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This week in Christian History

January 13, 1974: "A Gallup poll on religious worship showed that fewer Protestants and Roman Catholics were attending weekly services than ten years earlier, but that attendance at Jewish worship services had increased over the same period." (StudyLight.org)
Click to expand...

I always wonder why they can't simply say "Christian" instead of Protestant and Roman Catholic. Even "Catholic Christian" includes many more than just "Roman".
 
Not much to mention today. Not because there's no history to report, but just that this is one of those times when present realities overwhelm historical matters and push them into the background.

I will only say this - the present state of the Western Church should cause any thinking Christian to fall flat on his or her face and implore the mercy of God on us. We have become a self-serving, temporally-minded, feel-good bunch of wimps that has lost all vision of the dreadful cost that was paid on the Cross of Calvary.

We have preachers standing in pulpits saying that God overlooks all sin, that Jesus did not mean what he said, and that we can live as we want without any fear of the consequences.

Folks, the pulpits are full of liars today - they say that there are no consequences for our actions and the choices we make - there is no Hell.

However, the truth will never be overthrown, because it is founded in the very God who made and sustains all things.

These men and women with lying tongues may say whatever they want, but they will someday be crushed by the One who never lies.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (The Message)

"You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there.

The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions."



There is a Heaven and there is a Hell. And God has made a way of escape from Hell through the Cross of Jesus Christ. And while He paid the full penalty for sin, we are also called into a life of costly discipleship that leads us into Eternal Life in Heaven.



Matthew 16:24-26 (The Message)

"Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?"

Okay, one historical event as evidence to what was stated above -

January 24, 1989: "The Rev. Barbara C. Harris, 55, of Boston, was confirmed as the first female bishop in the 450-year history of the Anglican Church." (StudyLight.org)

https://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=34090



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIEsqCKEw00
 
Internet was down again over the weekend and that is about the only time I get to update this thread. I'll try to get something up before the weekend, not necessarily because you need it but because I enjoy reading up on this stuff! And then seeing how it applies to the present.

The past might be the past, but it is very much connected to the present and even the future.
 
January 30, 1649 - King Charles I on the Scaffold

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/king-charles-i-on-the-scaffold-11630119.html

January 31, 1993 - Missionaries Kidnapped in Columbia

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/missionaries-kidnapped-in-columbia-11630854.html

February 1, 1516, "Erasmus dedicated his New Testament to Pope Leo X."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/erasmus-loaded-the-reformation-cannon-11629916.html
 
Who was Alexander Selkirk? I don't think I knew this before reading this story of how the lost was found, and the condemned was saved -

February 2, 1709: "a ship picked up a British sailor from the Chilean island of Juan Fernandez where he had been marooned for five years..."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/alexander-selkirk-inspired-more-than-a-novel-11630193.html

February 3, 1943: "The Allied troopship S.S. Dorchester was torpedoed by a German sub and went down with a loss of 600 lives. As it sank, four chaplains gave up their lifejackets to shipmates, thereby also perishing in the icy waters. The bravery of Rev. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed), Rev. George Lansing Fox (Methodist), Father John Washington (a Catholic priest) and Alexander David Goode (a Jewish rabbi) led Congress afterward to mark February 3rd as "Four Chaplains Day." (StudyLight.org)
See also:
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/4-chaplains-set-a-high-standard-of-heroism-11630775.html

From the above article - 'Each of the four chaplains then peeled off his own jacket and handed it to a man. "It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven," said John Ladd, one of the 230 men who survived the attack.'

Can we learn from this model that true Christian discipleship will show itself in ways that reflect the example of Christ who gave himself without holding anything back? Does the western Church know anything about self-sacrifice today?

We heard in church this morning a story about some Canadian delegates to a world-wide Mennonite conference held in a southern African country. These delegates were hosted by a very poor African family who put on their best meal for the western guests.

It was the last chicken that the hosts owned, trimmed and served with copious helpings of joy. These "destitute" African Christians then told their Canadian guests that "we are praying fervently for the Western Church because they have so much that it must be hard to focus on Jesus Christ..."

Who are the truly wealthy? Who are the poor in this world?

Matthew 5:3-6, NLT -"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied."

This song "Die Another Day" is just so apt and powerful that I am posting it again . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIEsqCKEw00

Speaking of discipline and focus -

February 4, 1950: "American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot resolved in his journal: 'I may no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather respond to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not.' " (SLO)

February 4, 1441: "Pope Eugene IV published the encyclical "Cantante domino." It asserted that the biblical canon of the Roman Catholic Church contains both the 66 protocanonical books (i.e., the complete Protestant Bible) and 12 deuterocanonical (aka "apocryphal") books 78 writings in all." (SLO)

Perhaps those who live simple, unencumbered lives know from experience what the theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote of -

February 5, 1944: "German theologian and Nazi martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in a letter from prison: 'Much that worries us beforehand can afterwards, quite unexpectedly, have a happy and simple solution... Things really are in a better hand than ours.' " (SLO)

Who wants to be a monk? Maybe we should first ask - what is a monk?

