DOES GOD APPROVE OF "INTERRACIAL" MARRIAGES?

You might be thinking, "why even bring this topic up?" Was not this settled so long ago? Ok, I will ask the question, "was it?" As you look around the country there are still many pockets of those that believe that "interracial" marriages are wrong. Even sadder is the fact that this sediment is in the church today. People still are trying to say that God does not approve of interracial marriages. So we need to continually bring up the question and find out the truth, according to God's Word.

Let me first define the term that we are going to discuss. Interracial is defined as, "Relating to, involving, or representing different races" (thefreedictionary.com/interracial). So the interracial marriage would be, a marriage representing different races. One example of this would be (but not limited to) "white" marrying "black." I use this example because when you get down to the meat of the matter, those who oppose interracial marriages only seem to oppose this arrangement.

Before I can answer this question I must answer another important part of the question, where do the "races" come from? You might be thinking, "why is this so important in answering this question?" Let me share with you this, that if you understand where the "races" come from then you will be able to answer this and every other "racial" question that comes our way.

First, nowhere the Bible do we find the term "races," only nationalities, therefore there is only one genetic "race", the human "race." But for the sake of this article I have used the term "race(s)." The Bible is very clear to show us from where we all started. God created one man and one woman. In Genesis 3:20 Moses wrote, "And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living." This means that every man and every woman can trace their ancestry back to Adam and Eve. Not just the "white race" or the "black race," but every single person living. Paul wrote, "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26). See, "from one blood every nation" and not a bunch of different races or bloods.

I am not a scientist nor do I have a college degree in the scientific field, but I have read at great length what others have researched on this subject. One of the best explanations that I have found was written by the staff at Apologetics Press:

Melanin does far more than simply provide the body with pigmentation. Its most important role is in protecting the body by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight that falls on the skin. UV radiation can damage the skin and produce skin cancer if not filtered out by the melanin. People who have large amounts of melanin in their skin are generally very resistant to the effects of UV radiation. People with only small amounts of melanin may suffer badly if exposed to too much UV light. The energy of the UV light penetrates deeper into their skin and can cause damage to the skin tissues.

In humans, production of the skin coloring agent melanin is controlled by two pairs of genes. We can designate them Aa and Bb, the capital letters representing dominant genes and the small letters recessive genes. A and B, being dominant, produce melanin very well; being recessive, a and b produce melanin to a lesser degree.

If Adam and Eve had been “heterozygous” (AaBb; two dominant, two recessive genes), they would have been middle-brown in color. And, from them—in one generation—racial differences could have occurred quite easily.

(apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=422)

I know the previous paragraphs give us a sizable amount of information. The simple explanation is that Adam and Eve were created with all the genes necessary to produce all the different shades that humans beings possess. In other words, we are all of one "race" no matter how much "melanin" we have in our skins. Also, to divide people into "color" categories is disingenuous. Take those that are said to be "white." If I were to line up everyone that claimed to be "white," then I would see all shades. In fact, very few, if any, would actually be "white" as we understand the color.

God designed the "color" through melanin in order to protect us. As we live in areas that have higher concentrations of UV rays, more melanin is needed to protect us. Just the opposite is true for those that live in areas of the world with less UV rays. The closer you live to the equator the more UV rays you receive thus the more melanin you need. The further you live from the equator the less you receive thus the less melanin you need. Can you see God's perfect design?

Finally, God has never classified people into different races. We only read of different nationalities, i.e. where people live. Therefore, since God has not condemned the intermarrying of different nationalities, we are free to marry whom we wish; within the God ordained ordinances of marriage (one man and one woman for life).

Let us look at the people of this world as God does, without partiality. And let us all continue to teach as the Bible teaches, that God does approve of "internationality" marriages because God created us all as one human race. Let this be your ministering message.

DOES CHRIST'S LOVE COMPEL YOU TO DO ANYTHING?

I recently read a story about a man that was continually late to his dentist appointments. One day he call up the doctor's office and told them that he was going to be about 15 minutes late and if that would be ok. The receptionist said, "no problem, but we will not have time to give you the medicine needed to numb you before your procedure." He arrive early for that appointment. I do not know about you but this would motivate me or compel me to arrive on time, every time.

Does Christ's love compel you to do anything? Does what He did on the cross for everyone of us motivate you to obey Him? I pray that your answer is yes to both questions. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul writes, "For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died" (emp. jer). According to an online dictionary, the word "compel" means "to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly" (merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compel). One author wrote, "The idea is that Christ's love completely controls and dominates Paul so that he has no option but to preach" (biblegateway.com). So I must ask you, does this love that Christ has already shown to us dominate us completely?

