Africa Study Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 29
28
thing like “According to Jewish tradition, Moses wrote Genesis.” We affirm with our whole
hearts the words of 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach
us what is true and to make us realise what is
wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are
wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
Beyond listing general facts, the introductions will connect you to the original purpose
and audience. Many books of the Bible were
originally read aloud to a group of people or
even sung. They are written records of stories,
poems, and instructions that people often
heard rather than read. Like musicians, often
the authors used repeating patterns to communicate their message. They also focused on
characters and plot to make a point, like great
storytellers. They had a message for the listener to learn. The book introduction highlights
the story and the rhythm of each Bible book
and what the book can teach us, just like the
traditional African storyteller.
Application Notes are used to inspire readers to apply what the Bible teaches to our lives.
They will help us reflect on issues in light of
the truths in Scripture. These notes can show
us how the Bible's message should change the
way we live. They also help us understand how
to apply truth from Scripture to our daily lives.
The goal of our writers is to teach us to think
about all issues in light of what the Bible says.
We can use these notes to learn how to apply
the Bible to our lives. First we work to understand the meaning of the text in the Bible, then
we apply that truth to our current situation.
Proverbs and Stories illuminate and
complement the biblical text. The African
peoples have a wealth of wise sayings, fables,
and stories that the Africa Study Bible explores.
These have been referred to as the treasures of
Africa or the wisdom of the elders. This feature
will help the Bible come alive by highlighting
passages that have parallels with a specific African proverb or story. The proverb or story is
used as a starting place to illuminate the original meaning of the Bible. Proverbs may either
be in agreement or in conflict with the text.
We can follow this example to learn how the
Bible relates to our cultures either positively or
negatively. In all things, the truth of the Bible
is to be our authority even when it does not
agree with traditional wisdom. Often specific
regions or tribes are identified, with the prov-
erb quoted in the original language. These sayings are the work of the original author and no
attempt has been made to check for accuracy.
Articles are about living the Christian life
and critical concerns that face the African
church and its people. The committee chose
article topics and gave writers main points
and issues to address. Each Article was written
with the following three questions: (1) What
is the biblical basis for the perspective being
presented? (2) What are the specific African
issues for this topic? (3) How may the truth be
applied to everyday life? The Articles appear
between books of the Bible so they do not interrupt the flow of the text. Read through the
index to find a topic of interest to you. Articles
will help us understand how to apply the Bible
to a specific area of life where God’s wisdom
is needed.
Learn Notes expand our thinking in theology, doctrine, and biblical values. The committee chose important topics to be explored,
things that “every Christian should know.”
Each Learn Note explains the topic, giving
a basic understanding that the majority of
Christians agree on. At least one special point
of interest or application for Africa is considered for every topic. Learn Notes are placed
near Scripture about the topic. Learn Notes
show us how to discern the great doctrines of
our faith by listening to the whole Bible speak
with a unified voice.
Resources for Learning and Teaching are included throughout and at the back of the Bible.
The Topical Index and Concordance lists all the
Articles, Application Notes, Stories and Proverbs, African Touch Points, and Bible references
that give insight into a particular topic. This
Topical Index and Concordance also includes
two other special features. Words that have
special meaning for the church are explained—
like propitiation or sanctification. Also, this feature defines English words from the text of the
Bible that may be unclear or are seldom used in
Africa. A brief biography of each Early African
Church Father who is quoted in African Touch
Points is included. This one feature, will equip
us to learn or teach about almost any topic
found in the Bible.
You will also find a special feature presenting the history of God’s people in Africa—A
Narrative Timeline of God’s Work in Africa.
This unique graphical timeline will help you