriptures 'supporting' their words. God showed me this morning an example in the Bible that could simply address this issue. It's something Justin and I recently read in the book of Acts.

Acts 10:9-15

Peter's Vision

In this portion of scripture we see our main man Peter hanging out on a rooftop waiting his dindin. He's hungry and possibly complaining about the time it's taking for the food to be cooked. So God, being so awesome like He is, shows an illustration to Peter to knock him down and confuse him. He shows him four legged animals, reptiles, and birds and tells him to eat. Peter is like, hold up God. I've never had anything unclean I'm not about to start now. God's response?

The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." vs 15 NIV

While he was seeing this the Spirit of the Lord told him that some men were looking for him. A man wanted to chill with him so he took a trip, on his favorite rocket ship, to be with him. While he was visiting this man, named Cornelius, there was a gathering of Gentiles. **PAUSE**

Jew's didn't associate with Gentiles. What's the difference between the two you might ask? A Jew is a descendant of Israel and Gentiles aren't. Simple right? A simple difference between 2 groups of people. A small thing that caused such an uproar. Peter responds with this....

He said to them, "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate or visit with a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when you sent for me I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me? 

Vs 28-29 NIV

God had given Peter the opportunity to speak life and the Gospel to this group of people that might not have had the opportunity to hear it. Peter goes on to say that "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." (Vs 34-35 NIV) 

The group of Gentiles experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the believers who traveled with Peter were amazed at what they saw. This proves to me that no matter what your skin color, your ethnic background, your upbringing, your gender. God can touch your life and change you. The Jewish people did NOT associate with the Gentiles. There was a definitive line of division between the two groups of people. Here we are years later and I'm seeing the line between black and white begin to become more defined. 

When Peter returned home he caught a bunch of crap from the Jew's because of his actions. He explained what God had showed him and boom end of objections and they all began to praise God. Not because of his vision. Not because of his gender or skin color. But because he had given an opportunity for more people to hear the Gospel and be baptized. 

God's word tells us "If you love me, obey my commandments." (John 14:15 NLT) It explains that God hates people who cause discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19.) When are we going to learn that "Our struggle isn't against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) 

Our division isn't because of our skin color people. Our division is because Satan wants us to see division where it isn't. We are people of God. We are called to greater things. By fighting this fight, Black VS White, we are overlooking the real issue. The fact that there IS division in the Body of Christ. Without unity, the church will never be able to penetrate this evil force that's covering the world and taking over. More and more believers in Christ are blinded by the lies of the enemy. Churches are being viewed as houses of bigotry. Christians are seen as spreaders of hate when we are called to love others. 

I cannot wrap my mind around this childish display of 'human rights.' Satan is using our past against us. He throws it up in our faces and causes division. Why are we not seeing it for what it is? 

WAKE UP ARMY OF GOD.