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.
Jesus’ teaching on homelessness is deeply personal because He Himself lived without a permanent home during His ministry. In Luke 9:58, He reminds us...
In 2 Peter 2:11, the writer describes Christians as “sojourners,” “pilgrims,” “aliens,” “exiles,” “strangers.” We are citizens of heaven. We must realize that we...
When we think of Christmas, joy and peace and celebration come to mind. And even when we think of that first Christmas, we remember...
