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This week in Christian History

TexasBred said:
July 18, 1870: "The Vatican I Ecumenical Council issued the proclamation 'Pastor Aeternus,'declaring the pope's primacy and infallibility in deciding faith and moral matters. (Few Protestants agree with this doctrine.)" (SLO)
Click to expand...

This is true, yet on any given day many protestants hold their pastor up to have the same infallibility on almost anything topic spoken from behind a pulpit or lecturn.
Click to expand...

That would not be surprising at all, since it seems that it is human nature to want to let someone else do the studying, sermon prep, and generally let someone else take responsibility for their spiritual condition.

In my short experience of pastoring a church, I was appalled at how much people depended on me to "give them answers".

People want to be spoon-fed. And pastors want to take charge. It's the nature of the beast.

Somewhere in between those two lays a proper balance. I think that in a healthy congregation, you will find a lot of people who find the leader to be important for certain tasks, but not indispensable. And while the leadership deserves a lot of respect and carries a distinct degree of authority, it is certainly not infallible. It is up to each follower to make sure that their relationship with Jesus Christ is healthy and vital.

Like the Bereans - "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11, NIV)
 
In general the pastor should be able to better explain scripture than the more typical Christian in the pew as he is educated for it. Too much primate interpretation is what causes so many divisions not only between congregations but even among them. But I think we all expect more than many are able to give even when they give their all. One of our priests is from Nigeria. He says the folks there expect him to have "all" the answers and they want a 2-3 hour sermon as many of them walk that long just to get to mass.
:shock:

That scripture has always made me scratch my head Burnt. Paul was preaching "The Cross" yet the only scripture the Bereans would have had was the Old Testament. Maybe you and/or Martin can help me.
 
I hope to get more time into reading this section than I've previously given it. Partly for reasons related to your point, burnt, that many people expect the pastor to 'digest' the bible and feed it to us.

Guess I could sort of be in that category, for the reason that some pastors, mine for sure, have the history education which seems to me necessary to have anything more than a slight grasp of what the bible is saying to us. As well as some understanding of the languages from which our bible has come to us over long stretches of time.

Thanks to those taking the time to make these 'lessons' a help to us in our efforts to improve our understanding of the bible and Christianity.

mrj
 
Yes, the pastor should have the ability to explain Scripture since it is a gift that is given by Christ (Ephesians 4:11), and one that can be made so much more effective through training, just like any other skill which needs to be developed to its potential.

Wow, imagine that, a 2 or 3 hour sermon! :shock: If a preacher preaches for more than 20 or 30 minutes in a lot of North American churches, people would about start walking out and not come back!

As far as the question around the Berean's "curiosity", you raise a good point about what Scriptures they had available to them. I have had to wonder what was even readily available for them to read or study.

Did they (the laity) actually have copies which they could study? It's not like they could run over to Chapters and pick up the latest copy of the "Talmud" (the written Jewish Law). Maybe they relied on the "Mishnah" which was the Oral Law, memorized and passed down from generation to generation.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/talmud_&_mishna.html

In any case, we are told that they were also familiar with the writings of the Old Testament Prophets, such as Isaiah, who spoke extensive prophecies about the coming Messiah.

It would seem reasonable to deduct that the Bereans would listen to Paul's teaching about the crucified and risen Christ and then, in the quietness of their homes would compare what Paul said to what they knew their Books of the Law and the Prophets said.

The main thing to be understood about them is that they took the message very seriously and took it upon themselves to make sure that what they were told agreed with what the Scripture said. And guess what, the Messiah that Paul proclaimed was a perfect fit with what the Prophets had foretold centuries before!

Today, we have the benefit of looking back upon the Old Testament books, the new Dispensation with its Calvary event, as well as the traditions of the early Church and its later growths.

Therefore, with so much given to us, how much greater is our responsibility to know how we should live and walk in the ways that Christ taught his disciples? Today, because of all the resources available to us, the words of Micah are more significant than ever:

"He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV)

mrj, I can relate to letting someone else do the studying... although the Bereans are a great example, it's sure easier to be like the Thessalonians!

In the fall I'm going to tackle Greek. It seems pretty daunting, but we only live once and besides, it's a prerequisite to the program I'm in. :?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
 
July 21, 1900: "Albert Schweitzer Licensed in Theology" Big deal, huh? Well Schweitzer was many things indeed, including musician/organist and a craftsman who built organs.

But it was his studies as a Biblical scholar that drove him to question the authenticity of Jesus Christ of the Gospel accounts, not surprising in an age of increasing theological skepticism.

However, Albert Schweitzer decided that not only was Jesus Christ a real historical person, but also that "If the Bible is true, its teachings must be put into practice." (Christianity.com) And his response was to make the teachings practical in the world as a medical missionary.

"Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?" (James 2:14-17, The Message)

Read more about Albert Schweitzer here -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/albert-schweitzer-licensed-in-theology-11630662.html

July 22, 1620"A small congregation of English Separatists, led by John Robinson, began their emigration to the New World. Today, this historic group of religious refugees has come to be known as the 'Pilgrims.' " (StudyLightOrg)

July 22, 1209: "Horrible Massacre at Beziers in Christ's Name" (C.c) It seemed right at the time, didn't it? The prevalent religious and/or political approach often, if not usually, misses the mark. "Jesus warned, "Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod." (Mark 8:15 MSG)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/horrible-massacre-at-beziers-in-christs-name-11629815.html

Some react to the "contaminating yeast of (the) Pharisees and the followers of Herod" more strongly than others, as did Jenny Geddes on July 23, 1637, when she threw her chair at the church dean during the church service. He's lucky it wasn't a bench!

Read here if you want to see why Jenny was ticked off -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/jenny-geddes-hurled-a-stool-in-church-11630095.html

July 24, 1550: "French-born Swiss reformer John Calvin wrote in a letter: 'If you make a constant study of the word of the Lord, you will be quite able to guide your life to the highest excellence.' " (SLO)

July 24, 1847:"Oswald Chambers (1874 to 1916)...Born in Scotland on this day, Oswald Chambers grew up there. He is most famous for his book My Utmost for His Highest" but strictly speaking he did not write it. His wife prepared it from shorthand notes she had made of his sermons. He died at age 42 serving as a chaplain. " (C.c)

July 25, 1741: "English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: 'Your extremity shall be God's opportunity.' " (SLO) Easy to read or say, but more challenging when it becomes our experience. Faith is proven not in times of ease, but in seasons of trial and discomfort. The object of our faith is greater than our struggles!

July 26, 1924: An unhappy soul finds peace -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/miserable-hannah-r-hurnard-was-converted-11630738.html

July 27, 1501: "Copernicus formally installed as canon of Frauenberg Cathedral" (scopesys.com)

One of the greatest astronomers and mathematicians of the Renaissance Period, Copernicus shocked scientific sensibilities when he said this:

"Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe. All this is suggested by the systematic procession of events and the harmony of the whole Universe, if only we face the facts, as they say, 'with both eyes open'. "

This radical (and accurate!) view of the earth's un-predominant and unfixed position in the heavens - it's orbit around the sun - is called heliocentrism. One more small detail of a vast galaxy - brought to you courtesy of Copernicus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1GzOUnUN20
 
Today is the birthdate of Oswald Chambers, a 19th century chaplain.

Below is a link to the daily devotional "My Utmost for His Highest", compiled by his widow and based on his writing.

Oswald Chambers taught that discipleship was a daily practice rather than a seasonal or weekly celebration..

http://www.oswaldchambers.co.uk/Readings.php
 
July 28, 1960: "American Trappist Thomas Merton wrote in a letter: 'I can depend less and lesson my own power and sense of direction... It is so strange to advance backwards and get where you are going in a totally unexpected way.' " (StudyLightOrg.)


July 29, 1776: "Pioneer Methodist bishop Francis Asbury remarked in his journal: 'My present mode of conduct is...to read about 100 pages a day; usually to pray in public five times a day.... If it were in my power, I would do a thousand times as much for such a gracious and blessed Master.' " (SLO) - That does not happen without some serious self-discipline!

July 29, Birth of Dag Hammerskjold (1905 to 1961)

"U.N. Secretary Marked by God.
Dag Hammerskjold was born in Jonkoping, Sweden. He gained international prominence during his eight years as Secretary-general of the United Nations. He died in a plane crash widely believed to be the result of Communist sabotage. Three years after this crash, his journal was published under the title Markings. This revealed his personal Christian faith." (Christianity.com)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/enter-dag-hammarskjold-11630682.html

July 29, 1945: The day a great man of faith, Robert A. Jaffray, died in a filthy, Japanese prison camp. He persisted his calling to mission work in spite of numerous obstacles and had a tremendous influence on the growth of the Kingdom, his efforts to spread the Good news of Jesus Christ resulted in many, many people coming to faith!

His life was a perfect illustration of the faith passage in Hebrews 11 where it says "They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground...because God had provided something better for us..." (Hebrews 11:38-40,NASB)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/robert-jaffray-died-in-a-dirty-japanese-prison-11630783.html

July 30, 1718: "Death of William Penn, 74, English Quaker and founder of American colony of Pennsylvania. Penn permitted in his colony all forms of public worship compatible with monotheism and religious liberty." (SLO)

July 31, 1773: "Anglican clergyman and hymn writer John Newton wrote in a letter: 'Duty is our part; the care is His.' " (SLO)

August 1, 1953: "English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.' " (SLO)

August 2, 1948: What time zone do you live in? - "American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot penned this prayer in his journal: 'Father, teach me the speed of eternity. Synchronize my movements with the speed of Thine Own heart then, hasting or halting, I shall be in good time.' " (SLO)

August 2, 1982: "Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'There is the constant danger of slipping into the idea that if a person has sufficient faith, he will always be healed. This is clearly not what the Bible teaches.' " (SLO)

God is not a vending machine that dumps out whatever we want! The Apostle James said "And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure." (James 4:3, NLT)

Jesus said - "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)

"Pray, then, in this way:
'Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

'Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.

'Give us this day our daily bread.

