This week in Christian History

[Martin Jr.]

Burnt, I don't think the error was yours. The Christianitytoday site had the name wrong on last weeks post. I had looked at that and thought 'that don't sound right,' but didn't search that out until Sunday when I picked up a song book here and it gave the name as Joseph Mohr.
Then thinking about that, I remembered a story in an old Bull Cook Book so I looked up the story.

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

Many interesting historical snapshots once again, ranging from the baptism of a Frankish conqueror become King, to the pope crowning a King, to saloon wreckers, to an illustrious British prime minister, a hymn writer and his untimely demise, to the death of John Wycliffe, who "...initiated the first complete translation of the Bible into English..."

"December 25, 496: King Clovis, who united Gaul and founded France, is baptized in the Cathedral of Rheims, followed by 3,000 of his soldiers. "Worship what you once burned, and burn what you worshipped," the priest instructed him. However, Clovis and his troops showed little change after their "conversion" and apparently believed Christ was merely a war god who would grant them victory if they prayed for it."

- sobering implications in the words "...showed little change after their conversion...merely a god who would grant...". How do you and I view the God we name as King? Is he merely a means to acquire what we want through "vending machine prayers"? Or is he the One who, day by day, changes us into into the person and capacity that he saw us to be from before the beginning of time, bringing "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."?

I find it interesting to view the week's listing of historical events in context of our commemoration of the birth of Christ today. In a way, these events seem like so many disorganized, uncoordinated and sometimes even sad events or mistaken efforts - have we ever really gotten the whole meaning of the angels' message to the shepherds?

Last evening as we prepared to go the the Christmas Eve service, I was momentarily distracted from the joy of the evening by an rather unhappy, unintentional comment made in our home. With that heavy thought on my mind, I mused to myself - "wow, can I still go and focus on the Christmas message, I just don't feel ready to hear about the birth of Christ."

And then it struck me - that's the body, the intent, the power and the beauty of the message of Christ's birth, Jesus coming among us as God Incarnate, the Living Word! He doesn't wait to come into our lives until we have everything ready and peaceful, in place and orderly and cleaned up.

He comes, in all his infant vulnerability, bursting into a world that is completely unprepared, not looking for him at all, not expecting him in any form, especially not as a tiny, helpless baby laid in a trough full of hay! What can such a helpless-looking infant do to make anything better?

He comes into a world that is a bit of a mess - no, really messed up - and slowly, without fanfare, yet unstoppably, spreads his kingdom message of peace, healing and love, not into those lives which are all orderly and "whole", but to those who are so deeply aware of their need of a Savior and will welcome what he offers in whatever state we find ourselves!

So I went through the door into the night to attend, once again, a service with others who wanted to hear the Nativity story again.

There were all kinds of lives represented in the crowd - solid, long-time members of the church, young couples with their bustling little ones who could cause quite a disturbance, people of many different ethnic backgrounds, wives alone, feeling the emptiness of the seat beside them, families with sad histories of hurts in their homes, young single moms with their restless youngsters who were awed by the glow of the candles, some who were afflicted with broken minds - just a wonderful mixture of people that represented so much of our colorful society.

The same kind of crowd as that which walked past the door of the place where Jesus was wrapped up and nestled down 2000 years ago.

A look at history shows that nothing changes much. Except for the places and lives that Jesus touches when people listen and hear the angel's message - "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men!"

A blessed Christmas celebration to all!

[burnt]

Happy New Year to all! 2012 is a Leap Year, giving February 29 days.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

"January 1, 1622: The Roman Catholic church adopts January 1 as the beginning of the year, rather than March 25."

Measuring time "right" has always been a challenge. However, maybe we should also be looking at how we use our days a little more closely as Francis Chan illustrates in this video . . . WOW!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86dsfBbZfWs

What is the most worthwhile objective that I can "strive" toward in this New Year? How do I go about taking care of the necessary day to day issues while keeping in view that which is of eternal importance?

"...with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on to secure the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 3:14, WNT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ypqTBdGdEk

"January 5, 1527: Swiss Anabaptist reformer Felix Manz is drowned in punishment for preaching adult baptism, becoming the first Protestant martyred by other Protestants (see issue 5: Anabaptists)".

