ἀποστόλων γενόμενος μαθητής i.e., “the disciple of the Apostles”

Another epistle from the distant past: it never made it into the the New Testament. This is an anonymous letter. The writer only identifies himself as ἀποστόλων γενόμενος μαθητής i.e., “the disciple of the Apostles”. 

The letter is addressed to “most excellent Diognetus” who may have enquired about Christianity: 

a) As a new religious experience, 

b) Its idea of God,

c) How this idea is different from Greek or Jewish idea of God,

d) Why this new religious practice “has only now entered into the world”?

The response by μαθητής is quite polemic and antisemitic in its defense of the new doctrine. The writer makes every effort to distance Christianity from its Jewish roots. 

What is obvious in this letter is that these early Christians did not have it easy living their faith. Opposition and persecution were galore. To the writer, martyrdom was received as “the power of God” - the evidence “of His manifestation”.

The μαθητής speaks of his faith as a new metaphysical experience that is different in form and practice.

One cannot fail to notice that the writer does not explicitly mention by name, the “only-begotten Son” who God sent as the Savior of the world. Yet in words and description he leaves no doubt that his reference is to Yeshua. Why so, I ask? A possible reason why the epistle never made it to the NT! Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua

Letter by the Church in Rome to the Church at Corinth

The journey continues. I have just completed reading a letter by the Church in Rome to the Church at Corinth. Possibly, this letter was written towards the end of the first century AD. Translators attribute this letter to Clement of Rome (who is also celebrated by some Christians as having received his authority as the Bishop of Rome from Apostle Peter). The Christian group in Corinth seemed to have reached out to fellow believers in Rome seeking guidance on specific calamitous issues. Paul’s and Peter’s martyrdom was still fresh in the mind of the church in Rome. The church spoke of the two as “the greatest and most righteous pillars”. Curiously, the Christians in Rome quoted extensively from the Septuagint (LXX) and others unknown texts! They spoke fondly of Adam, Abraham, Noah, Psalmist, Daniel, and Isaiah. They even quoted from an Egyptian myth in support of the teaching on resurrection. Yet these early Christians seem to have been unaware of any book of the New Testament. On Yeshua, they spoke with authority. They were the AUTHORITY! Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua

Polycarp’s epistle to Christians in Philippi

Did you know that for a period of about 300 years, the early Christians had in their possession many books and epistles that informed their faith? This was long before the Church settled on Athanasius’ (Bishop of Alexandria) list of 27 books of the New Testament. I have just finished re-reading Polycarp’s epistle to Christians in Philippi. Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua

Mutually Encouraged: A Report from the 2023 Kenya Mission Conference

 

March 21, 2023

Mutually Encouraged: 2023 Kenya Mission Conference, Nairobi (February 1 – 4)
by Rev. Dr. Johnson K. Kinyua

Recently, I had the privilege to join a few others at the PCEA Milele Nairobi to reflect and share on mission partnership in Kenya.

The theme of the conference came from Romans 1:8–13. The passage describes Paul’s desire to visit Rome and his longing to give the local Christians a spiritual gift while being mutually inspired by their faith. Notwithstanding the difficulties he encountered on the way to Rome, Paul recognized his humanity and the value of his connections with other believers. He understood that sharing of the faith might be beneficial in both directions. A key component of partnership and mission work is the notion of reciprocal support and encouragement.

Many churches, groups, and individuals continue partnering with the locals in Kenya for various mission activities. These alliances seek to strengthen vulnerable communities while fostering cooperation and respect among partners. One such group that works with the underprivileged is Kasisi Global Institute of Leadership and Mission. We continue working with Milele college, Pamoja Mission Africa, Naivasha prison, P.C.E.A Marsabit, and L.I.S.H. vocational training to support local communities and promote education among the youth. We are working towards sustainability and enduring structures to ensure a long-lasting impact.

In the conference, we were reminded that there are some ideals that must be kept in order to work with vulnerable communities in a way that is empowering and that acknowledges the gifts that various communities bring to the table. Such ideals are respect for people, listening, understanding them and their context, affirming them as equal and engaging from a point of equality, using education as an empowerment, close monitoring and evaluation of projects.