February 6, 679: "Death of Amandus, the founder of Belgian monasticism. During his 95 years, he established eight abbeys, five in the Southern Netherlands." (SLO)

In the earliest years of the Church, one did not take on the name "Christian" without knowing that it could likely cost them their lives at the hands of their Roman rulers who had banned the Christian faith.

However, as has been stated before here, Christianity became the state religion at the time of Roman Emperor Constantine around 311 AD. After that transition from persecution to power, the Church was no longer kept pure by the effect of persecution and it became fashionable and advantageous to become a "Christian". And usually, there was no accompanying change or process of Christian discipleship.

Some of those who knew and experienced the price paid by the Savior after whom they modeled their lives became totally disenchanted with the organized "Church" with all its corruption and moved into places where they could practice their beliefs and disciplines in solitude, becoming the first Christian "monks". They simply declared that they wanted no part of the worldliness of the mainstream church.

And as the movement developed and grew in numbers, they would join together with others of sympathetic beliefs and form the first monasteries.

What would those who decried the apostate state of the early church say about us if they could look into our practices today? More importantly, how does Jesus, the Savior, see you and I when he sees our lives? Has the name "Christian" lost a lot of its meaning once again?

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7: 21-23, NKJV)

If you want to be sure of what you will hear when you stand before His throne someday (and we all will), read this -

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A21-29&version=NKJV

German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer returns to Nazi Germany from his safe exile in the USA and on "February 7, 1945, he was transferred to the terrible Buchenwald Concentration Camp..." where he was eventually hanged for his opposition the the Nazi regime.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/bonhoeffer-transferred-to-buchenwald-concentration-camp-11630780.html

When is the last time you saw armed men burst into a church service and arrest the preacher, taking him away in chains? It happened to Athanasius on February 8, 356 - "Armed troops barged in at the middle of a worship service to capture a single unarmed man -- the pastor, Athanasius..."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/athanasius-and-the-creed-of-christ-11629667.html
 
February 10, 1947: "U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall prayed: 'Save Thy servants from the tyranny of the nonessential. Give them the courage to say "No" to everything that makes it more difficult to say "Yes" to Thee.' " (StudyLight.Org)

Although life has its limitations, I'm not quite sure that I'd call it a prison! But then I wouldn't like to dispute Rene Decartes, either -

February 11, 1650: "Death of Rene Descartes, 53, French philosopher and mathematician. His last words were: 'My soul, thou hast long been held captive; the hour has now come for thee to quit thy prison...; suffer, then, this separation with joy and courage.' " (SLO)


February 12, 1797: "Franz Haydn's AUSTRIAN HYMN was first performed for the Emperor Francis II's fifth birthday. Today, AUSTRIAN HYMN is the most common melody to which we sing the popular hymn, "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." " (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gweYrn_3QBA


February 12, 1962: "Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth predicted in a letter: 'The day will come when we shall no longer speak of Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians but simply of Evangelical Christians forming one body and one people.' "(SLO)

Was Barth envisioning something that many have longed for? Or was he missing something that already exists, but is hidden from natural eyes?

This was certainly what Jesus wanted for his followers, as expressed in his prayer from John 17: 20, 21 -

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me..." (NIV)

Unity in the Spirit of Christ - it cannot be legislated, it cannot be forced and yet neither can it be left to happenstance.

It is a state that can come only through complete resignation to the will of the Father and allowing the outcome to mold every believer into one body made clean through the work on the Cross and unified by the power of His resurrection!

There is such a body, although it does not come through human effort and we cannot see it with our natural vision...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLqTZ07ja7g

February 13, 1951: "Death of Lloyd C. Douglas, 74, American Congregational clergyman and novelist. He published his first religious novel "Magnificent Obsession" in 1929, followed later by "The Robe" (1942) and "The Big Fisherman" (1948)." (SLO) One of my favorite fiction authors in years gone by . . .

February 14, 1884: "Luther Burgess Bridgers was born in Margaretsville, North Carolina. In 1910, the tragic loss of his wife and three sons in a fire became the basis of a verse of his hymn "He Keeps Me Singing." The words are: "though sometimes he leads through waters deep, trials fall across the way, though sometimes the path seems rough and steep, see his footprints all the way." " (Christianity.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4EzDxv1UB8
 
February 16, 1741: "English revivalist George Whitefield advised in a letter: 'Use the world, but let it be as though you used it not.' " (StudyLight.org)

-a delicate operation indeed, suggestive, perhaps, of the impermanence and insidiously corrupting influence ("deceitfulness of riches") of the things we need and work with to keep body and soul together. Jesus had this to say of our "worldly" existence -

"I'm not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world." (John 17: 15, 16, The Message)

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


February 17, 280: "Supposed date of the birth of Constantine, who saw a vision of a cross in 312 which said "In this sign conquer." As a result he adopted the Christian faith. Persecution against true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ was lessened--but Christianity moved toward becoming the state religion, and pagan ideas invaded the professing church. After his conversion Constantine stood against the Arians at the Council of Nicea, but dedicated Constantinople to the sun god. He was baptized just before his death. (Some sources date this as February 27; the year 280 is conjectural.)" (Christianity.com)

February 18, 1688: "At a monthly meeting in Germantown, PA, a group of Quakers and Mennonites became the first white body in English America to register a formal protest against slavery. The historic "Germantown Protest" denounced both slavery and the slave trade." (SLO)

February 18, 1678: Publication of "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/every-pilgrims-story-by-john-bunyan-11630160.html

February 19, 1942 "Presidential Executive Order 9066 began placing 100,000 persons of Japanese ancestry (of which over 2/3 were American-born citizens) into ten "relocation centers" for the duration of WWII. During confinement within the armed, barbed-wire surroundings, however, prayer meetings, Bible studies and worship services were held." (SLO)

February 19, 1735: Death of a man who believed that "Christianity must be more a matter of the heart than of the head" (C.c)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/no-marker-for-me-urged-alexander-mack-11630217.html

February 20, 1743: "Colonial missionary to the American Indians David Brainerd wrote in his journal: 'Selfish religion loves Christ for his benefits, but not for himself.' " (SLO)

Some followers are of the "loaves and fishes" type, others are like Peter who said "Lord, who would we go to? You have the words that give eternal life" (John 6: 66-68, NCV)


February 21, 1109: "Death of Anselm of Canterbury, 76, priest and theologian. Best remembered for his 1099 classic, "Cur Deus Homo" ("Why God Became Man"), Anselm is regarded as the most original thinker in the Catholic Church since Augustine. His most often quoted saying was: 'I believe, in order that I may understand.' "(SLO) The life and writings of such as Amselm show the difference between living faith and mere credulity.

February 21, 1595: A Catholic poet was martyred this day. His story is told in the link below then followed by one of his powerful poems -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/conscientious-poet-robert-southwell-11630041.html

http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/burningbabe.htm

February 22, 1954: in the face of intense media and political opposition, Billy Graham sailed for England to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Would the people come to hear him? How is the situation any different today for those who hold up the truth of God's message?

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/billy-graham-took-a-bombshell-11630805.html

February 22, 1805: birth of English, Romanticist-style poetess Sarah Flower, author of the words "Nearer, my God, to Thee"

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/sarah-flower-adams-11630348.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Oa-rwcfmH4
 
1859 years ago today - "Polycarp, the last one of those personally taught by the apostles, was burned at the stake on this day, February 23, 155. As the Lord required, Polycarp was faithful unto death; he did so in expectation that he would receive a crown of life from Christ." (Christianity.com)

When threatened with being burned to death for steadfastly claiming Jesus Christ as his Lord he replied, "You threaten the fire that burns for an hour and then is quenched; but you know not of the fire of the judgment to come, and the fire of eternal punishment." (C.c)

Polycarp was bishop at Smyrna, one of the seven churches addressed by Christ in the book of Revelation. It is said that he modeled the same spirit of gentleness as the Apostle John and was just as zealous for defending the truth, and eventually it cost him the ultimate price.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/old-bishop-polycarp-11629599.html

From his life and example, I would say this - seek to know God! Read your Bible. Know what it says. And then ask for a soft heart to hear Him speaking to you through it for it is the message that brings eternal life.

Otherwise, how will you recognize truth from lies when they are presented to you? You are solely responsible for the eternal destination of your own soul.

Therefore, when you stand before the judgment seat someday and if you are found wanting, how do you think God will respond when you say - "But I didn't know... or, the church said... or, the government said…"

And He will reply - "But what did I say?"

And you will be without answer as you find yourself sent to the eternal reward you have chosen either through indifference, self-indulgence or neglect.

Seek Him with all your heart and you will not be disappointed. He joyfully welcomes all who come!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmxHpyH1zb8
 
"Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 to 1564)

The famed sculptor and painter Michelangelo (left) was born this day (March 6). He produced some of the most profound religious art ever conceived by any artist. He also wrote religious sonnets which reveal a heart hungering for God. " (Christianity.com)

March 6, 1735: "English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: 'The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down.'" (Studylight.org)

That old one can prove to be fairly well built...