'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'] (Mathew 6: 9 - 13, NASB)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pe0XrCKjqM

August 3, 1739: "English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: 'I am no friend to sinless perfection. I believe the existence (though not the dominion) of sin remains in the hearts of the greatest believers.' " (SLO)
 
The link I posted a week or two ago for Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" quit working for me.

Here is another that works -

http://utmost.org/#mobile
 
August 4, 1792: Date of the closure of all religious houses in France, a result of the overwhelming hatred for all things religious during the French Revolution. Within a couple of weeks, all clergy who did not support revolutionary action were expelled from the country. Those non-compliant priests who did not flee were hunted to death.

It was at this very dark juncture in French history that faith became supplanted by reason alone and it became popular to make mockery of everything that was once considered sacred. Because of its insincere application of Biblical teaching, excesses, and lack of compassion, the Church was not without fault in this decline into near anarchy.

"These developments serve to remind us that it is easier to lash out at political chains than to throw off the chains of sin." (Christianity.com)

Wait a minute - what era are we talking about here? The 18th century, or the present? Corruption in both religious and political institutions, deep discontent with the abilities of either to address the aching needs in society - racial tension, moral depravity, economic paralysis and failure, entire segments of society that have been marginalized by the mainstream - it was almost this exact scenario that marked the above period in French history.

Truth is, the solution for the ills of humanity never rested in an institution, secular or religious. (That sentence won't gain me any friends among those committed to either, I understand.)

In Mark 8:15 Jesus warned the disciples "As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, "Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod." "(NLT) A pinch of yeast in the dough affects the entire mix.

The Pharisees and Herod - the religious establishment and the political establishment. Neither one hold the solution to the brokenness in the world because they are both infected with the yeast of humanist effort - it's the best they can do. So easily affected by the siren call of compromise and the lethal admixture of bad judgment and impotent legalism.

Before anyone rushes to judgment and labels this as the seeds of anarchy, let me offer this - unless all our ways come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ the Redeemer, all efforts at bringing peace, justice and restoration to the broken will end up as sickening failures of social experiments - just like the French Revolution.

Do we have to endlessly repeat history before we learn from it?

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." (II Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

The entrance of Jesus Christ, the Living Word - God in the Flesh, was the greatest thing that ever happened on this earth and he came with the mission of solving our sin problem and showing us how to live in order to prepare us for his Kingdom. Without his redeeming touch, all our efforts are no more than - well - another French Revolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUf1fwsfQNA

Each one of us can make an immediate difference by committing to a time of prayer each day - in humble confession of our sin and asking God's touch on our lives, our leaders and our lands. Heaven is waiting to hear from us!

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/french-revolutionary-freedom-11630320.html

August 4, 1959: "Swedish Christian and U.N. Secretary General Dago Hammarskald observed in his journal (Markings): 'We encounter a world where each man is a cosmos, of whose riches we can only catch glimpses.' " (StudyLightOrg)

August 5, 1604 was the baptism date of John Eliot "Apostle to Indians," Bible translator. (Scopes System) John Eliot went on to translate Scripture into the native language that he learned and the result produced the first Bible printed in North America. (C.c)

August 6, 1801: "The Great Religious Revival of the American West began at a Presbyterian camp meeting in Cane Ridge, Kentucky." (SLO)

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

August 7, 117: "Death of Marcus Trajan, 65, Roman emperor from A.D. 98-117. His attitude toward Christianity gradually changed from toleration to persecution. It was during Trajan's rule that Apostolic Father Ignatius of Antioch was martyred." (SLO)


August 8, 1518: "German reformer Martin Luther wrote in a letter: 'The Lord will provide with the trial a way out.' " (SLO)

August 8, 1882: Snow falls on Lake Michigan. (Scopes System)

August 9 is the Feast Day of a successful product of the French Revolution - "Backward Vianney Became an Overcomer" - this link gives a glimpse into life during that period -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/backward-vianney-became-an-overcomer-11630305.html

August 9, 1942: "English Bible expositor Arthur W. Pink wrote in a letter: 'Waiting on the Lord (Isa. 40:31, etc.) describes an attitude of soul when we are engaged in true prayer, but waiting for the Lord is the exercise of patience while His answer tarries.' " (SLO)

August 10, 1742 "English revivalist George Whitefield observed in a letter: 'It is a very uncommon thing to be rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus. I find persons may have the idea, but are far from having the real substance.' " (SLO)

"Joseph Scriven died on this day, August 10, 1886." Who was Joseph Scriven? Well, who wrote "What a Friend we Have in Jesus"?

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/how-did-joseph-m-scriven-come-to-drown-11630614.html

We usually judge our circumstances in life by their immediate effect on our lives. Is that a very insightful approach? C.S. Lewis thought differently - because on August 10, 1948 -

"English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." (SLO)

The story is told of a wealthy European man in Africa whose servant was preparing their guns for a hunting trip. Somehow, one of them accidentally discharged and shot off the master's thumb. The servant, while very troubled and sorry, said repeatedly 'This is a good thing".

