#my Black Christian History: Roots Of Faith Series

Sermon Series Title: " My Black Christian History: Before the Chains"

“My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith.”

”After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; Your reward [for obedience] shall be very great.” Abram said, “Lord God, what reward will You give me, since I am [leaving this world] childless, and he who will be the owner and heir of my house is this [servant] Eliezer from Damascus?” And Abram continued, “Since You have given no child to me, one (a servant) born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man [Eliezer] will not be your heir but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir.” And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night] and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “So [numerous] shall your descendants be.” Then Abram believed in (affirmed, trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord; and He counted (credited) it to him as righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man).“

??Genesis? ?15?:?1?-?6? ?AMP??????????????

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.15.1-6.AMP

Often, when we discuss church history, names like Spurgeon, Williams, Martin Luther King, and C. T. Vivian come to mind. However, as we embark on this series, “My Black Christian History: Before the Chains,” let us remember that the Black church’s history didn’t begin during the civil rights movement. Black history’s roots are a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of God.

Christianity in Africa is not a story written with European ink but is intertwined with the missions of the Apostles themselves.

Today, Africa stands as the most vibrant global center of Christianity, home to a significant portion of the world’s believers. I want to say clearly the descendants of Abraham or clearly found in Africa and all over the world because there are a lot of stars in the sky. As yes many of the stars of Abraham are Christian.

The roots of Christianizing Africa reach back to the early centuries when luminaries like Athanasius, Clement of Alexandria, Anthony, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine all African and Christian were pillars of the universal Church.

As Christianity spread into North Africa and then Southeast to Ethiopia, it became a religion of opposition against the Roman Empire.

In the 4th century CE, the Ethiopian King Ezana and Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion, not through external influence but by the work of African missionaries.

The faith flourished in Nubia and Ethiopia, guided by the hand of its own people. You might ponder the fact that it is the growing church in Africa that is currently causing a lot of the decisions in the Methodist church in today’s world. I do believe if there had not been a discussion of equity in Africa and regionalization in Africa there would not have been so many discussions about disaffiliating.

As we reflect on these roots of faith, let us recognize the resilience and contributions of our African forebears. Their faith, perseverance, and commitment to diversity laid the groundwork for the vibrant Black Christian history we celebrate today. May we, like those who came before us, carry the torch of faith forward, embracing the diversity within our own Christian family.

Three points of Black Christian History: Roots of Faith this morning.

Point 1: We Must Acknowledge Our Roots

As we embark on a journey of discovery, delving into our rich heritage in the series titled “My Black Christian History Before the Chains.” Just as Church history extends far beyond the Reformation, so does the history of the Black church reach deep into the annals of time. Understanding this history is not merely a retrospective gaze but a source of wisdom for our past, present, and future.

Our Scripture, Genesis 15:1-6, invites us to explore the early foundations of faith, drawing parallels with Abraham’s journey. The Black Christian history we uncover is family history—a narrative that shapes our identity and offers profound insights into our spiritual journey.

The biblical narrative of Abraham and his descendants holds a unique place in African Christian history. While traditionally associated with the made-up, fictional Middle East, Abraham’s journey takes him to Egypt, a significant part of the African continent. This journey, marked by faith, trials, and promises, intertwines with the broader narrative of African Christianity.

Abraham’s story resonates with the African experience of resilience amid challenges. His descendants, including the Israelites, find refuge and sustenance in Egypt during times of famine. This connection underscores the intertwined nature of African history with biblical narratives, forming the foundation of faith that spans continents and centuries.