In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mark explores God's eternal plan for the multiethnic church, challenging believers to embrace diversity and create a taste of heaven on earth. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical foundations, he presents a compelling case for why the multiethnic church is not just a modern trend, but God's heart from the beginning.
The message begins with Pastor Mark sharing his journey from a small, predominantly white town in Wisconsin to serving on an international mission team in England. This experience gave him a taste of Revelation 7:9-10, where people from every nation, tribe, and language worship God together.
Pastor Mark then presents eye-opening statistics about changing demographics in the United States:
These changes present both challenges and opportunities for the church. Pastor Mark argues that embracing diversity is not just about keeping up with cultural trends, but about aligning with God's eternal plan.
The sermon focuses on three key questions:
1. Are you theologically convinced that God's heart has always been for the multiethnic church?
Pastor Mark takes listeners on a journey through Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, showing God's consistent plan for diversity. He emphasizes Ephesians 3:6, 10-11, which describes God's purpose to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety.
2. How much of what we practice is cultural and not gospel?
This question challenges listeners to examine their church practices and personal preferences. Pastor Mark encourages discernment between cultural practices and gospel truths, emphasizing the importance of welcoming diverse expressions of faith while staying focused on Jesus.
3. Are we willing to give up our preferences and humbly learn from those who are not like us for the sake of the kingdom of God?
Drawing from Philippians 2:3-11, Pastor Mark emphasizes the importance of humility in embracing diversity. He encourages listeners to follow Jesus' example of giving up privileges for the sake of others.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Mark weaves in personal anecdotes, biblical examples, and practical applications. He challenges the church to:
The message concludes with an inspiring vision of the church as a reflection of heaven's diversity, united in Christ. Pastor Mark encourages listeners to take steps towards embracing and celebrating diversity in their churches and communities.
This sermon is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand God's heart for the multiethnic church and how to practically live out this vision in today's changing world. It challenges comfortable cultural Christianity while inspiring a biblical vision for unity in diversity.
