The WHY Statement of the 2020 Racial Unity Strategy
As our world grapples with racial discord, it’s the church that must be set apart as an example of biblical unity. We love Jesus, His mission, and His church. We celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will do in and through all the campuses and congregations of Brentwood Baptist. We also recognize the need and opportunity to grow in our understanding and practice of unity and reconciliation. We acknowledge that ultimate reconciliation is only available to all people through Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thus, we work for people to be reconciled to each other so that they may be reconciled to God. We wish for our orthopraxy to match our orthodoxy; we wish for our behavior to fully match our beliefs. Matthew 22:36-40; Matthew 28:18–20; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 3:28, 6:2; Ephesians 4:1–6; Revelation 7:1-17; Revelation 21:1-27.
7-Day Prayer Guide for Racial Reconciliation
Use this seven-day prayer guide to aid in your devotional time. It is designed for you to read the passage first, and then use the prayer prompts to aid your time of prayer.
Day 1
PSALM 10
Psalm 9 and 10 are cries of praise to God and cries of help from God (narrated by David). As you read Psalm 10, ask the Lord to be near to victims. In verses 1-2 and 16-18, the victims of oppression cry out in faith for God’s presence, believing He is near.
Day 2
MICAH 6:6-8
Micah delivered God’s demand for repentance from the people of Judah. Rather than trying to bring what we have before God, He wants us to bring our hearts that are ready to embrace justice, faithfulness, and humility. Pray for the Lord to build these three things in your relationship with Him and others in your community.
Day 3
1 JOHN 3:11-18
The command of Christ is that we love. Today’s passage gives you an opportunity to test both your heart and your life. We are to have a heartfelt love for others but also live out the love of Christ. In a world filled with hatred, pray about how you will act in love.
Day 4
ACTS 10:34-43
In Acts 10, the apostle Peter learned from God that the gospel was not just for one set of people—the Jews. Rather, God’s message of redemption is for everyone—the Gentiles as well. Ask God to reveal any favoritism you have in your heart. Seek to have His heart of love and redemption for all people.
Day 5
ROMANS 12:14-19
As Christians, we must stand with those who weep and mourn. Even though they may have a completely different set of circumstances in life, we’re to be humble and empathetic to their pain. Pray that you will embody God’s grace toward those who are grieving injustice and the violence from it.
Day 6
PSALM 5
People are looking for refuge. In the face of anger and violence, they need a place where they can turn for grace and comfort. The psalmist cries out to God for a place to hide. But, it’s also a cry for God to strike down those who do evil. As you pray today for the oppressed to have peace, pray also for God to stop those who do evil.
Day 7
REVELATION 7:9
In the throne room of God, there are people from every part of the world. It shows that the eternal kingdom of God will be filled with all kinds of people–some who are like you and some who are not like you. The church of today should reflect the kingdom that lasts forever. Pray that God will help you to embrace people from every language and nation just as He has done.
