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.
The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were historically sung by Israelites journeying to Jerusalem for religious festivals. Their themes range from divine protection to...
What are some verses in 1 Samuel on which we ought to meditate? Scriptures referenced include James 1:6 and more than 15 different passages...
The core of Jesus' teaching in the Parable of the Lamp (Matthew 5:15) is a profound call for visible, influential discipleship that rejects spiritual...
