PREACHING IN THE MIDST OF A CIVIL RACE WAR LESSON 1 CHAPTER 1

LESSON 1 CHAPTER 1  What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”—Philippians 1:18, NIV Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that I am part of the body of Christ and for the work that You have called me to do. Help me to rejoice over ministry of others that are sharing the truth of the gospel of Christ, even when their motives are ungodly or when it conflicts with my own cultural differences or churchmanship, and I pray that wherever You place me, I will be content to finish the work You have called me to do and to rejoice in the work that you have called others to do.. in spirit and truth, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. Text Philippians 1:12-26 Much within the church epistles is designed to refute false teachings and a distorted gospel. Not only do we find Paul challenging the manipulation of the good news of Christ by legalists, liberalist and gnostics alike.. but he also identifies others who were jealous of his apostolic calling, They were teaching the true gospel out of jealousy and resentment of God's unique calling upon Paul's life. Paul could have lost heart, being imprisoned in Rome. for he knew that fierce wolves were beginning to enter into the church. to deceive the flock. and that others were teaching the gospel out of resentment and malice against him. But Paul rejoiced in his circumstances, for he recognized the hand of God in every situation of his life and rejoiced that the gospel was continuing to be spread abroad. despite his incarceration in a Roman jail. The most important thing in Paul's War was that Christ is proclaimed, no matter what the motive behind other worriers teaching might be. Q1. What is the motive behind preaching in the Black Church?  Why do we have a Black Church (with the Title Black Church)? What is the focus of Black Church preaching? Q2. What are we really fighting against in society now? Q3. If we are in a race war, why did it start and who are the opponents?  Q4. What type of protest should the black church be developing now? Rev. Hooker’s book is available at https://advocatesc.org/preaching-in-the-midst-of/