1. Today’s Scripture Reading 1 Peter 3:8-9

2. 1 Peter 3:8-9 Living In Harmony

3. We Are Truly Family At Southside We have all things good families have:We have all things good families have: Love, fellowship, fun, joyLove, fellowship, fun, joy Also sometimes stress, difficulties, differences of understanding.Also sometimes stress, difficulties, differences of understanding. Our 40 th anniversary created an atmosphere that brought up some feelings which led to this sermon.Our 40 th anniversary created an atmosphere that brought up some feelings which led to this sermon.

4. A Sermon About Family An exploration of the relationships we share in this family.An exploration of the relationships we share in this family. A sermon about what we must never let happen if we are going to remain a family.A sermon about what we must never let happen if we are going to remain a family. Some of it is ugly.Some of it is ugly. I hope the overall result will be a greater appreciation from all of us as to just how wonderful a family we have here.I hope the overall result will be a greater appreciation from all of us as to just how wonderful a family we have here.

5. The Ugly Face of Prejudice Prejudice – A definition preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristicspreconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics

6. A Christian Concert Created negative feelings in some members here at SouthsideCreated negative feelings in some members here at Southside Some were unable to enjoy worshipping the Lord for concerns about what others were thinking or how they perceived they were actingSome were unable to enjoy worshipping the Lord for concerns about what others were thinking or how they perceived they were acting What was the source of those negative feelings – and what should we do about it?What was the source of those negative feelings – and what should we do about it?

7. Exploring Prejudice Prejudice is a dangerous word and a dangerous concept that needs careful consideration.Prejudice is a dangerous word and a dangerous concept that needs careful consideration. We must also explore other possibilities: We must also explore other possibilities: –Cultural conditioning –Personal comfort zones –Personal preferences

8. The Day Peter Stood Condemned Galatians 2:11-14 A racially diverse congregation at Antioch A difference in worship styles and attitudes Different cultural conditionings The problem came when Peter and others refused to intermingle with the Gentile Christians.

9. Why Was Peter Condemned? Condemned for prejudice – he allowed his personal feelings to separate him from other Christians.Condemned for prejudice – he allowed his personal feelings to separate him from other Christians. Condemned for hypocrisy – he was different from the “average Jew” – yet lets his race prevent him from true fellowship in Christ.Condemned for hypocrisy – he was different from the “average Jew” – yet lets his race prevent him from true fellowship in Christ. Condemned for behavior unbecoming a Christian – he showed such distaste for the situation that he removed himself from fellowship.Condemned for behavior unbecoming a Christian – he showed such distaste for the situation that he removed himself from fellowship.

10. A Celebration of Diverse Cultures We are each culturally conditioned.We are each culturally conditioned. We are each capable of learning countless new behaviors and attitudes.We are each capable of learning countless new behaviors and attitudes. We each control our response to different experiences and new opportunities.We each control our response to different experiences and new opportunities. We decide how we will react to new situations!

11. A Fellowship That Transcends Human CultureGalatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Our fellowship transcends any earthly divider.

12. Our New Nation 1 Peter 2:9 -- B ut you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. We are a common people with a common cause.

13. How do we serve one another? Romans 12:10 -- Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 13:8 -- Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

14. Romans 14:13 -- Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 15:7 -- Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Ephesians 4:2 -- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

15. Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. If we take this passage to heart, we will have no prejudice or division in our body.If we take this passage to heart, we will have no prejudice or division in our body. This commandment brings me so close to all my brethren that I truly transcend all human boundaries.This commandment brings me so close to all my brethren that I truly transcend all human boundaries. To truly encourage, we must be one!To truly encourage, we must be one!

16. And Above All Else: 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

17. How Do We Live In Harmony? Be eager to associate with all members of the family.Be eager to associate with all members of the family. Learn as much as possible about our divergent cultures.Learn as much as possible about our divergent cultures. Be willing to try new things, explore new areas, expand our own cultures.Be willing to try new things, explore new areas, expand our own cultures. NEVER LET A COMFORT ZONE BECOME A COFFIN!NEVER LET A COMFORT ZONE BECOME A COFFIN!