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This week in Christian History

It was not the Catholic Church that killed Girolamo Savonarola, as the article implies, but the people.

His theology was appproved by the church, but it got out of hand.
He had went to extremes to control morality, going from house to house taking away dice and playing cards, etc. eventually this formed into a police for regulating morality, regulating dress, etc. with spying on neighbors becoming a part of this.

This turned into a sort of theocracy, and the people turned against him.
 
Thank you for the clarification, Martin Jr.

Further reading would leave me unclear as to whether his death would have been preventable if the Church had intervened.

He was, though, without a doubt a very controversial figure for both the Church and the people, taking,as you said, extreme measures to address systemic problems in society.

Some years later, Luther seemed to find inspiration in the preserved writings of
Girolamo Savonarola.

What it shows is that no one is the complete or perfect answer to spiritual matters.

The best I have ever heard it said comes from a blog that I recently discovered where the author said this of an influential leader:

"And, as for his weaknesses, at the end of the day, we are probably all a bit misguided in one area or another, to which I say, "Thank God our salvation lies in Jesus, not in perfect understanding of God and His word, nor in our faultless delivery of that understanding."
 
September 22, 1871: "Death of Charlotte Elliott, 82, English devotional writer and author of the enduring hymn, "Just As I Am." (A serious illness at 33 had left her an invalid her remaining 50 years.)" (studylight.org)

For more on her story - http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/charlotte-elliott-faced-god-with-one-plea-11630559.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoBTfXddjN0

HUH? September 23, 1667: "In Williamsburg, Virginia, a law was passed, barring slaves from obtaining their freedom by converting to Christianity." (SLO) (Practical reasons, I guess?)

Difficult to contemplate, but not without merit - September 23, 1960: "While mourning the recent death of his wife Joy Davidman, English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'My great recent discovery is that when I mourn Joy least I feel nearest to her. Passionate sorrow cuts us off from the dead.' " (SLO)

September 24, 1889: "In Holland, the Declaration of Utrecht was signed and became the doctrinal basis of the Old Catholic Church. ("Old Catholics" reject clerical celibacy, papal authority and the Council of Trent decisions.) Today in Europe, Old Catholics are active in Holland, Germany and Switzerland." (SLO)

September 25, 1555: "The Peace of Augsburg was signed, resolving bitter disputes between Protestants and Catholics in the German states. Its wider significance, however, meant that both the political unity of Germany and the medieval unity of Christendom was permanently dissolved." (SLO)

Rudolf Otto, born September 25(1869 to 1973)

"He honored his holy God.""

"Rudolf Otto was born in Hanover, Germany. As a Lutheran theologian, he sought to deepen public worship. He wrote The Idea of the Holy, stressing the surpassing holiness of God, too often neglected in Protestantism." (Christianity.com)

It is not until we see the indescribable holiness of God that we can begin to see our own need of the salvation he offers. When we read Isaiah 6, we get an idea of what happens when we get a glimpse of the glory and majesty of God. Like Isaiah, we cannot help but but convinced of our need and say "Woe is me, I am undone..."

But like Isaiah experienced, God does not condemn those who acknowledge their neediness before him! Rather, he receives such humble, confessing ones through the work that Jesus FINISHED on the Cross!

What am amazing gift - it's free to all who will accept it!

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God..." (John 1:12, ESV)

September 26, 1990: "In Russia, the Supreme Soviet ended decades of religious repression with a new declaration, forbidding government interference in religious activities and giving citizens the right to study religion in homes and private schools." (SLO)

September 27, 1805: "George Mueller was born near Magdeburg, Germany. In 1825 he was converted from a wastrel, criminal life under the preaching of the Moravians. He began an evangelistic work among Jews and children. Within a few years he had moved to Bristol, England, where he made his permanent home. For 66 years he cared for orphan children, relying completely on prayers and private donations. At his death, his personal assets amounted to less than $1,000 but he had disbursed $8 million to charities and cared for 10,000 orphans." (C.c)

On September 29, 1895, the world lost Louis Pasteur, a committed believer who did much to support the Christian view of Creationism in the scientifically untenable advance of Darwin's theory of evolution.

His discoveries in the field of bacterial and viral infections have left the entire world deeply indebted to his work.

Contrary to the view that faith and science are mutually exclusive, Pasteur said, "The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator." (answersingenesis.org)

"Pasteur was truly a man of Christian character and action. Louis embraced the values of the Gospels throughout his life. His faith came simply and naturally for spiritual help and was most evident in the later stages of this life. Pasteur believed in prayer, the Bible, and the truths of the gospel as his goal. He encouraged others to do the same (Vallery-Radot 1911, vol. 2. p. 240)."(answersingenesis.org)

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/arj/v1/n1/louis-pasteurs-views

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XIoW83HnS4
 
September 29, 1803: "The first Roman Catholic Church in Boston was formally dedicated. (Catholics had not been permitted any religious freedom within this predominantly Puritan colony prior to the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780.)" (StudyLight.org)

September 29, 1830, Richard Oastler wrote a letter that precipitated change in the lives of thousands of laborers who had suffered unjustly under the workplace demands of their "Christian" masters...(how do we treat those who depend upon us for their livlihood?) His actions were in part responsible for today's 8 hour workday!

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/oastlers-letter-shocked-england-11630410.html

September 30, 430: "Death of Latin Father St. Jerome, ca.75. Converted at 19, Jerome spent the last half of his life rendering the Scriptures into the contemporary ("vulgar") Latin of his day -- hence the "Latin Vulgate" -- as well as preparing commentaries on nearly every book of the Bible." (SLO)

So what, you ask, why should I care about some ancient figure named Jerome who spent his time bent over books? Did he know cattle? Cropping? Nope, he knew none of that as we do today.

Yet his work as a Biblical scholar and translator had an immeasurable impact on not only our present day translations of the Bible, but on the very language we speak, being responsible for introducing many words which we use today from Latin origin.

October 1, 1889: "Birth of Ralph W. Cushman, American scholar and devotional writer. His best-remembered poem begins: "I met God in the morning, when my day was at its best...." " )SLO) Here is the poem - there is something to be learned here:

http://www.earnestlycontending.com/KT/Poems/GI/ImetGod.html

October 1, 1755: "Hannah Adams (1755 to 1831)was born in Medfield, Massachussets. Hannah was the first American woman to make her living wholly by writing. Among her many religious works was Truth and Excellence of the Christian Religion. (Christianity.com)

October 2, 1187, Saladin Captures Jerusalem -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/901-1200/saladin-captured-jerusalem-11629809.html

A Poetess is born - Dorothy Frances Blomfield, October 4, 1858, in 15 minutes wrote a poem that has graced countless wedding ceremonies ever since!

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/dorothy-gurney-wrote-a-wedding-poem-11630511.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNtnhL4bHcs

October 5, 1989: "Ten months after being indicted by a federal grand jury, televangelist Jim Bakker, 50, was found guilty on 24 counts of mail and wire fraud. Three weeks later, on October 24th, Bakker was fined $500,000 and sentenced to 45 years in prison." (SLO)
 
October 6, 1683: "A band of religious refugees from Krefield, Germany came ashore at Philadelphia -- the first Mennonites to arrive in North America. Their pastor, F. Daniel Pastorius, was considered by many the most learned man in America at the time." (StudyLightOrg)

October 7, 1832: "Charles C. Converse was born in Warren, Massachussets. He is best known as the composer of the hymn tune to which we sing "What a friend we have in Jesus." He had studied at Leipzig and wrote cantatas, oratorios and other high-brow works, none of which are remembered like his one famous hymn tune." (SLO)

Converse wrote the music, but Joseph Scriven wrote the words. For the heart-rending story behind the writing of this hymn, see this -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjUoE2fack

Who can understand the deepest human suffering better than Jesus Christ, the one of whom it was prophesied by Isaiah - "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain..." (Isaiah 53:3a)

Telling him our troubles and leaving them to him may not change the circumstances. However, it can help us find the strength and encouragement to continue through whatever may be causing our pain and even open avenues to restoration and wholeness.

Sung here by one of country music's finest :-) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X35JDIdQF5A

October 8, 1871: "Great Fire kills 200, destroys over 4 miles (10 km) of Chicago buildings, & original Emancipation Proclamation" (Scopes System)

October 9, 1635: "Colonial American Separatist Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts for preaching that civil government had no right to interfere in religious affairs. (Williams was seeking to establish freedom of worship through the separation of church and state.)"(SLO)

October 10, 1560: "Birth of Jacob Arminius, the Dutch theologian from whose writings and doctrines Protestants opposed to Calvinism have since been called "Arminians." " (SLO)

Calvinists and Arminians have ever since debated whether the state of their salvation is fixed or fallible. It seems to me that the only thing that matters in the present time is that believers are to be obedient to what they know they are called to do and leave all the future up to the One who knows all things and can sustain us.

Actually, it seems strange that we expend so much energy trying to define issues which are really beyond our understanding and yet fail to observe and obey many things which are clearly stated by God the Father and reaffirmed by the Living Word, Jesus Christ the son.

What's up with that anyway? Why would He open up deep matters to us when we don't keep the simple things he has asked of us? Seems to me that theology is only as good as its practical application...

October 11, 1821: "Birth of George Williams who founded the YMCA to evangelize rootless young men in the cities and provide them with needed recreational activities and guidance to make them useful and keep them from lives of sin. Williams had a strong impact." (Christianity.com)

October 11, 1531, Swiss reformer Ulrich Zwingli died in battle and many of his Protestant followers died with him. His body was butchered and mixed with manure.

So, how was God honored on that day?

Satan loves nothing better than to see those who profess to be Christians killing each other. While there is often disagreement over how to carry out our calling as believers in Christ, let it never be found of us to bear ill will toward another, in word or deed - and thus shame the name of God.

Never.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/zwingli-perished-by-the-sword-11629950.html

Well, as far as salvation and obedience are concerned, it would appear that Francis Schaeffer said it earlier and better than I could - "October 11, 1954: "Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship -- and not as ends in themselves." "(SLO)

October 12, 1949: "American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'For my generation I must have the oracles of God in fresh terms." (SLO)

While the central message of the Gospel never changes, what good does it do if not presented in a manner that can be understood and has relevance in the present time?


One more time just for the jazz lovers :wink: ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xtUrS26y4
 
October 13, 539(BC) "The Persian armies of Cyrus the Great captured Babylon. (Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the former military scourge which had taken Judah into exile in 586 BC (see 2 Kings 25)." (StudyLightOrg)
God had warned the Jews that if they did not turn away from their selfish, sinful living, they would be punished. Guess what happened - He meant it!

October 13, 1670: "In Virginia, slavery was banned for Negroes who arrived in the American colonies as Christians. (The law was repealed in 1682.)" (SLO)

When Harry Ironside was born in Toronto on October 14, 1876, they gave him up for dead while they attended to his very sick mother. BUT he wasn't . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/ironside-laid-aside-as-dead-at-birth-11630581.html

Here is an example of how not to let our afflictions or frailty interfere with using our gifts -
October 15, 1784: "Birth of Thomas Hastings, American sacred composer. Hastings was an albino afflicted with extreme nearsightedness, yet from his pen came such enduring hymn tunes as TOPLADY ("Rock of Ages") and ORTONVILLE ("Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned")." (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7gt_cSxjw

October 16, 1948: "American missionary martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: '"They shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isa. 40:31). These wings are not so typical of purity as they are of power -- strength to live above snares and everything ese...Thanks for wings, Lord.' " (SLO)

October 16, 1931:Birth of Charles Colson -

"From fall-guy to fellowship leader.

