Because of Christ we now have peace. Christ made us both (Jews and non-Jews) one people. The Jews and the non-Jews were separated like there was a wall between them. They hated each other. But Christ broke down that wall of hate by giving his own body. (Ephesians 2:14 ERV)

In the U.S., we have lived through the awful extremes of the race issue. We’ve shared the joy of the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s emergence to break the race barrier in baseball. We’ve shared the embarrassment of Don Imus’ incredibly racially barbaric slur. So rather than spending time thinking of things of say, I’d prefer to simply share with you some Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit remind us of the Lord’s heart on this matter.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 NKJV)

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-27 NASB)

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a mighty shout, "Salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!"
And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell face down before the throne and worshiped God. They said, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever. Amen!" (Revelation 7:9-12 NLT)

Let's not let these walls divide us in the Lord's family, but instead, let's be examples of the true community of Jesus — without barrier, without division, and without prejudice.

Why do you think it has been so hard for many churches to lead the way on issues related to breaking barriers to fellowship like racial prejudice and access for people with physical challenges? Let me hear from you on my blog:

http://blog.heartlight.org/phil/2007/04/no_walls.html