The Big Apple is the largest city in the United States with 8.5 million people. New Yorkers come from all over the world and speak 800 different languages. The second- and third-largest cities are Los Angeles and Chicago, which is home to thirty different ethnic groups. This diversity brings to mind Jesus’ words when He compared His followers to sheep. We read His words in John 10: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” He then said, “I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” Then we read John’s words in Revelation 7:9, “I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb… shouting…’Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb.’” The crowd that John saw was composed of people worldwide who had placed their faith in Jesus the Good Shepherd. He died and rose again to save them from sin and make them a part of His eternal flock.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