Birth of Charles Colson, who was well-known for his part in the Watergate scandal. In God's overarching wisdom, he allowed Colson to be the "goat" for the administration and out of his prison experiences came Prison Fellowship ministry." (Christianity.com)

It's not easy to see value in suffering, but on October 17 1651, "French scientist Blaise Pascal wrote in a letter: 'Jesus Christ suffered and died to sanctify death and suffering; he has been all that was great, and all that was abject, in order to sanctify in himself all things except sin, and to be the model of every condition.' " (SLO)


October 18, 1949: "Country songwriter Stuart Hamblen, 31, underwent a spiritual conversion. Author of the popular 1954 hit "This Old House," Hamblen later wrote such Christian favorites as "It Is No Secret What God Can Do," "How Big is God?" and "They That Wait Upon the Lord." "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8GtaTpaK5w

Last week, October 10th was the celebration of the birth of Jacob Arminius, founder of Arminianism. This week we remember his death 49 years later on October 29, 1609:
"Death of Jacob Arminius, 49, the Dutch theologian who lent his name to the beliefs (known today at Arminianism) which oppose the major tenets of Protestant Reformed (Calvinist) theology." (SLO)
 
October 27, 1977: "American missionary and apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'The unforgivable sin is not something done once and for all and which when done is without remedy. It is the constant, unremitting resistance of the gracious work of the Holy Spirit for salvation.' " (SLO)

Here is a parable illustrating Schaeffer's point about resisting the "work of the Holy Spirit"-

Parable
So this guy came into the coffee shop in Calgary looking for directions to Toronto.

He asked can anybody here tell me how to get to Toronto?

A guy says well I published a map book so I think I can help you. Just go straight east down the TransCanada, through Regina and Winnipeg and around Lake Superior, through North Bay and you will get to Toronto.

The traveler said but I want to go west, not east, so that doesn't suit me at all.

The guy who wrote the book said trust me, my directions will get you where you want to go, but the traveler had his mind made up about going west and protested loudly.

People around them started to take the traveler's side out of sympathy and other reasons and created a scene, and tried to shut the map book guy down.

The manager came over to see what the fuss was about because he understood that all the noise wasn't good for business.

And since he was running the place, he turned the map book around to make it look like east was west and west was east and told the traveler what he wanted to hear - go west hard and fast.

That made the noisy people quiet and they kept the place full and spent their money. Didn't matter that the traveler drove west right off the end of the highway and into the Pacific Ocean.

When the map book guy got up to leave, the manager and all the people called "Hey map book guy, give us directions."

And they couldn't figure out why the map book guy just answered good luck with that and walked away…

"He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." (Proverbs 29:1, ESV)

October 28, 312, A crucial event in Christian history which was elementary in enabling the future spread of the Gospel message throughout the world. Not that God is ever limited in His purpose but he often uses interesting events to accomplish His purposes.

"Roman emperor Constantine, 32, defeated the army of Maxentius, a contender to the throne, at Milvian Bridge, after trusting in a vision he had seen of the cross, inscribed with the words, "In this sign conquer." Constantine was converted soon after and became the first Roman emperor to embrace the Christian faith." (SLO)


October 28, 1777: "Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter; 'The Lord usually reserves dying strength for a dying hour.' " (SLO)


October 29, 1863: Henri Dunant failed in his primary ambition but more or less inadvertently succeeded in starting something which eventually grew into something even greater - the International Red Cross:

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/christian-businessman-founded-the-red-cross-11630533.html

October 30, 1451: "Birth of Christopher Columbus, who believed the earth was round and sailed across the Atlantic to reach India and China by the back way. He included christianization of the Indians among his goals." (Christianity.com)

October 31, 1517: "German Augustinian monk Martin Luther, 31, nailed to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg a list of 95 theological points he wished to debate ... and touched off the Protestant Reformation!" (SLO)

(Reformation is great, but transformation is what counts...)

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2. NLT) What would this world - your surroundings and mine - look like if we were all to allow His Spirit to motivate all of our thoughts and actions? "Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0AVg3155U

November 1, 1625: Birth of "Oliver Plunkett ... born into an influential Anglo-Norman family at Loughcrew, near Oldcastle, Co Meath. Becoming a Catholic priest he returned to Ireland during a time of Oliver Cromwell's anti-Catholic laws. He was falsely accused of treason and became the last Catholic to be executed in England for his faith. "


November 1, 1963: "English linguistic scholar J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in a letter: 'In the last resort, faith is an act of will, inspired by love.' " Our experience of Faith might not be something we can always empirically quantify, but it is something upon which we must always act!

November 2, 1904, "...an example of applied faith..."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/althea-brown-feared-for-her-life-11630677.html
 
November 3, 753: "Death of St. Pirminius, first abbot of the Benedictine monastery at Reichenau (located in modern Germany). His name endures today as author of a book entitled "Scarapsus," which is the earliest known writing to contain the Apostles' Creed as it is worded in its present form." (StudyLightOrg)

The Apostles Creed as it is repeated by many today -

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/pirminius-abbot-of-the-apostles-creed-11629750.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LR2hFP1yb4

November 4, 1740, "Birth of Augustus Toplady. Converted at age 15 in Dublin, Ireland, through the evangelistic outreach of Methodists, he was ordained in 1762 into the ministry of the church of England and became a strict Calvinist, strongly opposed to the Methodists. At eighteen he wrote his first hymn, "Great God, Whom Heaven and Earth and Sea..." But his most famous hymn, "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me," was written in 1775 when he was 34. Tradition says he wrote it while sheltering from a storm in a rock crevice. He died two years later of tuberculosis and overwork."(Christianity.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7gt_cSxjw

November 5, 1959: "English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'All joy (as distinct from mere pleasure, still more amusement) emphasises our pilgrim status; always reminds, beckons, awakens desire. Our best havings are wantings.'" (SLO)

November 6, 1977: "In Toccoa Falls, GA, the Barnes Lake Dam burst, following heavy rains, and the resulting flood destroyed the (Christian and Missionary Alliance) campus of Toccoa Falls Bible Institute. Thirty-eight students and instructors were also killed in the tragedy."(SLO)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/christian-campus-destroyed-in-flood-11630841.html

November 7, 1793: "During the French Revolution, "Christianity" was abolished on this date. Reason was deified, and as many as 2,000 churches were afterward destroyed throughout France." (SLO)

November 8, 1889: "Birth of Oswald J. Smith, Canadian clergyman. Founder of the People's Church of Toronto, Smith also authored a number of books and composed more than 1,200 hymns, including "The Song of the Soul Set Free." " (SLO)

For an at-home Sunday morning "meeting", you could tune in to the People's Church, Toronto, and listen to Charles Price at http://www.livingtruth.ca/

There are few who preach like Charles, clearly, simply, truthfully, but always with grace . He will not always make you comfortable but he will bring the message of God's grace and salvation.

