Psalm 68:28-31 Summon your might, O God; show your strength, O God, as you have done for us before. Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to you. Rebuke the wild animals that live among the reeds, the herd of bulls with calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war. Let bronze be brought from Egypt; let Ethiopia hasten to stretch out its hands to God.

 Notice the significant difference in translation from KJV to the NIV  The text suggests that former nations that have been in opposition to Israel/Judah, will now focus upon being co-partners and collaborators in the work of God. Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has gazed on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept! Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions? Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 The text clearly indicates at least three important points:  1) The woman portrayed as the bride of the King is black and beautiful  2) The woman possesses extreme self- confidence  3) History sought to demean and devalue her as less than others Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken b y the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son” (Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”_ Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 What does this text indicate?  How long was Jesus and his parents in Egypt? What were there experiences?  Where were they?  Was Jesus influenced by any traditions or teachings while in Egypt?  Why is this part of the Jesus story never discussed, talked about, preached about in the Christian church? Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers; Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger; Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a member of the court of Herod the ruler. Two of these prophets are black- Simeon and Lucius!  Acts 18: Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. Apollos is black! Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 1) Many may think it is not important what race these biblical characters were  2) Their contributions may not have been as major or considered as important as the contributions of other characters  3) There is a quiet, prescient and persistent “system” that refuses to consider the considerable influence of Africa and Africans upon the growth of the Christian Church Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016

 1) It can help us spread the faith more accurately  2) It can empower our people with considerable inspiration  3) It can help re-tell the story of Christianity to include the invaluable contributions of people of color Second Baptist Church Bible Study - Feb. 17, 2016