The word was not used at the time, but the assigned lessons for this Sunday describe a church community that from the beginning was always intended to be inclusive.In the early years of the christian community the question was wether or not people who were not Jewish could be part of the Christian community. This seems strange to us because this is not an issue for us at all. However in the first century AD christian leaders asked if Greeks (anyone who was not Jewish) could be allowed into the church. The question being asked was: since Christ came from and to the Jewish people, was is right to allow those who were not Jewish into fellowship. After discussion, debate and I suspect arguments, it was decided that the love of God in Jesus Christ was available to all people.
Through the twenty centuries since this debate the church has struggled with this human desire to be exclusive as opposed to God’s desire that we be inclusive. The scriptures this Sunday make it clear that God does not use our human categories to divide people. John tells us in his first Epistle: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God”. Scripture proclaims God’s acceptance of and love for all people. The church of Jesus Christ is also to be open to all.
Through the twenty centuries since this debate the church has struggled with this human desire to be exclusive as opposed to God’s desire that we be inclusive. The scriptures this Sunday make it clear that God does not use our human categories to divide people. John tells us in his first Epistle: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God”. Scripture proclaims God’s acceptance of and love for all people. The church of Jesus Christ is also to be open to all.
Pastor Bill