Eastern Bible Conference 2019 - Study 1: The Problem of Unity

What this episode covers

Defining the issues Regions of Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, as well as Western countries like the US, Germany, and the UK all have periods in their history which diminished one group of people beneath another. Systemic discrimination and even violence were directed from one group to the diminished people. Many words are use to describe this condition, and if we are not careful we can embrace the wrong terms and reflect the wrong ideas expressed by them. Helpful words: Nation, National - A collection of human beings that live in a specific location that agree to be governed by a set of laws. Ethnic - unique characteristics common to a group of human beings. This includes skin color, hair texture and other physical traits. Culture - language, ideas, customs and social behavior of a particular group of people Oneness, unity - the sharing of common goals, purposes and the pursuit of those goals and purposes; the forming of a complete harmonious whole. Not so helpful words: Race, racism - An inappropriate identification of a group of people which by implication implies an inferior-superior relationship Discrimination - In a good sense it is distinguishing between alternative choices; in a bad sense, the choice is made on biased, faulty factors, causing harm to others Prejudice - The prejudgment of a person or matter without the facts. Origin of nations, peoples, language, and kindred Genesis 4:17-22 – The origin of cultural distinctive – City living/tent living (v19, 20); Music (v. 21); Craftsmanship (v 22) Genesis 11:1, 6-8; 10:3, 32 After the flood - the people on earth were of one language - and one purpose. The unity was opposed to God -and the imaginations of man's mind needed to be handled. God confuses the languages - the Lord dispersed people over the face of the earth. The birth of nations, people, and languages begins here. Acts 17:26 "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;"(KJV) And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (ESV) There is one gene pool that produces all human beings. Intrinsically there is a value and worth of every human being because we are “made in the image and likeness of God.” Other important passages: Genesis 3:9-19 – The “blame game” failing to take responsibility for actions. James 4:1, 2 – The source of conflicts, quarrels – from internal passions, unmet desire, envy.

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