This early American proverb illustrates it quite well -

'A tribal elder is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he says to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two dogs. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

He continues, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asks his grandfather, "Which dog will win?"

The chief simply replied,"The one you feed." '

Paul said it this way to the Church at Galatia -

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions..." (Galatians 5:16,17, NLT)

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" (Galatians 5:22.23, NLT)

I'm sure that each one who engages in this battle knows the ups and downs of it. Never give up, never let discouragements get you down. Our Heavenly Father sees your struggle and is always there to hold you, even when he seems distant.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/galatians/5.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09jZdbK08IA

Julia H. Johnston, the writer of the following hymn, died on March 6, 1919. It is the "Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord" that makes any change possible, and it is his grace alone that gives us hope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWDBAfwXHnA
 
March 9, 320 - Forty men died on the ice for their faith in Christ. I had thought that the people had freedom to worship after the time of Constantine, but apparently not entirely -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/40-men-died-on-ice-for-christ-11629647.html

March 9, 1843: "Scottish clergyman Robert Murray McCheyne wrote in a letter: 'You will never find Jesus so precious as when the world is one vast howling wilderness. Then he is like a rose blooming in the midst of the desolation, a rock rising above the storm.' " (StudyLight.org)

March 10, 1528: Because they would not recant their faith and how they believed they should express it, a man was burned at the stake and 3 days later his equally astute wife was drowned in the beautiful blue Danube with a rock tied to her neck. For more on the story of Anabaptist reformer Balthasar Hubmaier, read here -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/martyrdom-of-anabaptist-evangelist-hubmaier-11629943.html

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

March 11, 1665: "New York's English Deputies approved a new legal code, which guaranteed all Protestants the right to practice their religious observances unhindered. (There were currently a host of Protestant groups thriving within this now-English colony, acquired only seven months earlier from the Dutch.) (SLO)

March 13, 1904: '"The Christ of the Andes", a bronze statue of Christ located on the Argentina-Chile border, was formally dedicated." (SLO) A worthy reminder, indeed.

http://www.leeabbamonte.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/140082397405_0_alb.bmp

To read more - http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/let-there-be-peace-between-argentina-and-chile-11630676.html

March 14, 1937: "English Bible expositor Arthur W. Pink wrote in a letter: 'Neither the nearness nor the remoteness of Christ's return is a rule to regulate us in the ordering of our temporal affairs. Spiritual preparedness is the great matter.' " (SLO)

Jesus said - "Therefore you also must be ready (for his coming again), for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44, ESV)

Being ready is as simple as recognizing Jesus as Savior, the one who can meet your needs - allowing him to bring wholeness into your life - restored spiritual wellness, restored relationships, renewed hope for the future. Nothing to lose and everything to gain!

March 15, 1950: "American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'The believer is a displaced person. He loses the controlling features of both environment and heredity.'" (SLO)
 
March 16, 597 BC: "According to certain archaeological calculations, the first conquest of Jerusalem by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar occurred. In the Bible, the event is recorded in 2 Kings 24:1ff. and in 2 Chronicles 36:5-8. It is also implied in the early chapters of Jeremiah and Ezekiel." (StudyLight.org)

"During Jehoiakim's reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the land of Judah. Jehoiakim surrendered and paid him tribute for three years but then rebelled. Then the Lord sent bands of Babylonian,a Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Judah to destroy it, just as the Lord had promised through his prophets. These disasters happened to Judah because of the Lord's command. He had decided to banish Judah from his presence because of the many sins of Manasseh, who had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. The Lord would not forgive this." (2 Kings 24:1-4, NLT)

God gives his instructions (commands) for living for a purpose, for our benefit. And although it appears for a while that people can ignore them without consequence (just as in the days of King Jehoiakim), it is just not so! The people of the nation/tribe of Judah did not get away with it - God sent a strong but godless nation in to punish them. The Babylonians were not a morally superior nation, they were just the instrument of punishment of God's choice.

Can history repeat itself?

March 17, 1737: 1st American St. Patrick's Day Celebration - I did not know the story of the slave/shepherd boy who became Saint Patrick before I read about it here -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/1st-american-st-patricks-day-celebration-11630222.html

March 17, 1789: "Birth of Charlotte Elliott, English devotional writer. An illness at age 33 left her an invalid her remaining 50 years, during which she devoted herself to religious writing. Of her 150 hymns, "Just As I Am" remains popular today." (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxA0TFe3-Uo

March 17, 1314: "39 French Knights Templars were burned at the stake. Most church history experts agree that these and other hostilities shown against the Knights Templars were caused by the greed and cunning of Philip the Fair, who sought the great wealth this medieval military religious order had amassed in the centuries following the Crusades." (SLO)

March 19, 1944: "German Lutheran pastor and Nazi martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in a letter: 'We can have abundant life, even though many wishes remain unfulfilled.' "(SLO) - not a common thought today, but one demonstrated by those who know that fulfillment comes not from material things, but knowing the life that comes from taking up the cross (self-denial) that Jesus said his disciples will carry.

