Memory Verse
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Romans 14:19 (NIV)
Reflection
When we see the work of the Holy Spirit working through faithful Christ followers to make this a very global kingdom, we have much in which to edify our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.
Here are some of my experiences from how I have experienced more of the kingdom by observing my African brothers in Christ.
Moss from South Africa has taught me much about forgiveness. Moss grew up in the darkest days of apartheid and was shot running from a peaceful demonstration. It wasn't easy, but he had to learn to forgive. Forgiveness is an area in which our black South African brothers and sisters have much to teach us. If you are not experiencing all of the kingdom because of your unwillingness to forgive someone, learn from them.
David from South Sudan has taught me much about living simply. I'll never forget David's words when asked how they survived the long civil war. "We ate grass," he responded. While that may be an extreme example, the fact is David and his large family live very simply in post-war South Sudan so that they can be a source of blessing to others with what they do have. I am learning to live more simply with David's example so that I can be more generous and extend more of the kingdom to others.
Isaac from Northern Uganda has taught me much about hospitality. Isaac lives just a stone's throw from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. His village in Northern Uganda is constantly and graciously hosting foreigners in their midst. Despite their material poverty, they treat their guests like, well, guests. They don't ask whether their guests are legally there, and they don't insist the guests leave out of their own financial concern. I have learned much about true hospitality from Isaac and his fellow Northern Ugandan Christ followers.
Azaki from Nigeria has taught me much about evangelism. Azaki invited my wife and me to speak at a conference of hundreds of Nigerian university students. They were more eager to go proclaim the kingdom than any group I believe I have ever spoken to. Many of them left that conference faithful to walk and talk the kingdom. At least one of them did it to the point of death, being hung by Muslim extremists on his university campus just a few months thereafter. I have learned so much from Azaki and his fellow Nigerians in being bold in my kingdom witness.
Leaders in forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism - and that is just the tip of the iceberg in ways I would edify our African brothers and sisters in Christ. Is it any wonder that the kingdom has grown so much in Africa?
Just think what a bit more forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism could do to extend more of the kingdom to your part of the world.
Here are some of my experiences from how I have experienced more of the kingdom by observing my African brothers in Christ.
Moss from South Africa has taught me much about forgiveness. Moss grew up in the darkest days of apartheid and was shot running from a peaceful demonstration. It wasn't easy, but he had to learn to forgive. Forgiveness is an area in which our black South African brothers and sisters have much to teach us. If you are not experiencing all of the kingdom because of your unwillingness to forgive someone, learn from them.
David from South Sudan has taught me much about living simply. I'll never forget David's words when asked how they survived the long civil war. "We ate grass," he responded. While that may be an extreme example, the fact is David and his large family live very simply in post-war South Sudan so that they can be a source of blessing to others with what they do have. I am learning to live more simply with David's example so that I can be more generous and extend more of the kingdom to others.
Isaac from Northern Uganda has taught me much about hospitality. Isaac lives just a stone's throw from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. His village in Northern Uganda is constantly and graciously hosting foreigners in their midst. Despite their material poverty, they treat their guests like, well, guests. They don't ask whether their guests are legally there, and they don't insist the guests leave out of their own financial concern. I have learned much about true hospitality from Isaac and his fellow Northern Ugandan Christ followers.
Azaki from Nigeria has taught me much about evangelism. Azaki invited my wife and me to speak at a conference of hundreds of Nigerian university students. They were more eager to go proclaim the kingdom than any group I believe I have ever spoken to. Many of them left that conference faithful to walk and talk the kingdom. At least one of them did it to the point of death, being hung by Muslim extremists on his university campus just a few months thereafter. I have learned so much from Azaki and his fellow Nigerians in being bold in my kingdom witness.
Leaders in forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism - and that is just the tip of the iceberg in ways I would edify our African brothers and sisters in Christ. Is it any wonder that the kingdom has grown so much in Africa?
Just think what a bit more forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism could do to extend more of the kingdom to your part of the world.
Questions to Consider
1. Why do you think the kingdom has advanced so much in Africa in these recent decades?
2. Of forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism, which one(s) do you need to focus on more to be better equipped to extend more of the kingdom to others?
Action Steps for the Week
1. Take at least one of forgiveness, living simply, hospitality, and evangelism, and write down a game plan to improve in that area and extend more of the kingdom as a result.
2. Identify a follower of Christ you know who is different from you in some way. How can you edify them? Write a short encouragement note to encourage them today.
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