"The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable" (James A Garfield)

November 9, 1538: "German reformer Martin Luther declared: 'It would be a good thing if young people were wise and old people were strong, but God has arranged things better.'" (SLO)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJL_bChiTI0
 
November 10,1952: "English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'I believe that, in the present divided state of Christendom, those who are at the heart of each division are all closer to one another than those who are at the fringes.' " (StudyLight.org)

November 11, 1491: Birth of "Martin Bucer, early Protestant reformer, was born at Schlettstradt, Germany. Although not well-known today, the spotlight of the Reformation being on Martin Luther and John Calvin, nevertheless, Bucer had a tremendous impact on believers of that era. His greatest work was his dedication to the unification of all true believers, overcoming the small differences which Satan has always used to separate the Church. Educated in Catholic schools, he became a professor of theology in the Dominican order. However, hearing Martin Luther explain the Scriptures to the Augustinian order, he was one of the few who was converted to the faith propounded by Luther concerning "salvation by faith alone." He withdrew from his order, and, became one of the first of the former Romanist priests to marry, taking an ex-nun, Elizabeth Silvereisen. He spent his last three years in England, where he had an influence in the revision of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer." (StudyLight.org)

November 12, 1556: "Dutch Anabaptist reformer Menno Simons wrote in a letter: 'I can neither teach nor live by the faith of others. I must live by my own faith as the Spirit of the Lord has taught me through His Word.'" (SLO)

AND ALSO on November 12, but almost 400 years later in 1954: "American Presbyterian missionary Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'Loyalty to organizations and movements has always tended over time to take the place of loyalty to the person of Christ.'" (SLO)

November 13, 1618 "In the Dutch commune of Dordrecht, the Synod of Dort convened to discuss the Arminian controversy vexing the Reformed faith. In the end, about 200 Arminian (Remonstrant) ministers were deposed and fifteen were placed under arrest and later expelled from the country." (SLO) (A bit strange that the Synod made this choice because they believed that we have "no choice"…)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/dort-pitted-calvinists-vs-arminians-11630066.html

November 14, 1558: "Dutch Anabaptist reformer Menno Simons wrote in a letter: 'We ought not to dread death so. It is but to cease from sin and to enter into a better life.'" (SLO)

November 14, 1739: "English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in his journal: 'We can preach the Gospel of Christ no further than we have experienced the power of it in our own hearts.' " (SLO)

November 15, 1731: Mentioned last week in "Tune of Today" - "William Cowper was born in Herfordshire, England. After an unhappy childhood in which he was brutalized at school, Cowper trained for the legal profession but never practiced law. Stress led to deep depression, from which Cowper never fully recovered. At age 32 he was converted while in an asylum. Upon his release after 18 months of treatment, he made his home with Rev. Morley Unwin and later Anglican hymnwriter John Newton in Olney. Cowper and Newton produced Olney Hymns (1779), one of the most significant early collections of English hymnody. Before his death, Cowper was recognized as the greatest English poet of his day, a founder of the Romantic movement. Two of his most popular verses are sung as the hymns "Oh, for a Closer Walk With Thee" and "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood " He died April 25, 1800 allegedly despairing of salvation." (C.c)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5simzlY-a8

For a full text of Cowper's poem, read it below the video. The words describe the struggles, ups and downs that Cowper experienced. Such brilliant theology expressed in song, yet from the pen of one whose life demonstrated the extreme our human frailty.

November 16, 1621: "The Papal Chancery first adopted January 1st as the beginning of the calendar year. Previously, March was the first month, which explains why our modern names for the 9th-12th months begin instead with prefixes meaning "7" (sept-), "8" (oct-) "9" (nov-) and "10" (dec-)."

November 16, 42BC: "Tiberius Caesar was born this day in 42 BC. Luke tells us that John the Baptist began to preach in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius. This is an important bit of information for scholars seeking to date the life of Christ. " (C.c)

November 16, 1958: "Six inches of snow fell on Tucson, Arizona." (Ken's History of the Day)
 
November 17, 0003 (BC) "According to early Christian theologian Clement of Alexandria (ca.155-ca.220 AD), Jesus Christ was born on this date." (StudyLightOrg)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/6000-1-bc/clements-date-for-christs-birth-11629550.html

Less important than the date that he was born in Bethlehem is that he is born in us, bringing new life to us here and eternal life in the hereafter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srYwsX-voAA

November 17, 1558 - "Elizabeth I became Queen of England upon the death of Queen Mary this day. 'Good Queen Bess' ruled Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1558 to 1603 and during her reign, England became a world power." (Those Were the Days)

"Good Queen Bess" legislated Protestantism as England's religion, executed Mary Queen of Scots, defeated the Spanish Armada...was very proficient at exploiting her status as an eligible single woman...hmmm...her rule saw England grow into its zenith.

Some quotes from this feisty female -

'I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too' – Queen Elizabeth I (speech as the Spanish Armada approached)

'I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England' – Queen Elizabeth I (on being pressed by Parliament to marry)

'There is no marvel in a woman learning to speak, but there would be in teaching her to hold her tongue' – Queen Elizabeth I (on being praised for her linguistic skills by the French ambassador)

'Better beggar woman and single than Queen and married' – Queen Elizabeth I (her father Henry VIII had executed her mother Anne Boleyn)
(Much more on her life and impact on religion here - http://www.britroyals.com/kings.asp?id=elizabeth1 )( http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/elizabeth_I )

November 18, 1095: "Pope Urban II opened the Council of Clermont. Summoned to plan the First Crusade, it was attended by over 200 bishops. Among its official policies, the Council decreed that a pilgrimage to Jerusalem made every other penance superfluous." (SLO)

November 18, 1849: "He tried his hand at everything. Birth of Russell Kelso Carter a Believer who accomplished an unusual number of projects in life. He was born in Baltimore, and died at Catonsville, Maryland-- and between these two events he was a successful chemistry professor, a sheep rancher, a minister, author, hymn writer, composer, and publisher. To top it off, he became a successful doctor. Our main interest in Carter are the words and music of "Standing on the Promises " among some 68 hymn tunes and 52 poems, most of them found in Hymns of the Christian Life, which he assisted Dr. A. B. Simpson compile for the Christian and Missionary Alliance." (Christianity.com)

