Our Heavenly Father has masterfully illuminated the profound essence of a believer’s identity, unveiling a fundamental truth. No division exists among those who have wholeheartedly embraced the divine gift of salvation(Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Yet, within our worshiping communities, we frequently encounter individuals who, despite their outward professions of faith, define themselves through the warped lens of the secular world surrounding them. The relentless ideals that fuel cultural stigmatization have intricately woven into our congregations' very fabric, yielding a disheartening distortion of our true calling.

A truly regenerated Christian recognizes and cherishes the transformative reality that we are followers of the Way. Christ stands as the eternal Bridegroom of the Church, while we, the faithful, are His cherished bride—cleansed and renewed through Jesus' invaluable sacrifice. This profound metamorphosis liberates us from the oppressive chains of negative cultural stereotypes and worldly influences that seek to bind us.

In today’s tumultuous era, the adversary employs deceptive tactics of polarization, weaving a narrative steeped in racial tension that festers particularly among radical factions, both outside and within the Church (Isaiah 59:13; Jude 1:3-4). This narrative not only breeds division but also taps into deep-seated historical traumas that echo hauntingly through the corridors of time, yet have consistently been dispelled by the enduring light of righteousness. As believers, we are called to rise above these insidious schemes, standing resolutely together in our shared identity as one cohesive body united in Christ. Let us fortify ourselves with the understanding that we are more than the divisions that seek to tear us apart; we are a vibrant tapestry of faith and love, woven together by the threads of grace and truth.

At Altar Fellowship Ministries, we are passionately committed to our mission. We dedicate ourselves to imparting the Scriptures with both clarity and depth to those earnestly seeking to grasp the profound foundation of our identity in Christ. We proudly identify as Christians—citizens of heaven and emissaries of righteousness—who strive to represent our Heavenly Father through Christ with unwavering conviction.

When our Christian identity is twisted to incite division, it strays far from the transformative path paved by Christ. Even the most well-intentioned man-made religions can spur polarization, as they often separate us based on transient ideals of humanity and misinterpreted doctrines of the Christian faith. In contrast, we aspire to unite under the divine work of our Father, who sent His only begotten Son not merely to atone for our sins but to embody the essence of our righteousness. Truly, He is our righteous Advocate, guiding us toward a higher calling.

The ideal vision of the Church transcends the divisions born from racial and ethnic labels; it stands as a unified body of believers under the sovereign lordship of Christ. When individuals choose to identify themselves through the lens of worldly classifications within sacred spaces—environments intended to cultivate a sense of belonging for the citizens of heaven—they risk deviating from the path of truth. Those who permit themselves to be defined by these fleeting constructs of race fall victim to the snares set by the enemy, inadvertently stripping away the profound essence of God's message to humanity at large and, more crucially, to the Church itself. In this divine tapestry, each thread is woven together in harmonious unity, reflecting the beautiful diversity of true believers while affirming the singular purpose we share in Christ.

Once confined by our unsaved state within secular frameworks, we, as Christians, must rise above these narrow identifiers. A true believer perceives the world through a lens that transcends superficial distinctions, grounding themselves in the rich wisdom of Scripture. Empowered by the boundless grace of God, we are called to embody a profound love for others—one that resonates with the divine compassion that has been so generously bestowed upon us. This sacred love encapsulates our shared identity in Christ, urging us to embrace one another as beloved brothers and sisters, united in spirit and purpose, mirroring the harmony of our faith.

God did not separate us from the world through His grace merely for us to rekindle the very vile behaviors from which we were rescued. If we are genuinely grateful children of our Heavenly Father, we must cast aside any notions of division that tether us to unrighteousness. We should not return to our former filth, living merely as Christians by name with secular motivations; instead, we must embrace the profound significance of the incomparable gift of Christ offered to the world. Only then can we truly appreciate our transformation and radiate the light of His love in our lives—a love characterized by Christ that embodies what our Father intends for the Church.

What Can You Do

Engage deeply with the truths found within Scripture. There is no need for artificially constructed messages or trendy approaches to doctrinal delivery designed to make the teachings more appealing to those resistant to conviction. Instead, focus on sharing the timeless precepts of the Word. These principles serve as the liberating truth that frees us from the entanglements of distorted teachings that sow discord within the church, misleading the uninformed away from God's intended path and into the seductive lies of Satan.

Pastor Anthony

Join us as we enter into our studies of the Epistles of John