It’s Time for Something that Only God Can Do!
It’s Time for Something that Only God Can Do! A Message to the Church Regarding Racism and the Current Crisis in our Nation Rev. Dr. Mike...
The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door
by
Dave Runyon (Contributor)
Once upon a time, people knew their neighbors. They talked to them, had cook-outs with them, and went to church with them. In our time of unprecedented mobility and increasing isolationism, it's hard to make lasting connections with those who live right outside our front door. We have hundreds of "friends" through online social networking, but we often don't even know the Once upon a time, people knew their neighbors. They talked to them, had cook-outs with them, and went to church with them. In our time of unprecedented mobility and increasing isolationism, it's hard to make lasting connections with those who live right outside our front door. We have hundreds of "friends" through online social networking, but we often don't even know the full name of the person who lives right next door.
This unique and inspiring book asks the question: What is the most loving thing I can do for the people who live on my street or in my apartment building? Through compelling true stories of lives impacted, the authors show readers how to create genuine friendships with the people who live in closest proximity to them. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this book perfect for small groups or individual study.
1. Examine your own thoughts about people of other races, and ask God to help you overcome any racist attitudes you may have.
2. Study the history and culture of other races to gain an appreciation of them.
3. Encourage your church to invite congregations of other races to participate in joint worship services.
4. Ask your church to sponsor community awareness seminars, where people of different races can come and talk about their own history and culture.
5. Invite acquaintances of different races to your home so you can begin to get to know them.
6. Check the hiring practices of local businesses to see if they reveal discriminatory practices against people of other races. Meet with the owners and ask them to consider changing these policies.
Bible verses about Race Relations:
I. A True Neighbor is Colorblind to Those in Need
II. A True Neighbor has Compassion for Those in Need
III. A True Neighbor has Compulsion (will to act) and is Committed to Helping Those in Need