November 19, 1978: "The worst case of murder-suicide in history took place in Jonestown, Guyana. Religious-cult leader Jim Jones (Peoples Temple) directed the ingestion of Kool-Aid (laced with cyanide) by at least 900 of his followers. He and his mistress then followed suit." (Ken Fussichen's History Of The Day)

November 20, 1872: "The hymn penned by Annie Sherwood Hawks, 36 -- "I Need Thee Every Hour" -- was first sung at a National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio." (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z78XCh6YHE

November 21, 1818: "Russia's Czar Alexander I petitions for a Jewish state in Palestine." (KFHOTD))

November 21, 1706.- John Williams, redeemed Indian captive, returns to Massachusetts. What a horrific tale of savagery - http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/john-williams-redeemed-captive-11630190.html

November 22, 1633: "Irish Catholic Cecil Calvert, 27, sent two ships (the Ark and the Dove) from Ireland to establish a colony in America as a refuge for fellow Catholics. His work later earned Lord Calvert the nickname, "Colonizer of Maryland."" (SLO)

November 23, 1947: "E. L. Sukenik of Jerusalem's Hebrew University first received word of the existence of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The documents, dating between 200 BC and AD 70, had been accidentally discovered the previous winter (1946-47) by two Bedouin shepherds in the vicinity of Qumran." (SLO)
 
November 24, 1838: "Canadian Sulpician missionary Franois Blanchet, 43, first arrived in the Oregon Territory. A native of Quebec, he spent 45 years planting churches in the American Northwest, and is remembered today as the "Apostle of Oregon." " (Ken Fussichen's History Of The Day)

November 25, 1864: "British Jewish statesman Benjamin Disraeli declared in a speech: 'Man is a being born to believe, and if no church comes forward with all the title deeds of truth, he will find altars and idols in his own heart and his own imagination.' " (StudyLight.org)

November 26, 1922: "Charles Monroe Schulz, creator of the comic strip Peanuts, was born in Minneapolis. After serving in World War 11, Schulz became a free-lance cartoonist with the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1950 he created a strip entitled Li'l Folks, which later was syndicated as Peanuts. This became one of the most successful American comic strips of the mid-20th century. Schulz, a born-again Christian, was able to inject subtle truths into his comic strips, truths that many would otherwise ignore." (Christianity.com)

November 27, 511: "Clovis, king of the Franks, dies and his kingdom is divided between his four sons." (Ken's History...)

Clovis was of a pagan Teutonic tribe known as the Franks, a fierce band of fighters who established their growing territory in the decline of the Roman Empire.

After defeating a contingent of the Roman army for mastery over a territory which would become France, he married a beautiful young woman from Burgundy, who openly demonstrated unwavering devotion to Christ.

Eventually, her example influenced her warrior husband to also commit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, although in an unusual circumstance.

In turn, the conversion of Clovis led to the Christianization of Europe. However imperfect the motivation and actions of such ones, God uses whomever he will to accomplish his greater purposes.

Read more here of how Clovis established a course that led Europe on a path to Christendom - http://www.sacred-texts.com/etc/fmma/fmma09.htm

But what is Europe becoming today? Some say that over half of Europe declares itself to be atheist. Therefore, less Christian and being overwhelmed by Islam?

We are witnessing the decline of a culture that once benefited from a man who openly committed to the Christian faith. It is said that God has no grandchildren - it doesn't matter what your religious background or tradition is - God offers a redemptive relationship to each one of us and just like Clovis, it is up to us to accept it. Who knows how great an impact your commitment could have on the course of history! At the very least, it will keep the faith alive in our lands. The alternative is grim.

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

November 27, 1950: "American missionary martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'What gets me into the Kingdom, from Christ's own statement, is not saying "Lord, Lord," but acting "Lord, Lord."' " (SLO)

November 28, 1628: "John Bunyan was born in Elstow, Bedfordshire, England on this day..." and we remember him as the author of the Christian classic :Pilgrim's Progress" which he wrote while in prison -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/bestselling-author-john-bunyan-11630081.html

November 29, 1898: "Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland. Educated at the universities of Malvern and Oxford, Lewis taught at both Oxford (1924-54) and Cambridge (1954-63) universities. He was widely acclaimed for his secular writings before his conversion, but his greatest (and most valuable) works came after his conversion. His most popular book, Screwtape Letters (1942), written as if from one devil to another, was followed by many other widely read works, such as Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain. In 1955 he wrote an autobiography, Surprised by Joy. His Narnia stories are favorites with Children. A science fiction trilogy, poems, works on love, suffering, and literature round out his production." (C.c)

C.S. Lewis died on November 22, 1963, the same day as Kennedy was assassinated.

November 30, 1979: "Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope in 1,000 years to attend an Orthodox mass." (Ken's History...)

What a day that will be when all believers will join together to drink new wine with our Savior in heaven, unhindered by earthly differences ...

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city—the new Jerusalem—descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: "Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist." And the one seated on the throne said: "Look! I am making all things new!"" (Revelation 21:1-5, NET)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RDbpxN70z8
 
December 1, 1950: "American missionary martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'Unwillingness to accept God's "way of escape" from temptation frightens me what a rebel yet resides within.' "

Simple statement. Profound theology. It says that we are responsible for our choices which in turn affect our eternal destiny.

Thus it is by accepting the grace of God that we are given (without any merit of our own) eternal life!

Charles chose to believe and because of his faith, died on December 1, 1916. http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/father-de-foucauld-martyred-in-the-sahara-11630709.html

December 2, 1848: Birth of Mary Slessor , Scotwoman who followed in the steps of David Livingston and had an immense impact in Africa -

"Pioneer missionary to Calabar, West Africa, Mary Slessor was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Reared in a very poor home, and working long hours in a dreary factory, she received little formal education, but on hearing of the death of David Livingstone, she was challenged to go to Africa, At 27 she left her homeland and settled in Calabar, Nigeria, where she literally poured out her life for the people she loved. In 1896 she built a two-room native shed for her headquarters. Mary Slessor forged ahead where many men feared to tread.

