2018 saw the opening of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. The museum honors the memory of 4,400 African Americans lynched between 1877 and 1950. Sad to say, some of these killings were cheered by people who claimed to be followers of Jesus Christ. They had misinterpreted biblical teaching to justify hate-filled lynching. Their twisted theology is an example of what Jesus meant when he urged us to beware of those who use his name to engage in wicked behavior. We read this in Matthew 7, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Jesus went on to say, “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ We must be ever mindful that our Lord calls us to correctly discern His will and let our behavior toward others always be just and fair—to match our profession of faith in Him.
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
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