Of course, the master saw it differently and said, "No, this is not a good thing and because of your negligence, you will go to prison!" And he did, where the servant languished for a long time.

Some time later, while on another, long-ranging hunting expedition, the master became lost and was captured by a hostile band of cannibalistic natives. They took him into their camp and prepared him to be sacrificed to their gods.

The brush was piled around the stake to which he was tied but just before the fire was touched to the kindling, one of the captors noticed the missing thumb.

Much to his surprise, the doomed man was taken from the pyre and released, because, the natives said, only perfect creatures could be offered to the gods. They then sent him on the path back to his home, saved only by his missing thumb.

Once he arrived there, he immediately went to the prison where his servant was detained and set him free. With deepest remorse, he implored his forgiveness and said what a bad thing he had done to keep him in prison for the shooting accident.

"Oh no, not so", said the servant, "It was a good thing!".

"What?" cried the master, not understanding the servant's words at all. "How could my throwing you into prison have been a good thing?"

The servant replied, "If you had not thrown me into prison, I would have been with you..."

Blessing to all, and pray for good things!
 
August 11, 1880, - They don't all start out like Billy Graham but God calls whom he will into his service. Bud Robinson was a rough, tough Texas ranch hand who came to faith on this day and in spite of some serious handicaps became an effective preacher...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/bud-robinsons-conflict-at-camp-meeting-11630597.html

August 11, 1933: "Temp reaches 136ø F (58ø C) at San Luis Potos¡, Mexico (world record)" (Scopes System)

August 11, 1968: "Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'We live in an abnormal world and all kinds of things do exist, but this does not make them right.' " (StudyLightOrg)

August 11, 1979: Temperature reaches "28ø F in Embarrass, Minnesota" (SS)

August 12, 1947, the day when some Bolivian tribemen come out of the jungle, unarmed, to respond to the efforts of some New Tribes Missions workers to bring them the good news of Jesus Christ. This was 5 years after these same tribesmen had killed the first missionaries who had reached out to them... (Christianity.com)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/the-ayor-came-out-of-the-jungle-11630787.html


August 13, 1727: "In the German village of Herrnhut, religious reformer Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, 27, organized a group of Bohemian Protestant refugees into the first Moravian community of "Unitas Fratrum" (united brotherhood)." (SLO)

For his efforts at keeping Christ first and foremost in the lives of the people, Count Zinzendorf earned the title "the noble Jesus freak."
from Scholar George Forell. (ChristianHistory.net)

There is NO substitute for the centrality of Christ when building a body of believers - no well-defined dogma, doctrine or creed can replace the experience of knowing Jesus Christ and making him Lord of all one's life.

Once that is established, all other barriers to fellowship and growth become manageable issues. Zinzendorf's 18th century efforts toward that end bore testimony to that truth and still does today!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/denominationalfounders/zinzendorf.html?start=2

August 14, 1314, as an old man, Raymond Lull "sailed a third time for Islamic North Africa" to build on previous successful efforts to make peace with the Muslims through mission outreach, rather than military conquest...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/raymond-lull-troubadour-for-god-11629855.html

August 14, 1944: "German Lutheran theologian and Nazi martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in a letter from prison: 'God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill all His promises ... leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.' " (SLO)
- a truth not always easily recognized, and Bonhoeffer's experience was no exception.

The majestic Cathedral of Exeter, South West England, an area rich with historic lore - founded even before the Romans invaded, captured by the Anglo-Saxons and then William the Conqueror...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Cathedral_of_Exeter_edit.jpg

It was, almost literally, under the shadow of these beautiful Gothic spires that Agnes Prest was burned at the stake on August 15, 1557 for refusing to recant her beliefs condemned by the town mayor in the presence of the local Bishop.

"Her last words on this day, August 15, 1557, were, "I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith Christ. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and he that believeth in Me shall never die." " (C.c)

Is your belief in Jesus Christ and your relationship with him such that you are so convinced of it that you value it above all else - even your life? What would one be willing to trade for eternal life?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTwacC66AVc

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/diabolical-death-of-agnes-prest-11629995.html

August 15, 1549: "The first Christian missionaries to reach Japan landed at Kagoshima (on the coast of Kyushu, southernmost of the four main islands of Japan). They were a band of Spanish Jesuits, led by pioneer Catholic missionary Francis Xavier, 43." (SLO)


August 16, 1852: "Birth of Adolf von Schlatter, Swiss Protestant New Testament scholar. His 1921 History of Christ maintained that the success of any systematic theology had to be based on a foundation of solid biblical exegesis. "

von Schlatter seemed to think that solid theology was essential to the life of the Church. Fine and dandy, you might be saying, but who really cares?

Well look at it this way - there are many discussions on this site that center on feeding cattle - no big surprise since it is a ranching website. And there are some on here that know an awful lot about feeding cattle and the impact of poor or inadequate nutrition on a cattle herd - development, growth, conception, calving issues - all these are directly related to what the animal takes in.

So when someone comes on here and starts to tout some dubious or even harmful dietary advice, it doesn't take long for those who know better to present the right formula. And we all gain from their wisdom and can see material benefit from following it - sometimes in the form of a better steak!

