Diversity – God Desires A Multi-Ethnic Church

Sermon Series: Diversity

Message 1 – God Desires A Multi-Ethnic Church

July 11, 2021

Lombard Bible Church

Revelation 7:9-10

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK

Diversity is God’s most clearly shown (Gal 2:14)

Diversity is God’s for the church (John 10:16)

Diversity is God’s for the church (Rev 7:9-10)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. If you were to envision the most perfect church, what would it be like? 

2. God’s vision for the church in Heaven is outlined in Revelation 7:9-10. Read the passage and answer, what did you hear from the Scripture or the message this past Sunday? 

3. Scenario: A Christian friend comes up to you, arguing that pursuing diversity and becoming multi-ethnic is a recent American fad and trend. What response might you give? Is there a specific Bible passage you might relate? 

   1. Need help? John 10:16; John 17:20-23; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 11:19-26; Galatians 2:11-14; Revelation 7:9-10

4. What are the benefits of becoming a multi-ethnic church? What difficulties might we run into becoming a multi-ethnic church? Is it worth it to pursue the vision of diversity at LBC? Why/why not? 

5. Pastor Justin outlined 3 ways to respond to God’s vision for diversity using a model from theologian Jamar Tisby: A.R.C. – Awareness, Relationships and Commitment. Thinking of awareness: when did you first become aware of ethnic differences and divides around you? Have you ever had any negative experiences with a particular racial identity? When have you learned the most about race & diversity?

6. Thinking of the Relationships element of A.R.C.: Write down the name of a person you know with a different ethnicity from you. Commit to inviting them over for a meal or taking them out to coffee within the next two weeks in order to get to know them better and grow in fellowship. Are you having trouble coming up with a name? Be intentional at church, work, or recreation to develop a friendship with someone with a different ethnic background than you. 

7. Split guys & girls. Everyone go around and share a praise to lift up. Then go around asking, “How can I pray for you?”