Although her life was in constant danger, and she was plagued with ill-health, she finally won the confidence of the tribal chiefs by her fearlessness and dedication, her medical and linguistic skills, and her great sense of humor. Her work was not in vain. She succeeded in ending many abuses such as exposure of twins, killing wives when their husbands died, human sacrifice, trial by ordeal and the like. Those who followed her found a vital Christian influence in Nigeria." (Christianity.com)

December 3, 1902: "Birth of Mitsuo Fuchida, the pilot who flew the lead plane in Japan's air attack on Pearl Harbor (12/7/1941). Following WWII, through representatives of the Pocket Testament League, Fuchida was converted to Christianity in 1950." (StudyLight.org)

December 3, 1621: "Galileo perfects the telescope." (Ken's "of the day"...)

December 4, 1154: "Adrian IV, 54, was elected to the papacy. Born Nicholas Breakspear, near St. Albans, England, he was the only Englishman ever elevated to the office of pope." (SLO)

December 4, 1674: "French Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette erected a mission on the shores of Lake Michigan, in present-day Illinois. His log cabin became the first building of a settlement that afterward grew to become the city of Chicago." (SLO)

December 5, 1484: "Innocent VIII issued his famous "Witch Bull," ordering an inquisition to systematically discover, torture and execute witches throughout Europe. It led to the ease with which witchcraft was charged and punished, even in the American colonies two centuries later." (SLO)

December 5, 1527: Hans Schlaffer, a man committed to his faith was arrested . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/hans-schlaffer-martyred-for-standing-for-the-gospel-11629942.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls01XGV7oA0

December 6, 1930: "Missionary linguist Frank Laubach wrote in a letter: 'Sometimes one feels that there is a discord between the cross and beauty. But...a man has not found his highest beauty until his brow is tinged with care for some cause he loves more than himself. The beauty of sacrifice is the final word in beauty.' " (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhXUvni0QV8

December 7, 430: "At the Synod of Rome, Cyril of Alexandria, 54, formally condemned the doctrine of the Antiochene monk Nestorius, who had claimed that there were two separate Persons in the Incarnate Christ (one Divine, the other Human)." (SLO)
 
December 8, 1981: "In one of its major rulings regarding the issue of the separation of Church and State, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of student organizations holding religious services at public colleges and universities." (StudyLight.org)

December 9, 1621: Robert Cushman preaches a sermon about material possessions that changes the attitude of the Plymouth colonists. From his sermon - "...you must seek still the wealth of one another.." he reminded them and pointed out that it was in their self interest to do so, for, "Even as we deal with others, ourselves and others shall be dealt withal.. for it is the merciful that shall obtain mercy.." "

How difficult it is to distinguish between good and bad judgment in giving to relieve the needs or demands of others when we sometimes see our goodwill abused. Can we make such determinations based strictly on what we see?

Or is there a time when we have to be extravagant and seemingly wasteful with our offerings, just like the heavenly Father dispenses the grace he pours out on all the undeserving? May his Spirit guide us in these matters.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/layman-robert-cushmans-famous-sermon-11630077.html

December 9, 1640: "Settler Hugh Bewitt banished from Massachusetts colony when he declares himself to be free of original sin." (Ken'sHistory oftheDay)

Hugh Bewitt wasn't the first "Christian" to hold an incorrectly high opinion of himself and certainly not the last. On the other hand, there is none so bad that the Grace of God through Jesus Christ cannot reach him or her. We all need to be reminded that God always welcomes us into his love and grace regardless of who we are!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8

December 10, 1593: "Italian archaeologist Antonio Bosio first descended into the subterranean Christian burial chambers, located under the streets of Rome. Bosio was dubbed the "Columbus of the Catacombs," and his books long remained the standard work on the underground tombs of the early Roman Church."

For more on the marvels of the catacombs, you can go here:

http://www.christianhistoryproject.org/to-the-constantine-era/cyprian/rome-catacombs/

December 10, 1561: Death of Kaspar Schwenkfeld, who "Took a Separate Path". Schwenkfeld was a thinking man who didn't really fit with the Church of Rome or the Reformers. He also made valuable contributions to the faith, bringing balance to some prevailing dynamics in the theology of the day. We can still find great value in what he believed and taught.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/kaspar-schwenkfeld-took-a-separate-path-11630004.html

December 11, 1962: "American missionary and apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'Our trusting the Lord does not mean that there are not times of tears. I think it is a mistake as Christians to act as though trusting the Lord and tears are not compatible.' " (SLO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdv2bMbJk

December 12, 1767: "Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'The Lord himself is our Keeper. Nothing befalls us but what is adjusted by His wisdom and love. He will, in one way or another, sweeten every bitter cup, and ere long He will wipe away all tears from our eyes.' " (SLO)

December 13, 1294: The resignation of a reluctant Pope...

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/resignation-of-pope-celestine-v-11629849.html

December 14, 1955: "Catholic religious leader, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, 60, was quoted in "Look" magazine on this date as stating that 'an atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support.' " (SLO)





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj06mYUj5Wk
 
December 12, 1531
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego and the Lady asked him to roses that were growing (in the winter) on the hill, and he did this and took them to the bishop for the proof he wanted.
When he opened his cloak the roses fell out and the image appeared on the cloak.
Thousands became Christians because of this.
 
December 15, 1558: "Dutch Anabaptist reformer Menno Simons wrote in a letter: 'Wherever there is a pulverized and penitent heart, there grace also is, and wherever there is a voluntary confession not gained by pressure, there love covereth a multitude of sins.' " (StudyLight.org)

Is grace effectual without repentance and renewal? Is faith present without corresponding action?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian/martyr, would have something to say to us today, just as he had to those of his time during the WWII era, about hollow utterances of belief without accompanying transformative evidence.

He said -"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

Menno Simons, Dietrich Bonhoeffer - historical church figures of very different times and backgrounds, but saying essentially the same thing. Yes, Jesus paid it all, but we are responsible to accept the gift and allow it to change us into His likeness!

We ignore historical wisdom at our own spiritual peril.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ciwoRR8Y-w

Eusebius, made Vercelli's Bold Bishop on December 16, 340, AD. - in a time when the pure Christian faith was badly adulterated with cheap profession after Constantine made it the official religion of the Roman Empire, Eusebius took a stand for what was right and paid a steep price for it. Should we be surprised today when staying established on Biblical truth results in some form of persecution?

