As we celebrate Black History Month, here’s something you may not have been aware of: the Bible should be our starting point for conversations about race and God’s vision for unity among all people in Christ. From the opening pages of Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and Paul to the closing scenes before the throne of God, the Bible shines a light on the path we can take to reconciliation, freedom, justice, and inclusion. Here are the top ten Bible verses you can read and study, along with five video Bible studies at StudyGateway.com to help you explore the important principles highlighted by Black History Month.
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Black History Month Scripture Readings
Genesis 5:1 – Recognize the image of God in every person.
This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1
1 Samuel 16:7 – See people as God sees them, not based on their outward appearance.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Luke 24:47 – Salvation is for all people, no exclusions.
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
John 8:31-32 – Freedom from bondage comes through knowing the truth.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Acts 10:34-35 – Root out favoritism.
God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35
Acts 17:26 – Embrace diversity.
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26
Colossians 3:11 – Seek unity with people different than you.
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11
Ephesians 2:14 – Pursue reconciliation.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:14
Galatians 3:7 – It is our faith that determines our identity.
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. Galatians 3:7
Revelation 5:9 – Jesus died for all – we should welcome all.
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9
Dive deeper into the Bible with studies for Black History Month – or anytime of the year – on themes of racial unity, diversity, justice, and equality at 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 racial justice, liberation, reconciliation, and unity.
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
There is certain and specific freedom in receiving our acceptance in Christ. Jada shows us that when we’re rejected, we can find security, authority, assignment, adoption, and restoration in the liberating acceptance of Christ.
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.
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FOR FURTHER READING
3 Important Bible Lessons for Black History Month, about recognizing the image of God in every person, embracing the power of forgiveness, and celebrating our differences. [Source: FaithGateway.com]
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]
Scripture’s Motivation to Seek Racial and Ethnic Unity Right Now [Source: ChurchSource.com]
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LEARN MORE: WATCH THE VIDEO TRAILERS
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