Stone's Hill Community Church
So, we’re continuing a new sermon series today: Hidden Figures. We’re looking at some people who aren’t as well known in the Bible, yet they fulfill a vital calling; they’re hidden figures who do an incredible work. The Bible is full of stories about such people who took considerable risks to lead boldly in their time. This series will focus on how some of these biblical figures used their influence to advance God’s purposes. We will also look at who the “Hidden Figures” might be in our lives today and what they can teach us about how to lead with wisdom, strength and God's bold vision for justice and mercy in our world. Welcome to Stones Hill Community Church and Online Notes!
Welcome!
We welcome you to Stone's Hill today!
A typical Stone's Hill service has music (feel free to sing out); some announcements (things that are upcoming that you can be a part of); a message out of the Bible (God speaks to us through his Word); and an opportunity for you to respond to the message (either immediately in the case of a decision that needs to be made OR in the future as you live out the message in your life.)
So relax and enjoy your morning! We're so glad you are here!
John 4:4-30 NIV
John 4:40-42 NIV
Hidden Figures
Here is a John 4 approach to reducing racism and reaching across the cultural, racial, and ethnic divide as we live our everyday lives: how do people experience you, especially those who don’t look like you? You are somebody’s experience.
On one hand, do not internalize the implied guilt. I have all kinds of issues with what I see happening in public discourse. Remember Romans 8:1 (NIV) 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... But on the other hand, do not forget to love. Love reduces friction.
1. Identify your racial biases (John the writer of this Gospel does) Every person has stereotypes and biases about people from other races. Think about what stereotypes you may have. Write them down. Write down where you think these ideas came from. You must understand your feelings before you can address them.
2. Own your prejudices (the woman in John 4 did). You may need to talk to someone of your own race or in your church family to help you assess this. Some things are deeply embedded in a family and another perspective helps. Everybody has racist thoughts but don’t be too hard on yourself if you see more than you knew. You’re growing.
3. View other ethnicities as divine appointments. (Jesus did) Given what we are seeing, any time you are with a person of a different ethnicity, it is a calling to interact with them in some way. If a schedule is pushing you and you have a place you have to be, then commute kindly and yield right of way, but be more attentive as you’re coming and going to the natural points of interaction that life affords. Jesus asked her for a drink. You know, minority people have something we need. They have a story.
4. Offer affirming gestures, both direct and indirectly (Jesus did). Make eye contact. Nod your head. Hold the door. Smile. A warm word of greeting, even if someone’s pants are hanging halfway down their legs or if they’re all tatted up with a funky haircut. They’re human; it’ll be okay. We expect Jesus to show up in church, but it gets really interesting when Jesus shows up at our wells: the party, the grocery store, the ball game, the road race, the bar. Maybe Jesus will “Jesus” in you with people who won’t go to church.
5. Open up to a conversation if the circumstances lend itself to it; or you might even be intentional (Jesus was). Sense the receptivity. Ask a question. Listen for insight. Listen to more than just each other; listen to the Lord. And make a friend. Refrain from using unnecessarily offensive phrases or language. We have to learn how to be offended and still be able to have a relationship. AND, we have to learn how to receive a loving correction when in fact, we have offended, and maybe we didn’t even mean to offend.
6. Enjoy your differences (the disciples struggled). You don’t have to be color-blind and pretend you aren’t different. Of course, you’re different. But that’s the fun! I love multi-ethnic people. I want to know how they see life and what they think, especially if they are from another country. I might learn something and I love to learn.