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/eusebius-vercellis-bold-bishop-11629660.html

December 17, 18, 1917: "Confiscation of the property of the Russian Orthodox Church and abolition of religious instruction in schools was announced by the Bolshevik government." (SLO)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/bolsheviks-bore-down-on-orthodox-11630717.html

Are we not glad that such actions are limited to countries that are heathen or Communist? That it could never happen in Christian North America? Oh wait . . .

The truth is, the Christian faith is best taught in the home, both by word and example. If parents teach their children in the home as they ought, the Christian faith will unwaveringly go with that child wherever s/he may go, including the school, the mall, the other side of the ranch or world . . . Therefore, it is impossible to - by decree - ban Christianity from any place in the world. But it is possible to have the faith die out by lack of instruction of our families.

Therefore, if faith disappears, who is actually responsible?

December 19, 1950, Bill Wallace went to prison under false accusations by the Chinese Communists. He didn't come out alive . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/bill-wallace-arrested-in-early-morning-raid-11630801.html

December 20, 1787: "A revival broke out among the Shakers of New Lebanon, Indiana, soon igniting a religious fervor among other denominations, especially in Kentucky and other colonial frontier regions."(SLO)

When have we witnessed anything like that happening in our time? Seems strange, really, to think that large groups of people would suddenly become highly interested and involved in turning to God for spiritual healing and renewal.

I unabashedly believe that unless we experience a mighty, earth-shaking working of God among us, the political and social events that are currently shaping and shaking our nations will result in complete moral, financial and social breakdown. Seeking out and following the ways that the Creator God intended for us brings wholeness on a personal and national level.


December 21, 1776: "Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'It is necessary that our sharpest trials should sometimes spring from our dearest comforts, else we should be in danger of forgetting ourselves and setting up our rest here.' " (SLO)
 
December 25, 1914 - once upon a Christmas, the message was heard, even if only for a moment, and there was "Peace on Earth" . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/the-christmas-truce-11630705.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoJ1QnZ6a3M
 
December 29, 1876: "Train Wreck Killed Hymn Writer Bliss and Wife" -

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/train-wreck-killed-hymn-writer-bliss-and-wife-11630582.html

One of the great hymns he left us - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVpR5ltUodg

December 30, 1384: "John Wycliffe on His Death Bed"

"Now on this day, December 30, 1384, clerics--many of them his enemies--crowded into his room at Lutterworth. If they hoped to hear some last word or a recantation from him, they were disappointed..."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1201-1500/john-wycliffe-on-his-death-bed-11629868.html

December 30, 1993: "Finally Israel and Vatican Agreed"

"On this day, December 30, 1993, the Vatican and Israel signed the Fundamental Agreement Between the Holy See and the State of Israel."

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/finally-israel-and-vatican-agreed-11630855.html

December 31, 1687: "The first shipload of emigrating Huguenots (French Protestants) left France for South Africa." (StudyLight.org)

These Huguenots were French Protestants who were seeking religious freedom after the Edict of Nantes was revoked, making their religious beliefs illegal once again. Previously, in 1598, after years of religious warfare in France, King Henry IV signed the Edict which essentially granted full religious liberty to Protestants.

However, subsequent political developments led King Louis XIV to revoke the Edict of Nantes in 1668, leaving the Huguenots and other French Protestants once again.exposed to violent persecution by their enemies.

Revocation of Edict of Nantes - http://www.louis-xiv.de/index.php?id=49

For more of their travels and fortunes, read here -

http://www.museeprotestant.org/Pages/Notices.php?scatid=117&noticeid=733&lev=1&Lget=EN

December 31, 1712: "Birth of Peter Bohler, the Moravian missionary who, at age 25, influenced the religious spirit of John Wesley. Bohler taught the founder of Methodism the joys of personal conversion and self-surrendering faith, and Wesley later incorporated these spiritual emphases within Methodist theology." (SLO)

January 1, 1780, a man made this New Year's resolution: "Pioneer Methodist bishop and circuit rider Francis Asbury wrote in his journal: 'My God, keep me through the water and fire, and let me rather die than live to sin against thee!' " (SLO)

So, who is a theologian? What is theology? Have you ever entertained questions and thoughts about God and his "nature"?

January 2, 1968: "Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth wrote in a letter: 'In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-theologians.' " (SLO)

January 2, 1971: "A team of Israeli scholars announced the discovery in Jerusalem of a 2,000-year-old skeleton of a crucified male. Found in a cave-tomb, it was the first direct physical evidence of the well-documented Roman method of execution." (SLO)

January 3, 1521: "German Reformer Martin Luther, 38, was excommunicated by Pope Leo X for challenging Catholic Church doctrine. Luther soon after began translating of the Bible into the German language." (SLO)

January 3, 1560: Presumed date of death of a Danish shoemaker's son, Peder Palladius, who grew up to become the highest church officer in Denmark. A very studious, hardworking and dedicated man, he did much to establish the faith in Denmark.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/peter-palladius-denmarks-dedicated-reformer-11629999.html

Perhaps he understood the instructions the Apostle Paul had given to his disciple, Timothy: "Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)

Was Paul's instruction dated? Or who is the real recipient of Paul's instruction other than the one who follows it?

January 4, 1528: "Ferdinand of Austria, younger brother to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, issued the first secular mandate forbidding the Anabaptist religious movement." (SLO) Wasted his time and effort, as history would show that the radical reformation would not be halted . . .

January 4, 1581: "Birth of James Ussher, Calvinist theologian, who became Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland. Ussher was widely known for his immense learning, out of which he produced a number of outstanding works; but he is chiefly remembered for his chronology of the Bible, which was included in the printing of many editions of the King James Version of the Bible and set the date of creation at 4004 B.C." (Christianity.com)
 
January 5, 1527: "Swiss Anabaptist reformer Felix Manz, 29, was drowned in punishment for preaching adult (re-)baptism. Manz's death made him the first Protestant in history to be martyred at the hands of other Protestants." (StudyLight.org) (Although many of Anabaptist descent would simply refer to themselves as Anabaptist, differentiating themselves from Protestant.)

http://www.executedtoday.com/images/Felix_Manz_drowning.jpg

Manz would have been viewed as a dismal failure by his persecutors.

