When the original 13 colonies declared independence from Britain, they based their cause in God. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights–that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” This declaration inspired Crispus Attucks, an African American, along with other Americans to sacrifice their lives in support of these ideals. In a more profound way, God used the Apostle Paul to tell us why we should offer ourselves to God. In the book of Romans, Paul describes humanity’s hopelessness because we are separated from God by virtue of Adam’s sin, and because we have freely chosen to reject God’s rule in our lives. Yet God still loves us and has taken steps to restore us to a place of favor with himself. He sent His Son to die in our place. Now all who repent of their sins and accept His Son, receive total forgiveness and eternal life. The only rational response to such amazing love is to accept His Son, then to help spread His Kingdom agenda of love, justice, and righteousness.
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