March 20, 1840: "Scottish clergyman Robert Murray McCheyne wrote in a letter: 'The more God opens your eyes, the more you will feel that you are lost in yourself.' " (SLO)

Those who allow God to show them things as they really are should be prepared to initially be most unsettled. But when one's vision adjusts to a divine perspective, then the old way of seeing things will never again be satisfactory.

March 21, 1689: "Johann Sebastian Bach was born at Eisenach, Germany. His family were outstanding musicians, but he topped them all with an enormous and innovative output. His skill was unequalled in all areas of composition during the Baroque period, and yet he was not widely known as a composer in his day, and his music remained hidden until it was introduced to the world by Mendelssohn almost a century after his death. By then, his manuscripts were being used to wrap market goods. Two of his hymn tunes are the music to which we sing "Christ Is the World's True Light" and "0 Sacred Head, Now Wounded." " (Christianity.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98LcbCkhqJs

"He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6 NKJV))
 
March 23, 1692: "(Salem Witch Trials) Salem Marshal Deputy Samuel Brabrook arrests four-year-old Dorcas Good. Edward and Jonathan Putnam file complaints against Rebecca Nurse." (Ken's History of the Day)

Weird stuff. We would like to think that this kind of things can't happen today.

Really? Or do today's witch hunts simply take on a different mantle? Can society establish a solid basis for determining truth without an absolute standard?

http://hiddencause.wordpress.com/tag/samuel-brabrook/

Whoa, now wait, what did this American statesman have to say -

March 24, 1818: "American statesman Henry Clay wrote: 'All religions united with government are more or less inimical to liberty. All separated from government are compatible with liberty.' "(StudyLight.org)

March 25, 1951: "American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot reflected in his journal: 'When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die.' " (SLO)

March 25, 1906: Birth of a man who "Gave His Life for Christ--and a Drowning Girl.

Dawson Earle Trotman, weighing in at 2-1/2 pounds, was born at Bisbee, Arizona. President and valedictorian of his high school class, he turned to partying, which led to drunkeness -- until a policeman asked him bluntly, "Do you like this kind of life?" When he was 20, he made a lasting commitment to Christ. While a California truck driver, he began to disciple sailors. Out of this came the organization of The Navigators, with its emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. Many years later, at Schroon Lake, N.Y., a girl fell overboard from one of the speed boats, and Dawson Trotman jumped in, kept her afloat until she was rescued, but himself slipped beneath the waters and drowned." (Christianity.com)

The Navigators are still a very active organization today, helping to grow the Kingdom through intentional discipleship training and methods. Thus, Dawson Trotman is still saving lives today...

http://www.navigators.org/Home

March 25, 1525: "When Conrad Grebel arrived at St. Gall Switzerland on this day, he began to speak on the need for repentance and baptism. Hundreds turned out to hear him preach and over the next few months, he baptized five hundred. What was significant about this was that most of them had already been baptized as infants.
Grebel was in exile from Zurich..." (SLO) - for more on this Anabaptist reformer, read here - http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/conrad-grebel-drew-crowds-in-switzerland-11629934.html

March 26, 1889: "Birth of Missionary Faye Edgerton, author of the book God Speaks Navajo. From 1919 to 1922 she was a missionary to Korea; but there, her health broke, and she had to return to the States. In attempting to recover, someone suggested the climate of New Mexico/Arizona might be good for her. Settling among the Indians, she learned their language, reduced it to writing, and began teaching the Indians. Although she had some limited success, her main goal was to translate the New Testament into the Indian tongue. When published, the Indians were amazed, and often made the comment, "God speaks our language!" as they read His Word. This gave the title of the book about Faye Edgerton." (C.c)

The amazing thing is that no matter what language you speak, God, too, can speak it, and understand your words to Him as well. What most of us have trouble doing is taking the time to spend time in conversation with Him. He's always waiting, day and night!

March 29, 1549: The brutal torture and murder of a woman, a disciple of Jesus Christ, Elizabeth Dirks, the first female 'minister' of the Reformation. They squeezed her fingernails with screws until blood flowed, yet she would not give her Catholic persecutors the names of those who had baptized her, or those whom she had discipled. "Then they crushed her leg bones with screws until she fainted." (C.c)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/elizabeth-dirks-drowned-as-anabaptist-11629978.html

What a travesty, what an absolute miscarriage of authority, when those who are charged with the spiritual care of others abuse it in such atrocious fashion. And while thumbs screws are not the modern weapon of choice, words and actions can accomplish the same result.