How much more important is it, then, to have our spiritual understanding based on truth as directed by the Holy Spirit when our eternal well-being is at stake? With church-life facing some of the worst decline in centuries and society generally showing frightening unhealthiness, should it not be of greatest importance to know for ourselves how be be well in the area that matters the most?

We will not all be theologians like von Schlatter, but we can become more familiar with what the Lord would have us know about him by hearing him speak through his written Word, and enlightened by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, whom he gives freely to all who ask. Nourish your stake - read, ask and grow!

August 17, 1775: "Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'It is no great matter where we are, provided we see that the Lord has placed us there, and that He is with us.' " (SLO)

Acknowledgement and acceptance of divine providence is the beginning to walking in the path that the Lord God knows is the most fruitful for us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekUELQCnQlM
 
August 18, 1892, Charles Hutchinson Gabriel was born on this date. Without his presence in this world, we would not have had this beautiful hymn -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOr4J0a4xeY

How marvelous, how wonderful...

And on this day in 1944, another busy man's work was over -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/death-of-amazing-chinese-evangelist-john-sung-11630778.html

August 18,1963 : "Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth wrote in a letter: 'Even if there is cause for great dissatisfaction with one's church, one should stay in it in the hope that new movements will come.... Only in this way could I continue to be a member of the Evangelical Reformed Church.' " (StudyLightOrg) - what a challenge at times . . .

August 19, 1775: "Anglican clergyman and hymn writer John Newton wrote in a letter: 'We are never more safe, never have more reason to expect the Lord's help, than when we are most sensible that we can do nothing without Him.' " (SLO)

Newton was affirming the words of Jesus in John 15:5 when he said "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (ESV)

Do you and I remember that, or do we find ourselves running to him for help only when we have gotten ourselves into a bit of a problem? Life has a way of making us ever more mindful of the necessity of trusting completely in his plans and provisions for us.

It was said this way on August 19, 1934: "English Bible expositor Arthur W. Pink wrote in a letter: 'It is not words which God pays attention to, but heart-groans and tears!' " (SLO)

And upon hearing our prayers for help and guidance, the Lord responds accordingly, as stated on August 20, 1553, by "Protestant reformer John Calvin (who) wrote in a letter: 'Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.' " (SLO) Trust, and obey!

August 20, 1833 - Birth of US President Benjamin Harrison (1833 to 1901)

"A U.S. President Who Sought Souls.

Benjamin Harrison was born at North Bend, Ohio. We remember him as the 23rd president of the United States, but he was also a soul-winner and a man with deep concern for others. During the Civil War, this lawyer was promoted to colonel. One bitter night he himself carried coffee to his men on picket duty, fearing they might freeze to death. The coffee was appreciated, but more, his words of encouragement and concern for them, helped them survive the freezing night. Becoming president he conducted the nation's financial affairs with precision and care, reducing the national debt. He also supported the missionary outreach of his country." (Christianity.com)

August 21, 1849: "George Grenfell was born this day. He became a pioneer missionary in Africa." ... " "I feel very lonely." George Grenfell was writing from Africa early in 1877. After less than a year of marriage, his wife, Mary, had died, giving birth to a still-born son."(C.c)

For more about Grenfell's fiery trials, follies and finish, read here -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/african-mission-explorer-george-grenfell-11630483.html

On this day, August 22, 1941, tragedy struck only 6 days before a planned wedding. Yet, that same day, a crushed woman asked permission to continue the work of her dead fiance...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/marianna-slocums-last-days-with-her-fiance-11630771.html

...'It is not words which God pays attention to, but heart-groans and tears!'...

August 23, 1744: The birth of Rowland Hill, a man who broke with convention to fulfill his calling . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/noble-rowland-hill-preached-among-the-lowly-11630246.html

August, 24, 410: "The Visigoths sacked Rome, disillusioning Christians who were trusting in God's protection of this ecclesiastical center of early Christianity. St. Augustine (354-430) later tacked this religious problem in his monumental work, "City of God" (ca.413-27)." (SLO)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/rome-fell-but-a-christian-classic-arose-11629692.html

God protects the souls of his own, but not necessarily the things to which they attach value, like the "ecclesiastical center of early Christianity". Or even their physical beings . . . The shepherd David realized this when he composed Psalm 62 - "Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGp_70IYfUQ

"On this day, August 24 1524, a leader named Hans Müller gathered a few Stühlingen peasants around him. Calling themselves the "Evangelical Brotherhood," these men swore to emancipate the peasants of Germany..." (C.c) They did not fare well...

Another bloody peasant's revolt, which could have been avoided if the church, especially with its changing identity due to the Reformation, would have done the right thing and treated people as God intended, rather than oppressing the many for the benefit of a few.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/german-peasant-revolt-11629931.html

Once is hardly enough for this hymn - :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOr4J0a4xeY

"This Week in Christian History" will be back in 2 weeks.
 