If the love of Christ dominated us and made it irresistible to serve Him, then why are there so many "Christians" still out living for the world? Why do so many ministers preach themselves instead of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5)? Now, do I sin? Yes. Do other faithful Christians sin? Of course they do. That is not the issue. The problem is that we are not willing to take a stand and preach Christ and Him crucified. We are not willing to share with people the meaning of "loving Christ" completely.

There are three things that I believe the love of Christ compels us to do. First, it compels us to change our hearts. Before one becomes a Christian he/she has a heart so full of evil and sin. Full of stuff that needs washed out before he/she can start serving God. So, through baptism that "stuff," that clogs the heart, is washed away (Acts 22:16).

Second, the love of Christ compels us to change our focus. We are no longer focused on the things of the world but the spiritual attributes that God demands. Where do we get these attributes? From God Himself. Paul wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). But this only comes to those in Christ. Those whom have put on the spiritual glasses in order to see. When something comes into focus we can see it much better. When we understand the love that Christ has for us and have seen it propelled into the world through His death on the cross, then everything around us is seen for what it truly is.

Finally, the love of Christ compels us to change our location. Again, Paul wrote, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Before becoming a Christian I lived in and for the world. But now that I am in the kingdom of Christ, I have a new dwelling place, a new location. In my life I have lived in about 22 different places. Moving from one town to the next or one house to the next. But as a Christian I have had only one home or location and that is in Christ Jesus my Lord (Galatians 3:27).

Remember that we are "ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Let this be your continual message of the minister.

THE TREASURE IN JARS OF CLAY

Last summer my wife and I bought a great number of pots in order to separate an aloe plant that was growing crazy. As we headed back home I had to make one quick stop. After I dropped her and the kids off at home I went to take some materials to the county fair. I forgot that these pots were round and might roll around a little bit in the back of my Suburban. When I opened the back hatch, they came tumbling out on top of me. The one very large pot that my wife like so much (it was the last one in the store) rolled out first and broke on the concrete drive. And just like that I had a mess and a pot that, I thought, was beyond repair.

When I got back home I was a little hesitant in telling my lovely wife of 16 years that I broke this pot. But I could not in all good conscience blame the kids, so I told her. She went out to the vehicle and retrieved the damaged goods and actually was able to salvage the one that she liked so much. Now you might ask, how did she do that, and did it not look awful? Maybe at first, but once she cut away at it and then placed a plant into the pot, no one noticed. The reason that no one ever noticed was because of the life or treasure inside the pot.

This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels." That treasure is the preaching of the gospel of Christ. What is more important, the gospel or the person? Paul argues that the most important is the gospel. He writes, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord," (2 Corinthians 4:5). I have heard preachers talk more about themselves in a 30 minute lesson then that of the gospel. This is a sad commentary on that preacher. He needs to re-read 2 Corinthians 4:5. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and that you may glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Jesus did not say that we shine our lights to glorify self. In fact the light is not even of us. John wrote, "God is light..." and that I must walk in that light (1 John 1:5-7).

So, let us always remember that we have a treasure on the inside of the jar of clay. When we preach this then we are ministering with the message of God.

I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE MY TALENTS WITH YOUR CONGREGATION!

Every person has some sort of ability or talent that they can use to glorify God. The problem is that many are not using that talent or have become ashamed of their talent. It reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Each one of the men was given a portion of the master's wealth to invest. But each one of the men was not given the same amount. Why? The reason being that they all did not possess the same ability to handle the responsibilities given.

We have abilities that God wants us to use. But not all of us have the same talents. God does expect us to use these abilities to further the gospel of peace into the world. I feel that it is very important for me to get out there and use mine.

Here are some of the areas that I know I can assist you in your growth process:

1. Spiritual Growth - This is a seminar on the different levels of spiritual growth that we all go through. And it teaches us to watch out for the pitfalls that will hinder that growth. Also, how to recognize these different levels in your church family. And how to help everyone grow to the ultimate level of our ability.

2. Ministry Development - Many congregations have struggles developing different programs of work. This program helps the congregation to look for and develop the talents that each member has and use that ability to evangelize their community. Developing programs such as: Outreach; Youth Ministry; College Ministry; Senior Ministry; Visitation Programs, Foreign and Domestic Missions and etc.

3. Personal Evangelism Seminar - We give the congregation the understanding that Personal Evangelism is not as difficult as once thought. We share tools, i.e., door knocking, DVD ministry, home bible studies, correspondence courses, and etc. Confidence is key in developing these types of evangelism.

4. Financial Seminar - With a B.A. in Economics and experience as an Accountant for a Bank, I will share with your members the simple ways to help organize their finances from balancing a check book to getting out of debt.

5. Community Outreach - This is a "how to" seminar. We take a look at your community and the events, demographics and needs, then develop ideas and a game plan to reach out with the gospel. Some of the possibilities include but are not limited to; Fair booths, community meals, panty/food banks, advertising an event, youth rallies, campus ministry, and etc. Also included in this seminar are ways to look beyond the normally used outreach programs and create ways to get into places that others have not thought about.