In reading about Manz, Blaurock, Grebel and other Anabaptist forerunners, it was interesting to understand that they were seen as "radicals" because of their beliefs and practices. Although I come from Mennonite background, I don't consider myself to be a radical! Today there are many, widely-varied offshoots of their doctrinal teaching - modern Mennonites, Amish, Old Order Mennonites, various Brethren churches - some seem a bit stiff and others, ahh - not so much, and everything in between . . .

While Heinz boasted 57 varieties, the Mennonites have produced even more, seemingly willing to split over some of the most insignificant issues, in reflecting on my personal background with them! So sad, really, that what Manz died for has come to this state of affairs, in some cases.

But those early men and women who stood for their beliefs showed that they valued their principles more dearly than their lives and many paid with their lives by drownings or burning at the stake. Thus, they challenge us to live our lives in a manner that is an accurate reflection of what Christ taught.

http://www.christian-history.org/felix-manz-martyrdom.html

http://atheism.about.com/library/glossary/western/bldef_anabaptism.htm

. . . and many more fascinating snippets of our Christian history to reflect upon . . .

As always, I welcome your comments, insights, criticisms - anything on your mind.

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

"January 8, 1956: Missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, and Pete Fleming are killed by Ecuadorean Indians they sought to evangelize. The story of the missionaries and their deaths along the Curaray River was publicized by Elliot's widow, Elizabeth, in Through Gates of Splendor, published the following year."

The gripping story of these 5 young men and their families can be read in the bottom link . It must be noted that these men and their families were instrumental in successfully bringing faith in Jesus Christ to the Auca Indians!

The following link presents in song the memorable words from Jim Elliot's dairy - "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EALyEo4aC8c

He is No Fool

There once was a man born of high circumstance

Heir to advantage, He had every chance to succeed

But light from the cross made his dreams appear small

And to their surprise he went far--from it all

For the love of His Savior, for one priceless jewel

They could not understand so they called him a fool

(Chorus)

He is no fool

If he would choose

To give the thing he cannot keep

To buy what he can never lose

To see a treasure in one soul

That far outshines the brightest gold

He is no fool, He is no fool

He is no fool, He is no fool



There once was a boy who could run like the wind

Given to lead, every man was his friend at the line

But light from the cross made his race appear small

And to their amazement he followed the call

For the love of his Savior, for one priceless jewel

They could not understand so they called him a fool

(Chorus)

Bridge:

Show me the fool who abandons his life

To walk in the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ


"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.

Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it." (Matthew 13:44-46 - The Message)

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25, NASB)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A21-28&version=MSG

It is so easy to allow the present, tangible - and perishable - realities to shade out those things which will last forever . . . how do we come to understand the paradox in the words of Jesus?

http://elvis10.rowan.edu/~kilroy/jek/01/08.html

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

"January 18, 1815: Konstantin von Tischendorf , the biblical critic known for discovering and deciphering the "Codex Sinaiticus" (a fifth-century manuscript of Paul's epistles), is born in Germany."

A bit of research on this man von Tischendorf and the "Codex Sinaiticus" gives a better insight into the the value of the Bible that is so easily taken for granted today. We can go to a bookstore and buy any one of dozens of translations and take it home to read. (Or lay on a shelf where it collects dust.)

But it was because of the tireless work through the centuries of such men as von Tischendorf that we have a Scripture that is accurately compiled and translated into what we hold in our hands today.

On one of his travels to St. Catherine's Monastery (located near Mount Sinai, Middle East), von Tischendorf discovered what became known as the "Codex Sinaiticus" in the monastery. These Greek New Testament manuscripts were written on vellum, treated animal skins, and dated at around 360 AD. There must have been quite a few pages laying around because the residents had been using parts of it to kindle fires for warmth! (See link for more)

http://www.ccel.org/t/tischendorf/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4&feature=fvwrel

As bizarre as it may seem that these old manuscripts were being burned for fuel, I wonder how differently we do today when our numerous copies of the Bible suffer neglect and collect dust on the shelf or bedside table. These ancient words expressing God's love are given for our eternal benefit, not just as a passing comfort! But there have been many seekers who have experienced its power to change lives when they discovered it!

