People of ALL Nations

Aug. 25, 2014 Monday Message:

 “The Lord is not willing that any should perish.” from 2 Peter 3:9 AKJV

Much of the Bible was written by men, about men and for men. But when Jesus did ministry, he included women. He was criticized for that, but Jesus stood his ground, because Father God is not willing that ANY should perish, male or female.

What color was the skin of our precious Savior Jesus? I don’t know. In Sunday school, I saw many pictures portraying Jesus as Caucasian. That was probably incorrect. I once heard a black pastor make a pretty convincing argument that Jesus was black. But that’s probably not correct either. Since Jesus was born to middle-eastern parents, it would make sense that he would look like other middle-eastern people, kind of tan. But the bottom line is that we don’t know and it really doesn’t matter, because God wants to welcome people of ALL nations to eternal life.

What about people openly sinning? God still wants them. God will forgive them if they repent and return to him, because God’s desire is that none would perish. None. That’s what the Bible says.

As Christians, our job is to welcome everyone. Jesus said to go and make disciples of ALL nations, to tell everyone about the saving grace of Jesus. So we just need to spread the Good News. We can teach the Bible’s truths, but we need to stay out of the judging business. That’s up to God, the one who is not willing that any should perish.

“God wants everyone to be saved.” 1 Tim. 2:4a CEV

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets one more Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Then starting Sept. 7^th, we’ll meet a half-hour earlier – 10AM! This week, Aug. 31, we’ll continue our study in Acts 6, the story of Stephen. See you there!