ABCN Sunday Worship Service - July 5, 2026 - 10:00 AM

Main message: God can bring purpose and healing out of suffering; the church must tell the honest history of America—including injustice toward Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans—while continuing to pray, protest, and work for the country's redemption. Using John 9 (the healing of the man born blind), the pastor argues that suffering is not always punishment but an opportunity for God's works to be revealed.

Key points:

• The American story includes Indigenous nations, immigrants of many kinds, and the central role of enslaved Africans; we must acknowledge that history rather than sugarcoat it.
• Christianity has at times been used to justify oppression; Christian education in the Black church is essential to counter that misuse.
• John 9: the man born blind was not suffering because of sin (his or his parents’) but so “the works of God should be made manifest”; trials can serve God’s purposes.
• Despite abuse and exclusion, Black Americans have fought, bled, and prayed for this country and continue to hope and work toward its redemption and justice.
• A pastoral call to praise, perseverance, communal prayer, and public commitment to Christ (invitation to accept/renew faith).

Scriptures mentioned: John 9, Luke 4:18