Trillia J. Newbell - United: Captured by Gods Vision for Diversity

2014 by
TRILLIA J. NEWBELL

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Published in association with the literary agency of Wolgemuth and Associates, 8600 Crestgate Circle, Orlando, FL 32819.

Edited by Lydia Brownback
Interior design: Ragont Design
Cover design: Brock, Sharp & Associates / DBA Facout Studio
Cover image: Getty Images / #163556674
Author photo: Lillian Prince Photography

ISBN: 978-0-8024-1014-6

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Jim Crow is dead; Jesus Christ is alive. But, like a zombie, the spirit of Jim Crow keeps walking. The answer is a gospel that is as big as the kingdom of Christ. Trillia Newbell, one of the most powerful young voices in evangelical Christianity, asks us to imagine what it would look like if reconciliation were more than rhetoric and programs but a Christ-shaped vision of an empty tomb that casts out fear, hate, and division.

RUSSELL D. MOORE

President, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

Meet Trillia Newbell. Warm. Gracious. Clear. Honest. Realistic. Friendly. And eager to see the Lords church united across ethnic lines. In United she has a surprisingly simple but profound idea: Racial unity happens through friendship. By the time youre finished with this book youll think Trillia is an old friend, youll be ready to make new friends with people not like you, and youll want to stick with it until meaningful diversity in the body of Christ happensall because of the gospel.

THABITI ANYABWILE

Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman

Here is a voice that brings us together, a testimony that encourages, and an aspiration that is contagious. Trillia Newbell does so many things well at the same time in this book that it is hard to articulate them all. She invites you into a fruitful conversation about the beautiful unity in multiethnic diversity that the church is meant to experience and be and manifest. Her skillfully told and deeply moving stories from the past and present are heartbreakingly real and joy-givingly hopeful. This kind of unity does not just happen; gospel unity in the church is the gift and work of Gods grace by His Spirit, but it also requires a deliberate response and embrace on our part. Trillia inspires me here, and evokes in me a holy hope for what can (and should) be. I think she will for you, too.

LIGON DUNCAN, PHD

Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary, John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi

Trillia loves Jesus her Savior and loves the church He saved. Out of that love she tells her story and gives her call for unity in Gods diverse family. Diversity is more than a subject for Trillia; its what she has learned to live. Her words come with graciousness and grace. They are words that all of us in the church need to hear.

KATHLEEN B. NIELSON

Director of Womens Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition

United is like a picture of a wedding rehearsal dinner. Trillia shows how the table is set for a feast of grace provided by Jesus, while Christs multiethnic bride, the church, waits for her Bridegroom. Grounded in Scripture, Trillia weaves together stories of precious friendships that are all because of the precious blood of Christ. United is a celebration of Gods grace in reconciliation where every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are invited.

GLORIA FURMAN

Cross-cultural worker, author of Glimpses of Grace and Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full

United is the story of one womans encounters with ethnicity. It examines how ethnicity and race intersect with living out the gospel in personal relationships and in the body of Christ. The warm, conversational tone makes this book a great resource to read with another Christian who is interested in exploring the intersection between culture and faith in Christ.

KRISTIE ANYABWILE

Servant of Christ; wife of Thabiti Anyabwile, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman

United encourages a pursuit of unity in the midst of our diversity as believers. Trillias personal story of fighting for unity in the body of Christ, points to a greater story of oneness that has been purchased for us by Christs blood regardless of our ethnic, socioeconomic or cultural makeup. The message of pursuing diversity in the local gathering is timely, challenging and necessary in order to fulfill Gods vision of that glorious multicultural worship service when every tribe and language and people and nation will be before Gods throne crying out with one voice Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!

BLAIR LINNE

Spoken Word artist and conference speaker

Trillia writes with abundant grace, while firmly and unapologetically calling the church to examine her perception of race in the body of Christ. She asks tough questions, and encourages thoughtful introspection as she offers personal stories, biblical support, and compelling insight into historical and demographic realities. This is a theology of diversity, and it is an important read for anyone who desires to tear down the walls weve built up to keep one another at a distance.

DEIDRA RIGGS

Managing editor, The High Calling

Race and ethnicity are tough subjects to handle. Trillia treats them with the gravity they deserve and yet winsomely weaves in her own story of ethnic discoveries and the glories of identity in Christ. As the church continues to wrestle with realizing unity in diversity, Trillia has given us a shot of encouragement with this book. Lets thank her by reading and sharing her story.

ANTHONY CARTER

Pastor of East Point Church

United is one womans attempt to understand issues of race and interpret her own spiritual journey through the lens of Scripture. Trillias personal story gave me new insight into the struggles and feelings of my African-American brothers and sisters. Meanwhile, the passion with which she pursues relationships with people unlike herself gave me a renewed hope that churches in America will one day resemble more closely the church in all its multifaceted glory.