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As Christians, we have much to consider, learn from, and celebrate during Black History Month. When President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, he called us to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans.” Black History Month gives Christians a great opportunity to go well beyond just honoring accomplishments. We can examine our human pride, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, and grow in celebrating God’s good gift of diversity.
Here are three Bible lessons that express some of the deeper meanings of Black History Month, along with five video Bible studies available on our sister site, StudyGateway.com, that can take us on a journey of understanding.
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Bible Lesson #1 - We recognize the image of God in every person.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27
Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and accomplishments of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. It is also an important opportunity to recognize the image of God in each and every person, regardless of their background or ethnicity. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and treat them with respect, as they were all created in the image of God, and therefore, are all equal in his eyes. We can use this time to examine how we may have contributed to racism and injustice in the past, and how we can work to make our society more equitable and just moving forward.
Bible Lesson # 2- We embrace the power of forgiveness.
Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Matthew 6:12 (GNT)
The power of forgiveness is key to our faith, and it is especially important to remember during Black History Month. We must forgive those who have wronged us, and ask for forgiveness from those we have wronged. The only way to move forward in a spirit of love and understanding is to work on healing the wounds of our past.
Bible Lesson #3 - We celebrate our differences.
There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. - Revelation 7:9
Black History Month is not just about recognizing our past, but also about celebrating our differences—differences that will make us a beautiful tapestry when we all stand before Jesus at the end of this age. We can use this time to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to our society, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of all cultures. By celebrating our differences, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for everyone.
Other ways to teach the Bible during Black History Month with Study Gateway
Study Gateway is the place to find life-changing Bible teaching from established and emerging Black voices! In celebration of Black History Month, we recommend the following Bible studies or sermon series, found in our Black Voices collection, that will especially highlight the important themes of unity, forgiveness, and celebrating our differences.
Black History Month—Featured Bible Studies and Sermon Series
Black History by Pastor Elijah McDavid III
Why do we choose the problems and patterns of our past instead of the freedom that God has called us into? Drawn from the Biblical examples of Moses and Paul, Pastor McDavid’s three-part sermon series celebrates Black History Month.
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
An acclaimed, timely study of how people of faith have historically—up to the present day—worked against racial justice. In a call for urgent action by all Christians today, Jemar guides our thinking through concrete solutions.
Galatians: Accepted and Free - A Beautiful Word Bible Study by Jada Edwards
Ephesians: Life in God’s Diverse Family - A 40 Days Through the Book Study by Derwin Gray
The same Jesus who united the Jews and Gentiles, enslaved and free people, men and women, and people from every tribe and tongue some 2,000 years ago in Ephesus, is ready to do it again. Derwin addresses our world of division, conflict, and polarization from the book of Ephesians.
God and Race by Wayne Francis and John Siebeling
Racial tension is a major problem in this country, and Wayne and John are modeling the kind of open dialog the church needs to have about it.
All of these Video Bible Studies – and thousands more – are available via online streaming with a subscription to StudyGateway.com – don't miss out on your FREE 7-day trial.
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RELATED ARTICLES
5 Verses + 5 Bible Studies for Black History Month - with a discussion guide for small groups to talk about five Scripture passages that can help them gain insights from Black History Month [Source: ChurchSource.com]
Top 10 Verses in the Bible to Study for Black History Month [Source: BibleGateway.com]
Black History: Africa in the Bible [Source: BibleGateway.com]
Celebrate Black History Month: Christian Book Recommendations [Source: FaithGateway.com]
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