As Todd Beamer was about to take control of that hijacked plane on 9/11/2001, his last words were, “Let’s Roll!” As Harriett Tubman was about to die, she with friends and relatives sang “Swing Low, Sweet chariot—coming for to carry me home.” When Jesus our Lord was about to die, he gave his apostles a critical lesson for carrying on his Kingdom agenda. We read this in John CH. 13. “He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” After washing their feet he said to them, “If I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” Later he said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus knew humbly accepting and serving each other was key in fulfilling His purpose in coming. His Kingdom agenda would be in jeopardy unless his followers understood the value of staying together. The church in America suffers because some church members refuse to accept other members because of racism, classism, and petty doctrinal issues. But unless and until followers of Christ repent and seek to repair damages from these sins, the church in America will continue losing members and effectiveness.
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