It is essential to be God’s witnesses through mutuality and respect. We learned from various partners how they have succeeded by being intentional in listening, understanding culture, understanding needs, appreciating context, witnessing progress, and avoiding situations where people misunderstand other peoples’ cultures. We heard how others have allowed the Word of God to lead them instead of mere impositions. In practicing mutual respect and trust, mutually sharing and journeying together, they have found opportunities to be a blessing to each other.

Towards the end of the conference, I sat down for an interview with one of the mission partners, Sharon Secor. I invite you to take time to watch the full interview after reading this reflection. Secor shared insights in mission partnerships as a fulfillment to the Great Commission and a commitment to koinonia in fellowship. Through her story, we are immersed into the many Pentecost moments of learning, of trust, of the outsider’s perspective, of commitment to love, while avoiding toxic charity.

Secor’s 25 years of mission experience and partnerships, offer insight into some of the important aspects of partnership. They include developing a comprehensive memorandum of understanding, establishing a clear entry and exit route, continued evaluation, submission of progress reports, developing well-established structures of governance, auditing of resources, making efforts to visit sites, synergy in collaboration, updates on progress and challenges during the process, and inclusivity.

In conclusion, mission work in Kenya has come a long way. Many have embraced partnership as a vital tool in fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Such partnership must uphold respect, equality, dignity of the human person, solidarity, and mutual support while working towards empowering vulnerable communities and recognizing their gifts. With a commitment to love and a dedication to excellence, mission work and partnerships continue to make significant impact in the lives of people in Kenya and around the world.

Johnson Kinyua is the pastor of Church of Amazing Grace International, Fullerton. He is also the founder & CEO of Kasisi Global Institute and the online Kiriaku Waves Radio (KWR).

The Bible, my book it remains!

The Bible, my book it remains!

Whether it is written by the hand of God or the hands of men;

Whether it’s stories are historical or theological;

Whether the characters there in are real or fictional;

Whether it’s language is literal or metaphorical!

The Bible, my book it remains!

Though it’s many translations confound;

Though it’s linkages with colonial history dismay;

The Bible, my book it remains!

It has molded me!

It has spoken to the deep within me!

It has hedged me!

Its Wisdom challenges every bit of my intellect!

It’s Truth has smothered my pride!

Its Stories continue to surprise!

The Bible, my book it remains!

A good companion it remains!

Kasisi Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua - a student of the Bible and all other Sacred Texts of the World!

Towards an authentic African Theology:

As a biblical scholar and a theologian, I take the term “theology” to simply mean, “Faith Seeking Understanding”. In this regard, I hold the opinion that any theological thought must engage Scripture, History, Human Experience, Reason (and to some extent, Tradition). In the coming days, I will make several proposals towards an authentic African Theology. Kĩriakũ

Spiritual Leadership

The Church universal is gifted with many talented leaders who have not only impacted our church and our neighborhood but also the world. We are an army of experts that God can use mightily to move many towards the agenda of God. God has promised us, as a community of faith, his presence and his equipping if we submit ourselves to God-self. When we yield our will to God, God can shape our lives according to his purposes. As we journey together as Christ's beloved, I am challenged to ask: How can we move the church on to God’s Agenda?

God intends us to be people of great humility, integrity, and faith. Most important is the call to go back to the basics of life: a heart that is pure, love that endures, faith that is fervent and hope eternal. To be successful in our vision and mission, we need women and men who have the clarity of mind, deep sense of commitment, and individuals that are open to learning. We need women and men who fully understand that the overall mission of the Christian Church is to enable every individual believer to achieve fully and more readily their ultimate happiness.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:8 that Christian leadership develops through the active work of the Holy Spirit. Every task that we perform, whether leading teenagers, erecting buildings, administration, or fundraising, requires the Spirit’s presence. Like Zerubbabel of old, we are reminded that true spiritual leadership is not by strength or by might, but by God’s Spirit (Zechariah 4:6.) True leadership does not seek or pursue narrow individual or group interests. God is raising a new army of believers who are ready and willing to move God’s people on to the Agenda of God. This I believe!
- Kĩriakũ.