But God watches over the faithful and is always ready to sustain them and ultimately receives His own to Himself.

March 28, 1961: "English apologist C. S. Lewis wrote in "Letters to American Lady": 'The main purpose of our life is to reach the point at which one's own life as a person is at an end. One must in this sense "die," relinquish one's freedom and independence... "He that loses his life shall find it."' " (SLO)

Jesus said: "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10: 39, 40, NIV)

The Cross is a horrible instrument of death - no one would willingly choose to die on one. Yet, this is exactly what Jesus has called His followers to do - die to their own self-interest and accept the life that He gives in return.

However, even though it is a costly decision, no one who has taken His words to heart has ever regretted doing it because they receive a quality of life that far exceeds what they gave up. This is called eternal life, and it begins the moment that one yields his or her own "natural" life to the supernatural life that comes after the "crucifixion" or self sacrifice to which Jesus calls His followers.

In simplest terms, this means that I give up my right to call the shots in my life, and instead allow the Heavenly Father to guide my actions and attitudes in the events and decisions in my life.

C.S. Lewis spoke of it but Elizabeth Dirks illustrated it.

March 29, 1847: "Birth of Winfield Scott Weeden, American sacred chorister and hymnwriter. During his life he led music and singing schools for the YMCA and Christian Endeavor. Of his several musical compositions, Weeden is best remembered today for the hymn, "I Surrender All." " (SLO)

Again, this song speaks to the same theme that seems to run through today's historical reflections - that of complete surrender to the will of the One who died for us on the Cross of Calvary, who thus modeled His own complete surrender to the will of His heavenly Father.

But the reward? To reign forever at the right hand of the Father!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8

Such a reward makes the cost of surrender look rather insignificant. It is offered to all who will 'take up their cross and follow ..."
 
Our founders made sure we did not have a state religion, however, I don't think they envisioned the current definition of church and state nor expected one's religious commitment to be completely isolated from his service as a member of any governmental unit.

America's Founders were committed to the idea that religion (by which virtually all of them meant Christianity) was necessary for public happiness and political prosperity...

America's Founders did not want Congress to establish a national church, and many opposed establishments at the state level as well. Yet they believed, as George Washington declared in his Farewell Address, that of 'all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports.' Moreover, almost without exception, they agreed that civic authorities could promote and encourage Christianity and that it was appropriate for elected officials to make religious arguments in the public square. There was virtually no support for contemporary visions of a separation of church and state that would have political leaders avoid religious language and require public spaces to be stripped of religious symbols."
 
March 30, 1856: "Russia signs Peace of Paris, ending the Crimean War." (Ken's History of the Day)

March 31, 1860: The birth of Rodney "Gypsy" Smith. This story shows how faith springs up in surprising places - "Rodney himself was a mischievous boy, a poacher, a liar, a thief--and a successful salesman. His quick tongue and quicker legs got him into and out of scrapes..." (Christianity.com)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/rodney-smith-gypsy-evangelist-11630515.html

April 1, 1956: "Death of William R. Newell, 88, American Congregational pastor and Bible teacher. He is remembered today as author of the hymn, "At Calvary" ("Years I Spent in Vanity and Pride")." (StudyLight.org)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBFWThI0_mw

April 2, 1877: "Birth of American evangelist Mordecai Ham. It was under Ham's preaching in the late 1930s that Billy Graham was led into a living faith." (SLO)

"Condemnation of a work seldom destroys its influence..." and the book that Marsilius of Padua published was evidence despite twice being condemned by Pope John XXII, the first time being April 3, 1327.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/marsilius-of-padua-and-john-of-jandun-11629856.html

The ideas and written works of Marsilius had a strong impact on the Reformation and also on subsequent forms of responsible government.

April 3,1759: "Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'I believe that love to God, and to man for God's sake, is the essence of religion and the fulfilling of the law.' " (SLO)

April 4, 1965: "German theologian Jurgen Moltmann revealed in a letter to Karl Barth: 'Polemics always makes one a little one-sided.' " (SLO)

No kidding. Rather like saying that water is wet...Yet those who cannot form a cogent defense of their beliefs are not likely going to be able to distinguish between truth and falsehood either.

Today, there is an all out attack on the Christian faith by militant atheists who are determined to make a complete mockery of what we hold as the answer to our origin and destiny. We can no longer afford to take our beliefs for granted (if we ever could...) Can you defend your faith?