"On this day, September 1, 256, the North African synod voted unanimously with Cyprian. Baptized "heretics" who entered the Catholic fold must be baptized again." (Christianity.com)

Well now there is an interesting historical thing that made me laugh out loud - I just discovered that the original Anabaptists were Catholics! Whodda thought? :shock: :)

All levity aside, it must never be forgotten that baptism is a command - given by Jesus in the Great Commission - that signifies dying to the old, fallen nature and rising into a new life/covenant relationship with Christ, the risen Savior!

And although there have long been differences of opinion on the details of how and when it should administered, the bottom line is this, in Matthew 28:19 we are told to "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (NIV) So .... GO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfyX0MStBSU

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/carthage-dunking-rebaptized-the-lapsed-11629623.html

September 1, 1558: "Dutch Anabaptist reformer Menno Simons, 62, confessed in a letter: 'There is nothing upon earth my heart loves more than it does the church.' " (StudyLight.org) Menno showed his love, too, in tireless service to his like-minded, persecuted, fellow Anabaptists, working hard to bring them onto solid, theological footing.

Too many of us are more like the one who said this:

"To live above with saints we love, oh, that will be glory.
To live below with saints we know - well, that's a different story!"

September 1, 1836: "A wagon train of Presbyterian missionaries, led by pioneer missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman, reached the site of modern Walla Walla, WA. Whitman's wife Narcissa became the first white woman to cross the North American continent." (SLO)

September 2, 1884: Birth of "Frank C. Laubach (1884 to 1970): born at Benton, Pennsylvania. He became a Congregational missionary to the Philippines where he developed his famous "each one teach one" method of obliterating literacy. This method has been copied around the world by many mission boards in varying forms." (C.c)

Now, back to the former reference to the Great Commission -"Go therefore and (teach)..." - see how it can work, if each one of Jesus' followers teaches one person around them about the Good News that Jesus came to the earth, not to condemn us, but to offer us salvation through his name - see what can happen? Spiritual illiteracy and poverty can be driven back and the Kingdom of Christ will grow! If we, as baptized disciples of Jesus, learn how to combine Christ's commission with Laubach's "Each one teach one" .... we can show Christ the Redeemer to the world - one person at a time!

Lord, help us to see you for what you are so that we can tell others!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQ1n3cdgfo

And then some others thought that they could bring about the Kingdom of Heaven by force - "On this day, September 2, 1415, an assembly of Bohemian and Moravian notables sent the Council of Constance a document signed by 500 of their prominent men, declaring they would fight to the last drop of their blood to defend what they saw as the true doctrines of Christ. Fight they did...." (C.c) So, did they fully portray the "true doctrines of Christ"?

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/bohemian-nobles-send-bishops-a-defiance-11629877.html


September 2, 1973: "Death of J.R.R. Tolkien, 81, English Christian language scholar and novelist. His 1954-55 "Lord of the Rings" trilogy describes a war between good and evil in which evil is routed through courage and sacrifice." (SLO) For other Tolkien fanatics, for more background on how the amazing writings of J.R.R. Tolkien came to be, read here:

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/tolkiens-middle-earth-a-christian-world-11630834.html

September 3, 1872, a great Dane died. Okay, terrible humor, but Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig was a Danish preacher who had an immense impact on his country after overcoming his initial reluctance to enter ordained ministry.

"His first sermon created an uproar. In it he asked, "Why has the Lord's Word disappeared from His House?" The state church censured him. Nikolai reconsidered his decision to enter the ministry, but decided to go ahead and was ordained the next year..." (C.c)

A man of powerful although unconventional opinions - and not easily intimidated - he was too well-known and influential to be cast aside by the religious establishment, yet too strong in his attacks on them to be tolerated. I like this guy! Kinda reminds me of Jesus!

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/grundtvig-sought-a-transformed-denmark-11630563.html

September 4, 1847: "Anglican clergyman Henry Francis Lyte, 54, suffering from asthma and consumption, penned the words to his hymn, "Abide With Me," before preaching his last sermon in Devonshire, England. (Lyte died 2-1/2 months later.)" (SLO)

What a hymn, written by a dying man and brought to us today by Hayley Westenra - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmiqAOw3YhU

September 5, 1970, Some Utah folks might like to see this happen again: "Estimated 15 cm (6") of rainfall, Bug Point, Utah (state record)" (Scopes System)

September 6, 1974: "American Presbyterian missionary Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'Only the one who has been hurt can bring healing. The other person cannot. It is the one who has been hurt who has to be willing to be hurt again to show love, if there is to be hope that healing will come.' " (SLO)

September 6, 1620, the sailing of the Mayflower, a dreadful voyage that led to even worse conditions upon landing, but was the beginning of one of the greatest nations ever-

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/mayflower-sailed-taking-pilgrims-to-new-england-11630071.html


September 7, 1807: "Protestant Christianity first came to China when English missionary Robert Morrison, 25, arrived on this date. (Catholic missions had first penetrated China in the 16th century with the arrival of Jesuit Matteo Ricci in 1582.)" (SLO)

Whether Catholic or Protestant or Anabaptist, we may never take a proprietary attitude with the Gospel message, just "Go ye..."

"I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose ...

Some of you are saying, "I am a follower of Paul." Others are saying, "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Peter," or "I follow only Christ."

Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! " (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, NLT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk6ni0D_0EA
 
burnt said:
"On this day, September 1, 256, the North African synod voted unanimously with Cyprian. Baptized "heretics" who entered the Catholic fold must be baptized again." (Christianity.com)

Well now there is an interesting historical thing that made me laugh out loud - I just discovered that the original Anabaptists were Catholics! Whodda thought? :shock: :)
Click to expand...


This vote did not stand. Stephen, bishop of Rome, ordered Cyprian to accept the lapsed into the church without a second baptism. Cyprian refused. "[H]ow can he who lacks the spirit confer the spirit?" he asked. For a long time he resisted, but eventually yielded--under threat of excommunication. Rome uses this concession by Cyprian to prove that at that early time the bishop's of Roman word had authority.
Cyprian died a martyr. He had been accused of cowardice for hiding during the Decian Persecutions. In 258 he vindicated himself, boldly testifying to his faith as he went to his beheading. Stephen, too was martyred--a year before Cyprian. The Council of Arles in 314 upheld Stephen's decision. As long as a person was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, he or she was truly baptized, regardless of who conferred the rite.
 
September 8, 70: "Following a six-month siege, Jerusalem surrendered to the 60,000 troops of Titus' Roman army. Over a million Jewish citizens perished in the siege and, following the city's capture, another 97,000 were sold into slavery." (StudyLightOrg)

On September 9, 1561 a very theologically diverse group of men sat down by instruction of French regent Catherine de' Medici to try to establish a a working alliance between the Roman Catholic, French national Catholics and Protestants.

Well, with humans being what they are and religion being what it is, how do you suppose that worked out? At least they waited a year to start killing each other...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/poissy-conference-couldnt-cure-france-11630003.html

We seem to have trouble understanding Jesus' prayer in John 17:22,23 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me..."

...or the words of Paul to the Ephesian believers "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all..." (ch.4:1-6)

I sure don't have the answer to divisions in the body of Christ. Seems like we know all the right dogmas and doctrines, but fall down on extending to each other the love and grace that Christ imparted and Paul taught (and a bit of introspection shows me things I don't like to see in this regard)...Ephesians 4 is a pretty good read to go with the above article.

On September 10, 1752 a group of men exiled from Europe began to trek inland across what is now North Carolina in search of a place to call home, a place where they would be free to practice their faith in freedom...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/moravians-settled-north-carolina-11630260.html

Whoa now wait a minute, might the problem of disunity in Christ's body be related to the words of American Trappist monk Thomas Merton who penned these words in a letter on September 11, 1962:

"We have not tasted the things given to us in Christ. Instead, we have built around ourselves walls and cells, and buried ourselves in dust and documents, and now we wonder why we cannot see God, or leap to do his will." (SLO)

September 11, 1227: Ludwig, Landgrave (Count) of Thuringia - a man of means who made a difference where he could - is remembered on this day, the date he died. Prompted by the sometimes-extravagant kindness of his wife, Elizabeth, he addressed social concerns like poverty and justice that he saw arise around him.

It is easy to criticize today's seemingly irresponsible social programs but how do we help out those who have real needs without enabling them or reinforcing their dependency on others? If the followers of Christ were to be in charge of helping the marginalized and destitute, what would it look like? Would it mean getting our hands dirty or going places that make us uncomfortable?

Perhaps the "brown envelope" type of social assistance that we love to hate is a result of our answer to that question. After all, who wants to give their bed up for a "leper", a complete social outcast? Ludwig did. Our attitudes and actions toward those in need are seen and judged by the Lord...

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/ludwigs-kindness-backed-elizabeth-11629827.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdLr7Sn7618

Some would say the young man in our next story was wasting his time since he did not go into his proclaimed venture for personal gain. Seems like he was willing to give it all up for "the least of these..." Read about Francis Asbury -

September 12, 1771: "Pioneer Methodist bishop Francis Asbury, 26, on his maiden voyage to America, wrote in his journal: 'Whither am I going? To the New World. What to do? To gain honor? No, if I know my own heart. To get money? No, I am going to live to God, and to bring others to do so.' " (SLO)

Well look at this, here we have another example of someone who devoted herself to social justice -

"Catherine Winkworth (September 13, 1827 to 1878) was born in London. An activist in the social and educational issues of her day, she was a pioneer in the higher education of women. She translated several German hymns into English, including "Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation." She published two books on German music and the Chorale Book for England." (Christianity.com)

What stands out to me is that all of these examples of those who worked to make a difference to the needy around them did ONLY what they were called to do with what they had. It's all too easy to look at all the messes in the world around us and give up because the need is so great and our resources seem so small.

When the Lord called Moses, the Old Testament shepherd, to lead the fledgling, slave nation Israel out of mighty Egypt, he responded with "who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

The Lord replied to Moses from the burning bush with "What is that in your hand?", indicating his shepherds staff and sent him out to do the job. Meaning, it is not our "outstanding abilities and giftings" that make the difference, it is how the Lord empowers and uses what we have.

