We Shall Overcome (2)

INTRODUCTION

Whenever we talk about the history of black people in the United States of America, we must understand that that history is set in the context of oppression. The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines oppression as “The unfair or cruel treatment of individuals or nations, which prevents them from having the same opportunities, freedom and rights as others.

Black History month serves as a reminder that oppression is a present reality. It was in the year 2008 that Negroes in United States of America appeared to have arrived the end of their oppression when Barak Hussan Obama became the 44th President to the United States. Negroes everywhere revised and remixed an old protest and began to sing “We have Overcome”.

The truth is that we are still struggling and straining in this society that victimizes the weak, the poor, widows and orphans, foreigners, and black people. We still are being oppressed by those who’s motives are greed and lust for power. Make not mistake about it today, Black History Month serves to remind us! Remind us that although we have not overcome yet, “We Shall Overcome” if we believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

SCRIPTURE READING

Hear the Word of the Lord at 1 John 5:4-5

1 John 5:4–5 ESV

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

CENTRAL IDEA

We overcome oppression by faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God

“WE” Ain’t Everybody

“Our Faith” Gives the “Victory”

“He That Believes”

CONCLUSION

see 2 Cor 4:7-10

2 Corinthians 4:7–10 KJV 1900

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

See Rev.2:7

Revelation 2:7 KJV 1900

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:11 KJV 1900

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:17 KJV 1900

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:26–27 KJV 1900

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 3:5 KJV 1900

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

INVITATION