God’s word through African eyes (2)
The Christian churches exist to make disciples. In the Africa Study Bible (ASB) project formulation with Dr.Tite Tienou from Burkina Faso as Chair, it was decided that the project would focus on discipleship and life transformation by providing tools and help to grow Christians deep in their faith.
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Thus, the ASB comes as a unique fresh resource material to help the church to develop their members into Christ-like disciples.
The lifestyles of authentic Christ-like disciples promote total national development and exalt the nation. It is the lifestyle of godliness and integrity that will exalt mother Ghana.
Commendations have been received from across Africa on the bible.
They include the following:
“The Africa Study Bible is welcome blessing to the body of Christ in Africa, which is becoming a centre piece for divine visitation. The most difficult concepts, names, periods, and situations that African readers grapple with, have been greatly simplified by making them relevant to our understanding and context.
“These were further made easier by including various explanatory notes, relevant proverbs, idioms and pithy sayings. All of these make both the reading and study of the bible much easier and friendly to Africans”. Pastor E. A, Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“Here is a fresh Study Bible of significant value written by African scholars from an African perspective. This is indeed a much-awaited contribution to our appreciation and deeper understanding of the biblical narratives in a context, which is very much closer to the African culture and worldview.
“It is hoped that not only Africans but also people from other cultures would find this study most beneficial for personal devotion and spiritual development”. Apostle Prof. Dr. Opoku Onyinah, Chairman, Church of Pentecost.
“What you would expect when pastors and Christian scholars from across Africa who affirm the Bible as the inspired Word of God compile a study Bible for their own people is precisely what you have here.
“This is a project whose time has come, and it has been well executed. Africa will be richer for it. What a timeless gift this will be!” Dr. Conrad Mbewe, Chancellor, African Christian University.
“Biblical principles communicated in African stories and images to create better understanding of Christ and His Word by Africans to Africans and global community fascinates me. It makes my heart rejoice.
“While we seek to share God’s Word in diverse ways for positive life impact, I trust the Africa Study Bible will be a readily available resource in the formation of believers into true Christian disciples” Dr. Mensa Otabil, General Overseer, International Central Gospel Church.
The national launch in Ghana took place on Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Indeed, the Africa Study Bible is a bold contribution to “Satisfying Africa’s thirst for God’s Word”.
(The author is a Leadership Development and Cross-cultural Ministries Consultant, an international, conference speaker and formerly General Director /CEO of Scripture Union Ghana. Email: [email protected]/ [email protected])