April 5, 1802: "Pioneer Methodist bishop Francis Asbury wrote in his journal: 'I am often drawn out in thankfulness to God, who hath saved a mother of mine and, I trust, a father also, who are already in glory, where I hope to meet them both." " (SLO)
 
April 6, 6 BC: "This day is believed by some Biblical scholars to be the actual date of the historical birth of Jesus Christ."(StudyLight.org)

April 7, 30: Possible date of Christ's death, according to our understanding of events as based on the Jewish calendar and sacrificial rituals -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/possible-date-for-christs-death-11629554.html

These proposed dates of the birth and death of Jesus, while drawn from the best information we have, are still speculative. We do not know them to be so with complete certainty. We only know that, just as prophesied, Jesus did live, die and rise again on the third day. All this, to secure salvation for all who believe! "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound... the hour I first believed."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgwn1vjNHjE

And yet, as much as we celebrate those events on some arbitrary dates, there is a day of equal, if not even greater significance - the day when He returns to earth. And we do not know that date either!

Jesus had this to say about the time of His return: "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." (Luke 12:40, NASB).

Jesus had a lot to say in that same chapter about what it means to be ready for His return - http://biblehub.com/nasb/luke/12.htm - living in daily obedience to the Spirit which He gives to all who believe in His redemptive work on the cross!

He IS coming again!

So, we do well to live each day in an attitude of expectant gratitude, as Karl Barth intimated:

April 7, 1968: "In a letter penned during his 83rd and final year of life, Karl Barth wrote: 'How one learns to be thankful for each day on which one can still do something.' " (SLO)

It seems to take a long time to learn (at least for me) that every day, regardless of how it unfolds, is a gift...

Nothing brings this home more sharply than when some unfortunate event reminds us of the fragility of life...a near miss that could have resulted in death, the loss of a loved one, an accident that leaves one badly injured yet alive...

We recently had such an event at our house when our youngest son fell while snowboarding. Knocked unconscious, he suffered a concussion and a broken wrist, but appears to be making a good recovery. At one point, the doctor suspected that he may have a broken neck, but the specialists eventually ruled that grim possibility out.

Only a few weeks previous, a young man his age was killed on the same slope when he lost control and slammed into a tree...

My son later said that he worried that I might be upset with him for getting hurt because he persisted in snowboarding even though he knew of my fears about the hazards of that sport. I said, "Son, you came home alive, why should I be angry?"

When I think about it, it seems to be a lot like that with our heavenly Father when we come to Him in need of His redemptive touch in our lives. It can be hard to acknowledge that we have gone away from what He knows is best for us, but He will never reject anyone who comes to Him and acknowledges his or her need for salvation. He simply opens His welcoming arms and loves us!

Every day is a gift!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibZrAfJqfDs

April 11, 1941: "French-born American Trappist monk Thomas Merton affirmed in his "Secular Journal": 'If we are willing to accept humiliation, tribulation can become, by God's grace, the mild yoke of Christ, His light burden.'" (SLO)

April 12, 1972: 20th anniversary of Watchman Nee's imprisonment for spreading the Gospel in China. He would not bend to the intense "reprogramming" efforts of his Communist captors. His sentence was originally 15 years...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/20th-prison-anniversary-for-watchman-nee-11630830.html
 
A short list this week, but significant -


April 17, 1833: "English historian and statesman Thomas B. Macaulay declared: 'The whole history of Christianity proves that she has little indeed to fear from persecution as a foe, but much to fear from persecution as an ally.' " (StudyLight.org)

Historical records shows that persecution purifies the Church and makes it grow, while times of ease and general acceptance cause it to become adulterated and diminish.

Have you ever opened the cover of "Martyr's Mirror" by Thieleman J. Van Braght? Here is a link to it - a lot of information there for those who have an interest - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/vanbraght/mirror.toc.html

April 19, 1529" "In Germany at the Diet of Spires (Speyer), a document signed by Lutheran leaders in fourteen cities lodged a "protest" which demanded a freedom of conscience and the right of minorities. Henceforth, the German Lutheran Reformers were known as "Protestants." " (SLO)

Strange indeed, since those very same people were unwilling to allow others the same freedom and rights that they sought.
 
On infant baptism:

Christ Calls All to Baptism

Although Fundamentalists are the most recent critics of infant baptism, opposition to infant baptism is not a new phenomenon. In the Middle Ages, some groups developed that rejected infant baptism, e.g., the Waldenses and Catharists. Later, the Anabaptists ("re-baptizers") echoed them, claiming that infants are incapable of being baptized validly. But the historic Christian Church has always held that Christ's law applies to infants as well as adults, for Jesus said that no one can enter heaven unless he has been born again of water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). His words can be taken to apply to anyone capable of belonging to his kingdom. He asserted such even for children: "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:14).

