Breaking the Cultural Divide

Steven’s Scribbles
“Breaking the Cultural Divide”
Acts 9:15
    
    God told Ananias that Saul was, “a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Paul was steeped in Judaism. He was of the tribe of Benjamin, one of only two faithful tribes of the Southern kingdom (1 Kings 12:21). When it came to knowledge of the law, S/Paul was a Pharisee trained under Gamaliel (Phil. 3:5; Acts 22:3). He was so steeped in Judaism, Paul referred to himself as “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5). Yet, God still set him apart to preach to not only Jews, but to Gentiles also. Paul could not have been more culturally different than the Gentiles to whom he preached. Even though he was very different from the Gentiles culturally, he would still preach to the Jews in the synagogue, and then go preach to the Gentiles (Acts 13:42-52; 17:16-21; 19:8-10; etc). What lesson can we learn from this? Even though we are culturally different from people we live near, the Gospel is for all (Rom. 1:16). There is a reason the Lord commanded us to preach the gospel and make disciples of “all the nations” (Matt. 28:18-20). The Word of God is where God’s power lies, so it does not matter whether I have the same “cultural background” as someone else (Heb. 4:12-13). I have been thinking about the Afghans who were airlifted out of Kabul and are going to be brand new to America. A culture, language, people that they have nothing in common with. Yet, the Gospel of Jesus is for them as well. Let’s use God’s word to break down the cultural divide and welcome people into the family of God (Eph. 2:14-18). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley