Scripture Reading
1 John 4:19
We love because God first loved us.
Galatians 3
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
1 Timothy 4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Culture Reading
· Read in Culture Smart: Kenya, Chapter 3: p. 60-66.
o The majority of tribal religions in Kenya are monotheistic.
o The Kikuyu god is known as Ngai (pronounce en-guy). He is the invisible creator who keeps a count of good works and rewards or punishes humanity based on their actions. He also is aloof and connects with humanity only when necessary.
o Geography plays a big role in how Kenyans relate to gods and spirits. Mt. Kenya and Mt. Eldoret are two of four major landmarks (mountains) that “reach into the heavens,” giving Ngai access to the earth when needed. Most spirits are considered to be territorial, meaning that they are bound to specific areas based on rivers, valleys, and other geographic features.
o The elders in the community provide access to ancient divine wisdom. Shamans keeps the proper ways of approaching Ngai and other spirits.
o Humans can only get Ngai’s attention through pestering, begging, and animal sacrifices. Ngai generally does not want to be bothered by humanity’s problems.
Devotional Thought
Kenyan tribal culture does not know of a personal God. Thus, presenting the Gospel in a clear way is essential. God wants to know people. And he sent his son on purpose (and without prodding) to save humanity. And this good news of God’s love is available to all who believe. Geography, tribal identity, economic and political influence, education, and even religious preference do not dictate the grace of God. God has loved us first by sending his son. Because God shows love, we can know love.
We will encounter Christian faith in many parts of Kenya. Anglicanism is the predominant expression of Christian faith in Kenya. Charismatic Christian influences are taking a strong foothold in many lower-economic areas. Catholic and other large denominations are making headway in major population centers. Baptists are not a formally represented, but the impact of the Baptist mission emphasis from 1950-1990 is still felt throughout the region. While different expressions of faith in Jesus are quite acceptable, note how Paul is concerned with Christians who would distort the Gospel. Some Christians would add elements to the Gospel in order to validate its power. In Paul’s day, theses Judaizers would seek to get Gentile Christians to adhere to Jewish cultural laws (circumcision, diet, synagogue traditions) in order to validate their faith. Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council clearly repudiates these additions to the Gospels. Kenyan churches often deal with “gate keepers” who would require evidence of speaking in tongues, fasting, baptism in a certain area, specific doctrinal interpretations, or other “works” in order to validate faith in Christ. We must be clear in our presentation of the Gospel—faith in Christ first, faith in Christ alone.
More than once I have encountered initial conversations where we find agreement with fellow Christians. These are encouraging conversations. In one setting, the group clearly presented the Gospel of Christ, explaining why Jesus dies and why he had to resurrect from the dead. And then further describe how we needed to respond in faith. After we celebrated this great truth, one person in the room then asked, “But have you also received the Holy Spirit?” When our group responded “Yes!” with enthusiasm, the next question was “And do you speak in tongues?” Before long—after celebrating the Gospel, we had devolved into an argument about the Holy Spirit and the value of speaking in tongues. The unity of the Gospel had given way to division over secondary issues. We were able to explain our view of the Holy Spirit (as Baptists), and we did not seek to win an argument. We only sought to emphasize the saving nature of the Gospel. We did not end the debate, and I am not sure we were accepted in the group. But we clearly presented the Gospel while avoiding division and derision. We are not on mission to win arguments. We are on mission to display God's love.
Reflection and Prayer
Pray that God will enable us to clearly proclaim the Gospel as we teach, preach, testify, and journey with our hosts.
Pray that the Gospel will be at the forefront of our mind as we take our trip.
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