Abolitionists

Abolitionists opposed slavery in the U.S., but, as their opponents pointed out, the Bible does not condemn slavery. It was an accepted part of life in Bible times, and in the New Testament Paul counseled Christian slaves to work hard and show kindness to their masters. As centuries passed, most Christian nations outlawed slavery, and many Christians led the fight to abolish slavery in America.

Abolitionists pointed to Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek . . . slave nor free . . . male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” But in another letter Paul stated, “Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.

For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave” (1 Cor. 7:21–22). Pro-slavery authors made some fanciful interpretations of Genesis 9:24–27, saying that Africans were the descendants of Canaan, cursed to always to slaves.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Voice of the Shepherd

Charles Stanley

Have you ever seen a child who cannot find his mother in a crowd? Although she may be out of sight, the little tyke may still hear her voice. It is almost as though his inner radar scans the sounds around him, looking for that one familiar tone.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Where the Real Power Resides

Charles R. Swindoll

The great apostle Paul was just like you and me. He had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion . . . and great weakness. The longer I thought about this blend, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Shut Up and Get Moving

Steven Furtick

When we’re looking for God to do something big. When we’re waiting to see God bring something new and greater into our lives. Be still. Let the Lord fight the battle for you. Let go and let God.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Some Positive Thing We Can Look at or Talk

Joyce Meyer

I once read a book that was based entirely on the word. He taught the reader to take each problem in his life, look at it honestly and then say “however,” and find something compensating positive in the individual's life that would put the problem into perspective.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Learning the Love Languages

Gary Chapman

Many couples earnestly love each other but do not communicate their love in an effective way. If you don’t speak your spouse’s primary love language, he or she may not feel loved, even when you are showing love in other ways.