At my church, Sunday morning services used to be somewhat of a bilingual service. We sang a song or two in Spanish, and although the sermon was (and is) delivered in English, the sermon notes on the overhead screen were in both English and Spanish. For those whose primary language is Spanish, they could listen to a live translation of the sermon via headphones.

As a result of the growth of the Hispanic contingent in our congregation, there is now a separate Spanish-language service. The English service is entirely in English. I miss the blending of languages. The Hispanic culture has had positive influences on Southern California. It is hard to imagine my life without Mexican food.

One of the images that I enjoy most from American history is that of the 17th-century pilgrims and Native Americans joining together for a Thanksgiving feast. Although revisionist historians would have you believe that the Mayflower pilgrims were isolationists fleeing persecution, it is clear from their writings that they came to the New World with the intent purpose of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. The Native Americans that sat down to feasting with Caucasians were not those who had been Anglicized, but drawn to the love of Christ demonstrated by the newcomers.

The uniting of diverse peoples through Christ is a common theme in Scripture. Consider these New Testament passages (emphases mine):

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:11-16 NKJV

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28 NKJV

It has been said that Sunday is the most segregated day of the week – with cultural and racial groups attending their own exclusive worship services. I think that this ought not to be. The humanists tell us to “celebrate diversity”, but their recognition of diversity usually accentuates differences and fosters segregation. Racial, geographical, and economic divisions should not be surprising from the world, but believers should lay aside such hindrances, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

“And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9 NKJV