My Black Christian History: Before the Chains Sermons

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

 

Sermon 1: "My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith" (February 4)

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Theme: Exploring the early foundations of faith in African history, drawing parallels with the biblical narrative of Abraham's journey of faith.

 

Sermon 2: "My Black Christian History: Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11)

Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-10

Theme: Examining the historical and biblical significance of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, emphasizing the wisdom and contributions of African civilizations.

 

Sermon 3: "My Black Christian History: Philip African Evangelism" (February 18)

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Theme: Delving into the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and highlighting the early spread of Christianity in Africa through disciples like him.

 

 

Sermon 4: "My Black Christian History: African Church Fathers" (February 25)

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-17

Theme: Exploring the lives and contributions of early African Church Fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo and Athanasius, in shaping Christian theology.

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith" (February 4)

 

Introduction:

Good morning/afternoon/evening, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of our Black Christian history, seeking inspiration from the roots of our faith. Our Scripture today is from Genesis 15:1-6, where we encounter the patriarch Abraham and draw parallels between his journey of faith and the early foundations of faith in African history.

 

Point 1: God's Promises in the Midst of Uncertainty

In Genesis 15:1-6, we find Abraham in a moment of uncertainty. Despite being promised descendants as numerous as the stars, Abraham and Sarah faced the stark reality of their barrenness. Similarly, the African continent has endured periods of uncertainty, yet God's promises were evident in the resilience of its people.

 

Illustration:

Let me introduce you to the words of Dr. James H. Cone, a prominent Black American theologian. In the face of the African American struggle for justice, Cone boldly proclaimed, "The gospel of Jesus is not a rational concept to be explained in a theory of salvation, but a story about God's presence in Jesus's solidarity with the oppressed." Despite the uncertainties and struggles, God's promises resonate through the prophetic voices of theologians like Dr. Cone.

 

Point 2: Embracing God's Call to Obedience

Abraham's faith wasn't merely passive; it required action. God's call was for him to leave his homeland and trust in the divine promises. Similarly, African Christians, both in the continent's history and the diaspora, responded to God's call with obedience, often in the face of adversity.

 

Illustration:

Consider the life of Sojourner Truth, an African American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Born into slavery, she embraced God's call for justice and freedom. In her famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" she boldly declared her worth and challenged societal norms. Through obedience to God's call, Sojourner Truth became a beacon of hope for those oppressed, reflecting Abraham's journey of faith.

 

Point 3: The Faithful God Who Keeps His Promises

In Genesis 15:6, we witness Abraham's faith being credited to him as righteousness. Our faith, too, is anchored in the promises of a faithful God. Just as God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, we find the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the history of Black Christians.

 

Illustration:

Let's reflect on the words of Dr. Howard Thurman, a theologian and civil rights leader. In the midst of racial struggles, Thurman wrote, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Dr. Thurman's life exemplifies a faith grounded in the assurance that God keeps His promises, empowering us to live purposefully.

 

Conclusion:

As we delve into our Black Christian history, may we find inspiration from Abraham's journey of faith, the prophetic voices of theologians like Dr. Cone, the obedience of Sojourner Truth, and the unwavering faith of Dr. Thurman. Let us celebrate the roots of our faith, remembering that our God is faithful, and His promises endure through every trial. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11)

 

Introduction:

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we delve into the Scriptures to explore a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-10. Our theme centers around the historical and biblical significance of this encounter, highlighting the wisdom and contributions of African civilizations.

 

Point 1: The Queen's Quest for Wisdom

In 1 Kings 10, we witness the Queen of Sheba's journey to King Solomon's court, driven by a quest for wisdom. Her pilgrimage from the rich lands of Ethiopia to Jerusalem reflects an acknowledgment of the extraordinary wisdom that emanated from Solomon.

 

Illustration:

Consider the words of Langston Hughes, a renowned Black American poet, who once wrote, "Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." In Hughes' poetry, we find a deep yearning for wisdom and understanding, akin to the Queen's journey to seek the wisdom of Solomon.

 

Point 2: Experiencing the Overflow of God's Wisdom

As the Queen of Sheba arrives at Solomon's court, she witnesses the grandeur and wisdom bestowed upon him by God. Solomon's wisdom not only astounds her but also demonstrates the overflowing abundance of divine wisdom available to those who seek it.

 

Illustration:

Let's draw inspiration from the words of Lorraine Hansberry, a trailblazing Black American playwright. In her renowned play, "A Raisin in the Sun," Hansberry explores the complexities of dreams and wisdom in the context of an African American family. Through the characters, we see the transformative power of God's wisdom, guiding them through life's challenges.

 

Point 3: The Wisdom of Cultural Exchange

The encounter between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon is more than an exchange of gifts and wisdom; it signifies a cultural exchange that enriches both the African and Israelite civilizations. This intersection of cultures highlights the beauty of diversity and the value of learning from one another.

 

Illustration:

Reflect on the words of Maya Angelou, a celebrated Black American poet, and author, who once wrote, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color." Angelou's wisdom echoes the importance of embracing diverse cultures and learning from one another, just as the Queen of Sheba and Solomon did.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, as we explore the wisdom of Ethiopia through the Queen of Sheba, let us be inspired by the words of Langston Hughes, Lorraine Hansberry, and Maya Angelou. May we seek God's wisdom earnestly, recognizing that it transcends cultural boundaries and enriches our lives. As we embrace the wisdom from our Black Christian history, may we be open to the beauty found in diverse expressions of faith and understanding. Amen.

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Paul's African Disciples" (February 18)

 

Introduction:

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, our hearts are stirred as we turn to the Book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 26-40. In this passage, we find the fascinating story of the Ethiopian eunuch – a disciple of Paul, highlighting the early spread of Christianity in Africa. Let us delve into the pages of history to uncover the richness of our Black Christian heritage.

 

Point 1: The Divine Appointment on the Desert Road

In Acts 8:26-40, we encounter the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in the court of the Queen of Ethiopia, journeying on a desert road. Philip, obedient to the Spirit's guidance, joins him and discovers the eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah but struggling to understand its meaning.

 

Illustration:

Consider the powerful words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Black American preacher and civil rights leader. In his sermons, he often spoke of the divine appointment for justice, saying, "The time is always right to do what is right." Similarly, Philip's divine appointment on the desert road reminds us that God's timing is always perfect.

 

Point 2: An Inclusive Gospel and Baptism

Philip seizes the opportunity to explain the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, connecting the prophetic words of Isaiah to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The eunuch, deeply moved, expresses his desire to be baptized, symbolizing the inclusivity of God's grace.

 

Illustration:

Reflect on the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. In her pursuit of justice and equality, Chisholm proclaimed, "You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." The Ethiopian eunuch, through his baptism, implemented the idea of an inclusive Gospel that embraces all who seek Christ.

 

Point 3: Spreading the Gospel in Africa

The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is a pivotal moment in the early spread of Christianity in Africa. As he returns to his homeland, he carries the message of Christ, becoming one of the first African disciples to contribute to the growth of the Christian faith on the continent.

 

Illustration:

Consider the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a prominent Black South African politician and anti-apartheid revolutionary. Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch, armed with the knowledge of Christ, became a powerful agent of change, spreading the Gospel throughout Africa.

 

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the story of Paul's African disciples, let us be inspired by the divine appointments, inclusive Gospel, and the spread of Christianity in Africa. May we, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Nelson Mandela, recognize our divine appointments and be agents of change in sharing the transformative message of Christ. Let the legacy of Paul's African disciples remind us of the vibrant history of Black Christianity. Amen.