According to a recent report, 4,000 Christians died for their faith in Nigeria. Persecution is why many flee their home country today. They are experiencing great suffering, like what the Apostle Paul inflicted on Christians before he met Jesus himself. In his first letter to the church at Corinth (Ch. 15) he writes, “I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.” Yet after meeting and accepting Christ, he was filled with joy that his passion to destroy was replaced by his passion to spread the Good News. He regarded the Gospel of Christ as the most critical truth known to man because it determines our eternal destiny. The heart of God’s Kingdom agenda is the death and resurrection of Jesus. That event elevated Him to be God’s Ruler over heaven and earth. Today, true believers are so grateful for what Jesus Christ has done that they dedicate their entire life to represent Him and engage in completing his Kingdom agenda. They spread the Good News to others, and they show love and justice to all they can and especially to the poor.
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
