Annanagar Methodist Church

Feb-2025: HOLY RACE

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour.

The Bible describes two races: the holy race and the unholy race. “Be Ye Holy” is an enduring virtue. Rather than being a notion, holiness requires behavior. Conviction must be demonstrated through real-world actions, not merely expressed in sermons. I was not born a Christian or a Methodist, but after accepting Christ, I sought to understand Him more deeply by studying the theology and worship practices of various churches. Ultimately, the Lord called me to the Methodist Church to serve His people. Methodism, at its core, is a Holy Club movement—focused not on merely doing holy acts but on becoming holy in character and essence. This is beautifully reflected in this year’s theme: “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I THE LORD YOUR GOD AM HOLY” (Leviticus 19:2). It is not just a call to outward action but a profound invitation to embody holiness in every aspect of life.

We can frequently participate in personal and family altars or even serve the Lord full-time without truly being holy. It is possible to remain unholy even while attending church regularly or making selfless generous contributions to its projects and missions. This is why God calls us to be holy, as He is holy—a standard as pure as the Holy Race. Holiness is both a personal and community-focused pursuit. As His people, we are called to listen to His voice, obey His commands, trust His promises, draw closer to Him, and faithfully follow Him. Holiness is not merely about outward actions; it is a transformation of the heart and life that aligns us with God’s will.

The Lord gave the Children of Abraham the great privilege of the Holy Race although they were living among seven countries who were greater and more powerful than them: the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. They were granted this liberty while they were few in number and the Army’s strength was weak (Deuteronomy 7:1–10).

The Jews believed they were born with the unique privilege of being God’s chosen people. With them, God established a covenantal relationship based on mutual love and commitment. If they obeyed and followed His commands, He would bless them; but if they disobeyed and rebelled, He would discipline them. This birthright, however, is no longer exclusive. With the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, this privilege has been made available to all races. Through faith in Jesus, anyone can become a child of God. Consequently, all who are in Christ are members of the Holy Race and part of the new creation—a people called to reflect God’s holiness and love.

In the world’s population, being part of the Holy Race is a symbol of great prestige. According to Exodus 19:1-6, the Israelites were given a unique position both in their relationship with God and among other nations. As the Lord declared in verses 4-6: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now, if you fully obey me and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” This passage highlights the profound honor bestowed upon God’s chosen people. He conferred upon them three extraordinary titles: Treasured Possession, Kingdom of Priests, and Holy Nation.

 (1 Peter 2:1–12) The Holy Race is a Responsibility. “However, you are a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a chosen people, and God’s unique possession, so that you may proclaim the praise of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,” Peter wrote to the Diaspora. You were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; you were once without mercy, but now you have it. Peter reminded them that position and benefits come with responsibilities.

Through his blood, Abraham’s descendants were granted the privilege of being a chosen race to uphold justice and righteousness in the world. The international Kingdom of Yahweh could not be established by the Israelite United Kingdom. Because of their faith, the offspring of Abraham are now able to worship Jesus Christ. All that is worthy of praise is his act of salvation, which grants eternal life and establishes justice, righteousness, and love among all peoples. Establishing God’s equality, fraternity, and sovereignty was the responsibility of God’s offspring.

Dear Holy congregation of the AMC, I desire that everyone will take this message personally and apply in Life to declare the Praises of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.  

God bless you.

With blessings

Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan