08-Faith and Favoritism

James makes it clear in his epistle that real faith cannot coexist with favoritism or racism. Both are contradictory to the very nature of the Gospel message. James chides his readers for sometimes showing favor to a rich person over a poor person. The reality is that Jesus didn't even have a place to lay his head at night. He would have identified better with the poor person in his earthly ministry. Today, racism is ever more rampant and is promoted by the very people who should have willingly embraced the meaning of the "I Have a Dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. These people use racism to promote a political agenda. But the Kingdom of God is promoted by showing love to all without respect of persons. Pastor Robert Rohlin is the executive pastor at First Baptist Church Las Colinas, a family-integrated church in the Baptist Missionary Association. This church focuses on expository preaching to equip fathers to build strong families.