"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path. " - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLHWFpSlq4

[TexasBred]

Let's not forget the Codex Vaticanus either:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04086a.htm

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

More stories of martyrdom, murder legalized (Roe vs. Wade, 1973), a king meets his match in the pope (Henry IV vs. Gregory the VII, 1076), Dante is deceitfully "disciplined" and again picks up his quill and for over a decade, pens a poem (1302) . . . and more.

"January 22, 304 (traditional date): Vincent of Saragossa, one of the most famous martyrs of the early church, is killed..." We cannot fathom the horrors experienced by early Christians under rulers such as the Roman emperor Diocletian who was determined to destroy Christianity by any evil means he could contrive. Believers in Jesus Christ were subjected to the most inhuman tortures imaginable, too terrible to speak of. Yet, most stayed true to their faith in Christ!

The history writers for Christianity Today made a mistake in this week's listing and erroneously state that Felix Manz was drowned for his beliefs on January 25 when in fact he was martyred on January 5th, 1527.

http://www.mcusa-archives.org/events/manz_death-english.htm

I found this link to contain very interesting accounts of reconciliation between the persecutors and the persecuted - http://www.mcusa-archives.org/events/statements_index.htm

"January 25, 1959: ... Pope John XXIII announces ... The Second Vatican Council ... October 11, 1962, ... the Catholic church's most searching self-examination ever ..."

"January 28, 814: Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, dies..."

In brief, Charlemagne made great efforts, without lasting success, to renew the kind of rule once exercised by the Roman Empire, but in his own words "By the sword and the cross". To what degree did his objectives and methods align themselves with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ? For those who are interested in more detail, this link provides a long but rewarding read on the life of this great ruler - http://history-world.org/charlemagne.htm

The words of this song capture so well the tensions/disparity between the Heavenly Father's intent and the level to which our human attempts sometimes degenerate - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyiGRY8zMOg

The stories of how we broken and sin-damaged people have tried to carry out the Great Commission should cause us sorrow and to seek the heart of the Father for us.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 - "If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! "(The Message)

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

"January 31, 1737: Jacob Duche, Episcopal clergyman and chaplain to the Continental Congress, is born in Philadelphia. He later had a change of heart about the war and asked George Washington to have Congress recall the Declaration of Independence (see issue 50: The American Revolution)."

It appears that the 'recall' didn't happen!!

"February 1, 1650: French philosopher Rene Descartes dies . . . In essence, he argued that the idea of God, a perfect being, could only be caused by that perfect God. . ."

- we can be grateful that there have been many great minds that were able to make well-reasoned defenses for the faith throughout the centuries. The works they did and the legacy they left have had an profound influence on Christian doctrine that we hold today.

"February 2, 1745: Popular British poet and dramatist Hannah More is born. She renounced the social life and concentrated on religious efforts, such as setting up Sunday schools. For her work with the Clapham Sect of British social reformers, she was once derisively called "a bishop in petticoats" (see issue 53: William Wilberforce)." - clearly a woman who could accomplish things!

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

This week's historical review begins with the account of Japanese Christians being killed for their faith (February 5, 1597), continues with many controversies, crusades and a shipwreck -

February 10, 60 (traditional date): The Apostle Paul is shipwrecked at Malta (see issue 47: Apostle Paul and His Times).

At the urging of the jealous Jewish leaders, the Apostle Paul had been arrested in Judea and was to be sent to Rome to stand trial as an insurrectionist. He and several friends, under the escort of a Roman guard, boarded a ship at Caesarea to sail to Italy, quite late in the shipping season leaving them vulnerable to unpredictable weather that could strike without warning.

Today we know about Nor'westers, Alberta Clippers and Gord Lightfoot sang of the "Gales of November" that turn Lake Superior into into a mariner's worst nightmare. But the sailors of the Mediterranean Sea feared the violent storm they called "Euroclydon", meaning "northeaster".

