RACIAL HATRED DOES NOT BELONG IN THE CHURCH

The Sunday meeting was an important statement that we, in BCC, strongly distance ourselves from all forms of racism and racial hatred. We heard in Kåre J. Smith’s message that we are God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ, and that we must love and respect each other, regardless of where we come from.


By Berit Hustad Nilsen – Photo by BCC

The message was from these verses in the Gospel of John:
“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:22-23)

“Conflinct and hatred come from when our own lusts and inclinations have control,” said Smith, “but perfect oneness begins with being crucified with Christ. There we meet God’s power and wisdom, and then Christ can begin to dwell within us.”

There is no racial hatred in God’s house

God wants His church to be “holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). It was a serious reminder that all degrading activities, lies, and injustice have no place in the church of God, which is God’s house, and Jesus is the door.

“In God’s house there is glory and life, where all racism and looking down on other people is shameful,” said Smith.

“We are all God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ, and we must love and respect one another and speak positively about each other, wherever we come from.”

Every member of the body of Christ is valuable

Smith encouraged the church to see all members of the body of Christ as valuable.

“Every member has an important work to fulfill; God gives everyone something with which they can be a blessing. Keep it; the others need your contribution.”

The meeting continued with more inspiring and thought-provoking messages, testimonies, and songs from around the world.

Spiritual appeal from Urbana, Ohio, USA. Photo: BCC
Spiritual appeal from Ottawa, Canada. Photo: BCC

 

Members from France and Cameroon collaborated on a music video for song #469 from the family songbook Almond Blossom. Watch the video here: