A Holy Spirit Movement

MLK made the ultimate sacrifice and became a martyr for the Kingdom of God. This preacher of non-violence was killed because of his message of equal rights for African Americans. 

These words of MLK parallel so closely the practice of the early church which joyfully suffered for the Gospel.

The church where MLK grew up in would also become the church he co-pastored with his father. It was in this church that MLK delivered some of his most inspired speeches. Ironically, it would also be the church where his mother was gunned down while playing the organ.

I imagine young MLK staring at this cross above the pulpit. MLK's willingness to suffer for a Gospel vision of equal rights for all races makes his message extremely powerful and compelling.

One of the most powerful movements of the twentieth century, the Civil Rights movement, owes much to the Spirit-inspired vision of Martin Luther King. Sharon and I had the privilege of spending a day in June at Martin Luther King Historical Park in Atlanta. MLK was a inspiring speaker, preacher and visionary. Most importantly, MLK was a modern day missionary whose Gospel message called people to spiritual and social repentance.