Whenever two or more individuals attempt to co-exist, there will always be conflict, disagreements and differences in opinions. Whether you examine relationships like Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel or Samson and Delilah, blame, jealousy and manipulation are bound to occur. Unfortunately, the fallen nature of mankind usually leads to some sort of discrimination.
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us, Acts 15:8.
In the history of America, considered one of the greatest countries in modern times, it too possesses sins against humanity. A Civil War divided slave owners from the north who saw a day when slaves would be free. For years woman weren’t given the opportunity to vote and youth were discarded like trash prior to child labor laws. Each century has brought a new dilemma, with discrimination of some sort always at the forefront.
He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith, Acts 15:9.
During the middle of the first century as the church grew in size, cultural tensions arose to the surface. Jewish Christians expected new converts to follow in the practices of Judaism. Meanwhile, sects like the Judaizers began to add circumcision as a requirement to salvation. This religious discrimination brought on a whole new sort of troubles. Yet, as the apostles came together to discuss this matter, one thing was for certain. Early Christians followed a God who did not discriminate, reuniting individuals through faith.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 