Out Racing the World 2 An Appeal to Transethnicity

https://jackhayfordsermons.com 10.24.1993 Introduction/Background This message continues the theme of Kingdom identity and ethnic reconciliation. At this moment in world history—and in the Church’s role within it—believers must understand God’s answer to ethnic division. The issue is not merely sociological; it is deeply spiritual, rooted in Scripture and redeemed through the Kingdom. 1. Ethnic Separatism Ethnic separatism is the belief that ethnic groups should remain apart. This is not the same as forming congregations for linguistic reasons; the problem is separatist attitudes that prevent churches from becoming multiethnic communities. Two forces birthed separatism: • Human pride at Babel (Genesis 11) • God’s judgment through the confusion of languages At Babel, people spoke in new tongues, but the spirit behind it divided humanity. At Pentecost, people spoke in new tongues, but the Spirit united humanity. The two events are opposite in spirit and purpose. 2. Challenging the Proposition The idea that churches cannot grow if they become ethnically mixed is fundamentally false. Growth requires: • Recognizing the lie of ethnic limitation • Choosing to become a growing person and a growing congregation Kingdom growth is not hindered by diversity—only by fear, prejudice, and unbelief. 3. Racial Prejudice Prejudice is not unique to the Black–White struggle in North America. Every culture on earth has its own forms of racial bias. Humanity does not need much provocation to divide; it is embedded in fallen nature. Pentecost began the reversal: • The Spirit was poured out to announce the last days • The Spirit was poured out to neutralize global division and gather the nations into one family 4. Azusa Street At the turn of the 20th century, God again moved to restore unity. The Azusa Street Revival—led by African American pastor William Seymour—was marked by: • Powerful outpourings of the Holy Spirit • Multiethnic worship • A divine attempt to overthrow racial separation God was demonstrating what the Kingdom looks like when the Spirit is allowed to lead. 5. The Curse of Canaan — A Myth Exposed Some have falsely claimed that the “curse of Canaan” created the Black race and justified slavery. Scripture says nothing of the sort. The prophecy concerned the future of the Canaanite people, not skin color. This teaching is an evil myth with no biblical foundation. 6. Called to Be Transethnic The Church is called to be transethnic—a people who move across, beyond, and through ethnic barriers. God desires to take His people: • Across the Atlantic • Beyond personal limitations • Through whatever divides or restricts capacity Transethnicity is not the erasure of culture but the transformation of how we relate to one another. 7. The Kingdom Way vs. the Human Way There is a human way to pursue diversity—often necessary in a fallen world—but it rarely changes hearts. True transethnicity comes only by applying the demands of the Kingdom: • Enter as a child • Become a new creature • Forgive as a mandate • Embrace ongoing transformation Only the Spirit can produce unity that is deep, lasting, and Christlike. Conclusion Believers must release past pain and refuse to live as victims. We must tune into the pain of others, not just the problem, and remain open to continual transformation. The Spirit is calling the Church to confront itself, listen deeply, and walk in Kingdom identity. This is the path to becoming a transethnic people who embody the unity God intended from the beginning.