I knew Billy G would put us all right
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My Answer: Are Some Races Better Than Others?
Billy Graham
Q: Are some races or ethnic groups better than others? My father-in-law is a very prejudiced person, and he says the Bible teaches this. I'm not sure anything can change his mind, but is he right that this is what the Bible says? - D.F.
A: No, he is not right. God created the whole human race, and He gave each one of us a soul or spirit that sets us apart from the animals - and also makes us equally important in God's sight. The Bible says, "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth" (Acts 17:26).
But God not only created the whole human race - He also loves the whole human race! Jesus Christ didn't come into the world to save just one ethnic group or one race; He came to die for all kinds of people. Perhaps the best-known verse in the Bible makes this clear: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Racism is a sin in the eyes of God; how can we refuse to love those whom He loves? It is a sin also because it comes from an attitude of pride - an attitude that says we are better than someone who has a different skin color or a different culture from us. The Bible warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
Pray for your father-in-law, and ask God to help you know how to respond to his prejudice. Most of all, ask God to help you examine your own life, and to allow Christ to replace any trace of racism or bigotry with His love.
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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:
http://www.billygraham.org.
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As for
Word 4 Today ... :fadein:
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Love One Another!
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.
1 John 2:9,10 NIV
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But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 KJV
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So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:12,13 NASB
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Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.
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Through the Bible in a Year - Readings for May 31
May 31: Romans 6, 1 Samuel 15, Psalm 60
Click Here for the complete schedule
Or Copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.arcamax.com/ttb-yr.html
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Meditation 5/27 - 6/2: Mt. 5:43-48 MSG
Love Your Enemies
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'
I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
Matthew 5:43-48 The Message
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Ian