More detail is given in Luke's account of this event, which reads: "Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God'" (Luke 18:15–16).

Now Fundamentalists say this event does not apply to young children or infants since it implies the children to which Christ was referring were able to approach him on their own. (Older translations have, "Suffer the little children to come unto me," which seems to suggest they could do so under their own power.) Fundamentalists conclude the passage refers only to children old enough to walk, and, presumably, capable of sinning. But the text in Luke 18:15 says, "Now they were bringing even infants to him" (Greek, Prosepheron de auto kai ta brepha). The Greek word brepha means "infants"—children who are quite unable to approach Christ on their own and who could not possibly make a conscious
decision to "accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior." And that is precisely the problem. Fundamentalists refuse to permit the baptism of infants and young children, because they are not yet capable of making such a conscious act. But notice what Jesus said: "to such as these [referring to the infants and children who had been brought to him by their mothers] belongs the kingdom of heaven." The Lord did not require them to make a conscious decision. He says that they are precisely the kind of people who can come to him and receive the kingdom. So on what basis, Fundamentalists should be asked, can infants and young children be excluded from the sacrament of baptism? If Jesus said "let them come unto me," who are we to say "no," and withhold baptism from them?
Click to expand...
 
"After the ascension of Christ, the very numerous church which was at Jerusalem, dispersed, on account of persecution, through the land of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles; so that this distinguished church, which, it appears, was the chief one on the face of the earth, had to sojourn secretly in a strange land. Acts 8:1.

Afterwards, when the emperor Domitian had banished John, the holy apostle and evangelist, for the Gospel's sake, to the island of Patmos, the Holy Ghost revealed unto him the future state of the church of Christ, namely, that she would have to flee into the wilderness, on account of the persecution of Antichrist, and there be fed by God, a thousand two hundred and threescore days, which, reckoned according to prophetic language, means as many years. Rev. 12:6-11.

Whether we begin to reckon these years from the death of the apostles; or with the year 300, when the so called patriarchs had their origin; or with the year 600; or a little later, when Mohammed rose in the east among the Greeks, and the pope in the west among the Latins, and raised no small persecution against the defenseless and innocent little flock of the church of Christ, so that all who did not wish to be devoured, either in soul or in body, had to hide themselves in deserts and wildernesses; let it be reckoned as it may, say we, a very long period is to be understood by it, which has extended to this, or about this time. Here the rose has blossomed very gloriously among the thorns. Song of Sol. 2:2. Here the dove that was in the clefts of the rock and in the secret places of the stairs, let her sweet voice be beard.* Verse 14. Here the Lord said: "A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed" (Song of Sol. 4:12). Here the Son of God has fed, sustained and preserved His church against the sentence of worldly and carnalminded men, who, because they are carnal, cannot comprehend the things of the Spirit of God.

But lest any should misconstrue our preceding proposition, let it be understood, that when we speak of the obscuration, concealment, or the be coming invisible, of the church of God, we do not mean the church in general, or in all places, for the church in general has never been obscured and hidden in all places at the same time; but we mean thereby some parts of the church in general, namely, some particular societies, belonging to the body of the general church which is spread over the whole earth"

Isn't this a kind of fairy tale?
 
Christ Calls All to Repentance and Baptism

'Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." ' - John 1:14.

At what age is repentance and belief possible? Outside of those prerequisites, baptism as instructed by Christ (after his death and resurrection) and established in the New Testament, is as meaningless as pouring water on a stone, just as Christ said that he could also make children of Abraham out of stones, in reply to those self-righteous ones who boasted of their Abrahamic ancestry.

And this?

"And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. " (RSVCE)

Would "St. Peter", the one named as the first Pope, have commanded repentance and baptism of those who were without the will or ability to understand and respond?

Is God honored by meaningless rituals, or by the turning of a repentant heart that willingly participates in the death and resurrection of Christ, and symbolizes it with a voluntary passing under the water, and then rising again to a new life?

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Tales or Reality?

As is well known by those who read of the ongoing secular attacks on anything Christian, there are numerous terms which are wrestled into usage when trying to belittle or vilify the perceived threat incumbent in the faith.

Historicity can easily - if not always cheerfully - withstand any such feeble attempts at discrediting. To those who died for their faith - by burning, by drowning, by being torn by animals, by being "sawn asunder", or by the sword or axe - they hardly saw their very real suffering as anything other than reality, being outcasts from society even though they were some of the purest souls on earth, proving their love and dedication by the sacrificing of their lives.


I am not a scholar on the meaning and full significance of baptism, but I do know that we are all called to repent and be baptized and will I continue to defend and carry out the practice as it was established and most verifiably demonstrated by the Apostles, and as commissioned by Christ.
 

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