Speak His Word Only

African Christianity was not merely a recipient of Christian doctrine. In the early centuries, Alexandria, Carthage, Hippo, and other African centers were major places where Christian theology was interpreted, debated, defended, and articulated .  It is important, however, not to project modern racial categories onto every ancient African figure; “African” here refers primarily to their historical and ecclesiastical location in Africa. Africa's Role in the Development of Early Christian Theology Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” — KJV When people study church history, they sometimes encounter a simplified story: Jerusalem → Greece → Rome → Europe → Africa But early Christian history was considerably more interconnected. Christian communities developed very early in Egypt and North Africa , and African Christian centers became influential in biblical interpretation, theological education, apologetics, Christo...

  Introduction In this Bible study video, In His Image – Genesis Bible Study , we examine Genesis 17:1–6, where Almighty God appears to Abram and reaffirms His covenant promises. These verses reveal God's divine authority, His faithfulness to His Word, and His purpose for Abraham and the generations that would come after him. At ninety-nine years old, Abram receives a divine revelation concerning his relationship with God, his calling, and the multiplication of his descendants. Expounding Genesis 17:1–6 (KJV) Genesis 17:1 — Walk Before Me, and Be Thou Perfect God reveals Himself to Abram as the Almighty God (El Shaddai) and commands him to walk before Him and be perfect. This command calls Abram to live faithfully, wholeheartedly, and in obedience before the Lord. God's covenant relationship requires a life of devotion and integrity. Genesis 17:2 — I Will Make My Covenant God declares that He will establish His covenant with Abram and multiply him exceedingly. The fulfillment ...

Central Theme: The Unity of the Spirit, the Maturity of the Body of Christ, and the Transformation of the New Man Key Scripture — Ephesians 4:1 (KJV) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Introduction: From Our Position in Christ to Our Walk in Christ Ephesians chapter 4 marks a significant transition in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. In the first three chapters, Paul reveals the spiritual riches that believers have received through Jesus Christ: redemption, reconciliation, adoption, salvation by grace, and the mystery of Jews and Gentiles being brought together into one body. Now, beginning in chapter 4, Paul turns his attention to how believers must live because of what God has accomplished in them. The first three chapters reveal what God has done for us in Christ. The remaining chapters teach how we ought to walk because we belong to Christ. Paul is not teaching that righteous living...

  It Was Counted Unto Him for Righteousness Central Theme: Justification by Faith, the Righteousness of God, the Promise Given to Abraham, and the Power of God to Give Life to the Dead Key Scripture — Romans 4:3 (KJV) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Introduction — The Righteousness of Faith Apart from the Works of the Law Romans chapter 4 is one of the most profound teachings of the Apostle Paul concerning justification, righteousness, faith, and the promises of God. In Romans chapter 3, Paul establishes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that no flesh can be justified before God through the deeds of the law. He declares that the righteousness of God is manifested through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the law. Paul now turns to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, to demonstrate that justification by faith is not a new doctrine introduced after the coming of Jesus Christ. Its foundation can ...

 Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.  Genesis 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.   Genesis 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.  Genesis 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land where...

 Genesis 17:6 (KJV) And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. When God declared that kings would come from Abraham, He was promising that Abraham's descendants would produce not only nations but also royal dynasties. This promise was not limited to the kings of Israel. Abraham became the father of several lines of descendants through Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah. However, Scripture gives us much more detailed royal genealogies for some branches than for others. 1. The Kings of Israel and Judah — Through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob The principal covenant line runs through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and ultimately Judah. God later repeated the royal promise to Jacob: Genesis 35:11 (KJV) And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins. Kings of the United Kingdom of Israel King Scripture Saul — from Benjamin 1 S...

 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis Chapter 17:7 (KJV) Introduction — The God Who Establishes His Covenant Genesis chapter 17 marks a significant development in God's covenant relationship with Abram. Twenty-four years have passed since Abram departed from Haran at the age of seventy-five, and approximately thirteen years have passed since the birth of Ishmael. Abram is now ninety-nine years old. God had already called Abram out of his country, promised to make him a great nation, and declared that all families of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:1–3). In Genesis 15, God reaffirmed His promise concerning Abram's descendants and formally established His covenant through a solemn covenant ceremony. Yet the promised son through Sarai had not been born. In Genesis 16, Sarai gave Hagar to Abram, and Ishmael was born....