It was this screaming, seasonal beast that was encountered by the merchant ship upon which Paul was a prisoner/passenger. For 14 long days and nights they were blown across the vast Mediterranean before finally finding a place where they could run the ship into land on an island called Malta. Miraculously, not one life was lost and they all made shore, although the ship and its cargo were destroyed.

There is nothing like a cheerful campfire to restore warmth to chilled bones and they set about to collect wood to stoke a fire. But Paul's troubles were not over - a poisonous snake crept from the wood and bit his hand, an incident seen by the superstitious locals as divine retribution for his "sins". However, it was actually divine intervention that kept him from suffering any harm and then the locals saw him as a god!

Imagine that - going from goat to god!

Storms and snakebites, who needs them? While some people might enjoy the flash and crash of a summer thunderstorm or the splendor of a passing snowstorm, no one likes to be caught in a storm like the Euroclydon that blows for weeks with no relief and causing great loss and injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JQX25fnDGE

Yet, for reasons unknown to us, it is the lot of some to go through such storms in life and we may at any time encounter our own Euroclydon. Sickness or suffering? Sudden poverty? Loss of someone dear? Pressures that defy understanding?

Paul survived his Euroclydon and carried out a very fruitful mission work where he was shipwrecked and eventually in Rome. So regardless of how rough circumstances may be, God measures the storm and always contains it in his hand. He will also provide for us through our worst storms. Can you, can I, trust Him through our Euroclydon?

"For You have been a defense for the helpless,
A defense for the needy in his distress,
A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat;
For the breath of the ruthless
Is like a rain storm against a wall. " (Isaiah 25:4 NASB}


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVcQPVlWIgc&list=PL2018498757FD7A76&index=18&feature=plpp_video


http://www.parsagard.com/shipwreck.htm

[burnt]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/

"February 17, 1858: Waldensians, ancient "Protestants" from the Italian Alps who survived through persecution for 800 years, are finally guaranteed civil and religious rights. They began with the teaching of a wealthy merchant named Pater Waldo in the late 1100s; thus they are considered "the oldest evangelical Church" ..."

In case you are wondering "Where's (Peter)Waldo?", he was born in Lyons, France in the mid-twelfth century. After becoming extremely wealthy by sometimes honest and at times shrewd business practices, he was deeply convicted of his greed while hearing the words spoken by Jesus being read in church. He was driven there by feelings of guilt coming from his mistreatment of the poor.

As a result of hearing how Jesus said his followers were to value their commitment to Him above all, Waldo's conviction pushed him into disposing of all his earthly belongings and he began preaching the Gospel message to the people in the common language.

However, Waldo's radical change and approach to ministry did not go over well with the Church leadership and he was brought before the pope and commanded to keep silent unless asked to speak.

Peter Waldo was torn between his sense of loyalty to the Church, which was instrumental in his salvation, and the calling which he believed he received from from God because of his transforming experience resulting from hearing the words of Jesus. God's call prevailed and Waldo and his followers suffered persecution at the hands of the Church for almost eight centuries thereafter, until the date noted in this week's excerpt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ds-ww5FpwM

The call of Jesus' words - what do we do with it? Many, including me, have struggled to know just how we are to respond to his sometimes radical instructions. If we look at the example of Peter Waldo, one of the earliest Reformers, we can see how following Jesus as he calls us can have great personal cost, but eternal rewards! But that kind of following takes a whole different sense of value, one that is foreign to our natural inclinations.

"... we have heard the words that set us free, follow me ..."

"Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Mark 10:21, NASB)


http://www.ttstm.com/2010/05/may-5-peter-waldo-preacher-voluntarily.html

[TexasBred]

Burnt would you really call Waldo a "Reformer"??? Was the later reformation really a reformation or a rebellion?

[Martin Jr.]

For some good information on who the Waldensians are and how they got started, go to www.newadvent.org/cathen/15527b.htm

I believe Martin Luther intended to start a reformation, but with the 30 years war and all, it reall turned into a rebellion.
Many of the German Princes had a lot to gain by the reformation; a lot of land was given to various monastaries and the church and they could confiscate the land.
It is sometime said that it brought religious freedom, but there was no freedom for those who had to accept whatever religion a Prince of a certain area chose.