6. Solving Congregational Problems - The saddest event in a congregation's history is when problems arise that lead to a division. But if you were to investigate the root of this problem it seems to be an inward struggle. I heard a preacher once say, "It is not the woodpecker that destroys a house but the termites from within." If we would continually inspect for "termites" in the church, then we might be able to rid the varmints before they destroy. This is why I am putting together a team to come in to your congregation and inspect for termites and help rid you of your problem before it gets too severe. We only come in to mediate the situation in the absence of elders.

7. Marriage and the Family - This seminar is aimed at the newly married, engaged couples and those of college age (18-25). This program will set out the Biblical guidelines to marriage, and how to handle some of the major difficulties that couples face, i.e.; birth control, children, the in-laws, financial issues, communication and etc. I am not a marriage counselor (even though I have done marriage counseling), but having been married for over 16 years and raising 2 children, I have the experience to discuss how to overcome rocky points. How couples can head off problems before they surface.

8. Church Growth - A seminar on different ways to grow the congregation. This is not just numerical growth but more importantly spiritual growth (which leads to numerical growth). This series of lessons combines the outreach with solving internal problems. Also, it dives into the development of church organization, programs, and the essential elders and deacons. The minister's responsibility to the growth process as well as each member's responsibility.

9. Youth Events - One area that I enjoy, is speaking to young people and teens. We need to encourage our youth to remain faithful to God. I speak on topics such as "The Three D's: Dating, Dancing, and Drugs," "Overcoming Discouragement", "Teaching Teens Outreach", "Leadership Training (Boys only)" "Remaining Pure in an Impure World" among others.

10. College Events - I was a Campus Minister for over 6 years. I know that this area of work is being neglected in many areas of the country. Some churches have a major university in their back yard and either are unwilling or unknowing to start the work. There is a misunderstanding about Campus work. Some think it is all play. I am here to tell you that it is very hard work and needs the total support of the leadership of the congregation. But with a successful organized work you can reach hundreds if not thousands. I love to speak to college students many who are coming to your Bible Studies not because they have to but because they want to. They are searching for the truth.

If you would like me to come to your congregation then please contact me at smellchristlike@gmail.com. God's continued blessings as you minister to those around with the message.

RUN THE SPIRITUAL MARATHON WITH GOD

Can you imagine running a marathon, coming in first place and then being told that you were disqualified because you broke the rules? Of course I have trouble imagine running to the mailbox nonetheless running a marathon. But before I get off topic, this actually happened recently. Scott Downard ran in the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, TX and won the event (at first) until it was revealed that he never really entered the event. He put on the number for his friend Jerry Faulkner who was unable to compete that day. Now I will say that Downard never tried to deny the truth and was stripped of his first place trophy.

Another example of an athlete not competing by the rules happened in England. Rob Sloan started the race and then dropped out part way through it. He then boarded a bus that took him further up the course. Finally he jumped from the bus and reinserted himself back into the race and was crowned third. Again the rule breaker was found out and stripped of his third place finish.

The final example is most likely the most famous of all. Rosie Ruiz crossed the finish line in the 1980 Boston Marathon in what appeared to be a first place finish and a world record. But the truth quickly came out that she actually only joined the race in the last mile or so. She of course was also stripped of her crown.

The obvious similarity is the not competing by the rules. We have so many people in the world that are not competing by God's rules. There are some that truly believe that their actions are valid and pleasing before God. But at judgement day they will be shown for what they really are; rule breakers. Paul wrote to Timothy, "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5, ESV). A spiritual athlete is not crowned unless he/she competes according to the rules of God. We can look around us and see so many groups that call themselves Christian who are not competing according to the rules that God set forth.

One major example of this is what the denominational world preaches about salvation. There is a pattern or rules in the Bible that one must follow in order to get to heaven. This is not earning your salvation but competing in the race the way that God wants. We find one passage that shares the pattern of sound words, Mark 16:15-16. Mark writes, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'" The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to this earth and died, was buried and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We must share the gospel ("Go...preach") with those in the world so that they may also complete the race victorious. Then those that have heard the gospel must believe that it is true (He who believes...). Next, obey the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ through baptism (Romans 6:2-5) ("and is baptized will be saved").

Now, you are in the race and must run according to the rules in order to get the crown. Jesus said in Revelation 2:10, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." In other words, "run the race by the rules and you will be victorious." Finally, this race is an enduring one. Paul told the church at Corinth, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). And then as Paul was nearing the end of his "race" told Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8 emp. jer).

What race are you running? The race that is set before us by God or the one that satan has lead so many into? Minister to the world with this message...