From the earliest days of colonialism, American slaves were hindered, proscribed, and persecuted. Like their ancient Christian predecessors, they bore witness to the Christian gospel despite the threat of punishment and even death at the hands of fellow Christians. Some slaves suffered willingly. With deep faith in God, they brought their sufferings to Him and experienced the amazing transformation of their sadness into joy. This paradoxical combination of suffering and joy permeated slave religion, as the spirituals attest.
Scriptures referenced include Matthew 5:10 and 2 Timothy 3:12.
Ezekiel's inaugural vision, a dazzling storm revealing God's enthroned majesty, warns Judah of judgment for rebellion. Creatures whirl, wheels blaze, and a human-like figure...
The Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John by God “to show his servants what must soon take place.” (Revelation 1:1). This book...
The apostles, deeply convinced by their experience of the risen Jesus, courageously shared the message of the Resurrection with others, attracting many to the...