September 13, 1962: "Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth wrote in a letter: 'God, according to 2 Cor. 5:19, reconciled the world to himself, not himself to the world.' " (SLO) Think about it - what practical difference does it make one way or the other? When Jesus came into the world did he come only to bring immediate relief to human need? Some say it this way - He came to save us from our sins, rather than in our sins.

September 14, 1741: "German composer George Frederick Handel, 56, finished composing his oratorio, "The Messiah." He wrote the score, start-to-finish, in only 24 days, subsisting primarily on coffee." (SLO)

Seems like sometimes these historical "explorations" leave me with more questions than answers.
Like, questions around unity in the body of Christ.
Or, how do followers of Christ meaningfully serve those needs around them?
And this one - how does Barth's theological statement "God...reconciled the world to himself, not himself to the world." look when dressed in human skin? Might it have the outcome of addressing not only social needs, but also the spiritual causes of those needs?


I wonder if the divisive attitude that so much harms the Body arises from losing sight of the most wonderful thing of all - that Jesus died on the Cross to redeem us from the mess that we got into as a result of following our selfish ways instead of his life-giving ways. We live for our own benefit alone rather than receiving his grace and extending it to others. And it all goes downhill from there.

I am reminded of the story of a little boy walking down the beach one morning after a storm had littered the sand with thousands of starfish that would surely die when the hot sun hit them.

As he tossed one after the other into the water, an older man came along and said "Why are you wasting your time throwing those old starfish back into the water? There are so many that you won't make a difference!"

Stooping down, the boy picked one up, looked at it, pondering the older man's discouraging words.

Tossing it into the water he replied, "It made a difference to that one!"

Remember the sacrifice made for us, and go serve...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UynWfRULQo
 
September 16, 1837: "Evan Henry Hopkins was born in Santa Ana, Columbia, South America...The man, who had himself just become a Christian the day before, pointed Evan to the Bible text, "the blood of Jesus Christ [God's] Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:9) Evan took the words to heart and his life began to show Christ's influence." (Christianity.com)

One might be surprised where the road will lead when they personally encounter the work of God...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLlW_Bl4BA


September 16, 1840: "Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne wrote in a letter: 'Grace fills us with very different feelings from the possession of anything else. If you have tasted the grace of the Gospel, the irresistible longing of your hearts will be, "Oh, that all the world might taste its regenerating waters."' " (StudyLight.Org)

"Walter Gowans...born September 17, 1868 in Canada. With Rowland Bingham and Thomas Kent, he went to open a mission door in East Africa, thereby becoming a co-founder of the Sudan Interior Mission. However, he died of malaria within a year." (C.c)

Last Sunday we heard a missionary couple recount of their calling and experience in spreading the Gospel message in the African country of Malawi. One question they were asked before committing to the task was "Are you prepared to die?". Their work is showing remarkable results with many Muslims being baptized into faith in Christ!

"The Power of Jesus Name" gives a new meaning to the work we do -
On September 18, 1765, "Oliver Holden was born in Boston. In Charlestown, Massachusetts, he became a carpenter. After acquiring property, he began dealing in real estate. He built a Puritan church and became its pastor. His love for music led him to publish several hymn books and towrite music. We sing "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" to a tune he wrote." (C.c)

September 19, 1955, Nate Saint makes his first sighting of a village of Auca natives in Ecuador. The story is worth reviewing -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/neighbor-search-in-ecuador-11630810.html

Also on this day several years earlier in 1948, his co-worker and fellow-martyr, Jim Elliot, wrote this in his journal: "'Father, make of me a "crisis man." Make of me a fork, so that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.' " (SLO)

Then on September 20, 1948, eight years before his martyrdom at the hands of the Auca Indians Elliot's journal shows this entry: "'I am Thine at terrible cost to Thyself. Now Thou must become mine -- as Thou didst not attend to the price, neither would I.'" (SLO)

That "terrible cost" is none other than the blood of Jesus Christ which was spilled to obtain the forgiveness and redemption of each one who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As the above song so powerfully states:

"There is a blood
That cost a life
That paid my way
Death it's price
When it flowed
Down from the Cross
My sins were gone
My sins forgot"

"So I come to tell you He's alive...)
(Rita Springer)

Another early reformer was born on September 21, 1452, but ended up as many others who withstood the establishment:

"Girolamo Savonarola was born in Ferrera, Italy. He entered the Dominican order in 1474, but his studies in the Old Testament prophets and the Book of Revelation helped to make him a powerful preacher against the evils that corrupt society. His utterances had a prophetic tinge. He believed that God had given him a mission of calling people to repentance before the impending day of judgment. Savonarola created a democratic government in Florence and burned immoral works of art. He preached against the worldliness and of the clergy and the corruption of secular life, and was especially opposed to the ruling class. Pope Alexander VI offered him a lucrative job in Rome (to shut him up). When Savonarola rejected this, he was taken into custody, arrested, tortured, examined and condemned to die. His last words were, "My Lord was pleased to die for my sins." He was strangled and his body burned." (C.c)

"...But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection." Hebrews 11:35b)
 

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