Ghetto Gospel
This past Sabbath we heard from Brother Caleb on his concept called the "Ghetto Gospel." In this context, the word ghetto refers to anything that is not modern traditional, odd, or up to today's "standards." The purpose to this lesson is to break down religious stereotypes and build up faith. He broke down this concept into 4 parts.
The first part focuses on heritage. Yahshua came from a small town named Nazareth and it is what He became known for (John 18:4-5). In those days, people often integrated their town with their name so they could easily be identified. The interesting thing is that Yahshua was born in Bethlehem which was known as the "City of David." It had much more cultural significance and power, yet our Savior proudly claimed the town He grew up in. It doesn't matter where you are from and it doesn't matter how famous you might be. Yahweh can use you no matter what.
The second part refers to character. Yahshua was a King in every right, but He chose to act and live like a commoner. He chose to go through life with sinners, tax collectors and fishermen (Matthew 9:9-11). Unlike other kings of the time, Yahshua chose to meet people exactly where they were at in life. We need to view all people as children of Yah. Sometimes believers can be judgmental or focus too much on the physical side of people. In reality, those things are of no importance to Yahweh. Throughout the Bible, He used adulterers, murderers, prostitutes, gentiles and sinners in general all alike. Like Yahshua, we should strive to meet people wherever they are at in life.
The third part of the Ghetto Gospel is the church. We see in Acts chapter 2 that the early church often met in people’s homes. Beyond that, they shared what food and clothes they had with each other. In short, they lived life together. Many churches, especially larger ones, tend to miss out or completely remove this familial type of faith. Caleb talked about how the church was meant to be centered around community, family, and fellowship. In Heaven, that is exactly how it will be. Everyone laughing, dancing, communing and living together. As modern believers, it is just as important that we keep these attributes alive in our own church and homes.
Finally, we end with the gospel. The gospel, in short, is being saved, growing in your faith, and sharing the good news with others. It is extremely important that every Christian knows not just what they believer but why they believe. Similarly, everyone has a salvation story. Some people may not think they do, but ever believer’s journey is different, unique and blessed and guided by Yahweh. Don’t shy away from your past or where you come from. Who you were made you into who you are today.
As believers, we are facing a war every single day. The ghetto gospel is lived and fought in the trenches. Right up front, arm in arm with every other believer. Unlike some kings and leaders, Yahshua did not watch the battle from the sidelines. Instead, He joined us and paid the ultimate price in order to give us the best chance possible. We are not meant to conform, fit in, and get comfortable in this life. We are meant to follow along the path that Yahweh has for us, and bring as many people to Him as we can.
