In Romans chapter 3, Paul states: “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . .” (Romans 3:22-23 ESV). We have been made painfully aware of this biblical truth once again by the tragic events of recent days.
The shocking death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, along with the death of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and the subsequent reaction to their deaths highlight again the deep racial divide in our country. Public protests arose and have continued since these events. Some of these protests were accompanied by rioting, looting, and violence against the police.
As the pastors at Trinity, we are committed to the biblical truth stated above that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We acknowledge that we, and also the greater Church, have too often remained silent instead of speaking up and applying the truth of God’s Word to the sin of racism and injustice. That is going to change.
Even as we acknowledge this, and also acknowledge the right to protest publicly, we must speak against rioting and violence against the police. Sinning in response to being sinned against is not the answer.
The answer is Jesus Christ. Not only have “all sinned,“ but all “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus . . .” (Romans 3:24). Only the love of a Savior who came to die for all people can heal the hurts of injustice and racism.
Starting next week we will be offering a Bible study on the topic of racism. Contact Pastor Phil to participate. We will also be providing other resources on this topic. We are also exploring the possibility of connecting with a predominantly African American congregation in the area to begin a dialog about how to move forward as the people of God.
Please pray. Pray for our country. Pray for our leaders. Pray for God to change hearts and lives—starting with us.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
Pastor Phil
Pastor Ron