January 5, 1949: "U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall prayed: 'Our Father in heaven, give us the long view of our work and our world. Help us to see that it is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.' " (SLO)

January 6, 548:"This was the last year the Church in Jerusalem observed the birth of Jesus on this date. (Celebrating Christmas on December 25th began in the late 300s in the Western Church.)" (SLO)

January 7, 1610: "Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, 46, discovered four satellites of Jupiter with the aid of the newly invented telescope. His discovery revolutionized astronomy, and led Galileo to adopt the Copernican (heliocentric) model of the solar system in place of the older, less adequate, Ptolemaic (earth-centered) view." (SLO)

Much more than a passing tidbit of interest, this historical fact is very valuable in refuting the common argument that faith stands in opposition to science, since Galileo was a man of astute faith.

Indeed, it was more likely that his faith enabled him to stand firmly in his discovery and belief against the attacks of the religious establishment which persecuted him, but eventually accepted his "unconventional" understanding as correct.

January 8, 1800: "In London, the first soup kitchens were opened for the relief of the poor." (SLO)

January 8,1956: "In Ecuador, Plymouth Brethren missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully and Pete Fleming were killed by the Auca Indians, while attempting to evangelize their tribe. Elliot's widow Elisabeth later published the story of their work and martyrdom in her book "Through Gates of Splendor" (1963)." (SLO)

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/missionaries-died-in-ecuador-jungle-11630813.html

January 8, 1792: "Lowell Mason was born in Medford, Massachusetts. This sacred music composer, known as "the father of American church music" spent his life stimulating community life by organizing church choirs and fostering congregational singing. He published more than 40 collections of music, and wrote or arranged more than 1,000 hymn tunes, including the music to which we sing "Blest Be the Tie that Binds," "Nearer My God to Thee," "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."" (Christianity.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwLl5nY5WPI - in the Anabaptist tradition of a capella singing.

January 9, 1569: "St. Philip of Moscow, primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, was murdered by Czar Ivan IV ("Ivan the Terrible")." (SLO) (different sources offer slightly differing dates)

Philip consented to Ivan's request to be appointed primate only if Ivan would ease up on his ruthless, cold-blooded handling of civil affairs and if Ivan would moderate the activities of his brutal "secret police". Ivan agreed.

However, once Philip was made primate, Ivan reneged on his end of the deal and continued his iron-fisted rule, driven by psychotic paranoia.

Philip responded with fearless, open criticism of Ivan's atrocities, and soon had his bold vioce choked off by the strangling hands of one of Ivan's bodyguards.

It is said that Ivan and his son (whom he later killed in a fit of rage) would sit and enjoy the trials and subsequent horrible punishments of accused "seditionists" or those whom he deemed enemies of the state, after which they would retreat to the cathedral and pray...

January 10, 1514: "The first section of the Complutensian Polyglot (the world's first multi-language Bible) was printed at Alcala, Spain. (The complete translation was published in 6 volumes in 1517.)" (SLO)

And now we finally know what the Complutensian Polyglot is! However, on a serious note, this was a very impressive undertaking that presented the Old Testament in Hebrew, Greek and Latin while the New Testament was printed in Greek and Latin. Under the authorization of Pope Leo X, about 600 copies were made in the first printing. This "mass" printing happened many centuries after the first such multilingual Bible was laboriously compiled and hand-produced by the theologian, Origen.

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/bibles/OtherBibles/Assets/sjb0036a_725.jpg

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/three-bibles-in-one-1st-printed-polyglot-11629913.html

December 11, 1777: "Anglican hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'A soul may be in as thriving a state when thirsting, seeking and mourning after the Lord as when actually rejoicing in Him; as much in earnest when fighting in the valley as when singing upon the mount.' " (SLO)

Before he died on January 11, 1817, Timothy Dwight gave hundreds of sermons and lectures, including his first sermon preached at the age of four, to a group of listening American natives . . .

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/yale-leader-timothy-dwight-died-in-harness-11630378.html
 
Jan 12, 1816 - "France decrees Bonaparte family excluded from the country forever" (HistoryOrb.com)

A catastrophic event for a General who had commanded huge power in countermanding the extremities of the French Revolution. This ban followed Napoleon's exile to the Ilse of Helena the previous year.

Napoleon was responsible for restoring religious liberties to the Church after it had been "legally" shut down and its properties nationalized during the rise of Rationalism during the late 18th century, anti-religion French Revolution. While Napoleon was not a religious man, he recognized the social and political benefit of accommodating the Gallican (French Catholic) Church.

"The removal of Catholic institutions and their personnel simply forced religious worship into the private sphere and increased the involvement of the laity, trends that would also mark the religious revival that took place in France in the nineteenth century." (Taken from - http://www.historytoday.com/gemma-betros/french-revolution-and-catholic-church )

Bottom line - while there are men and women who have played significant roles in the events of Church history, the overall leadership is wholly in the hands of our Eternal God whose purposes will always be met. His is a faithful God who will keep the lights of faith on even in darkest times!

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)

While regular church attendance should never be equated with spiritual wellness, we can conclude that freedom of religion does not necessarily translate into a demonstration of greater fervency. In fact, history has shown the exact opposite to be true. How does your faith show itself?

January 13, 1892, birth of "Martin Niemoller, German Lutheran pastor, imprisoned by the Nazis for his opposition to Hitler's regime. There is much controversy concerning his ministry and his stand for spiritual things . . . he said with great feeling, "Something happened to me then: I guess that after preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for all of those years, you could call this my conversion." (Taken from Christianity.com- http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/birthdays/01-14.html )

There have been many Christians who have been strong contenders for the faith only to discover that they needed to experience a much deeper touch of God on their lives, bringing their attitudes and approaches into alignment with the Spirit of Christ. I know one - I am one. It's like a new day . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gWAQ0tjmzM

January 14, 1966: "French-born American trappist monk Thomas Merton wrote in a letter: 'The best way to solve the problem of rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's is to have nothing that is Caesar's.' " (SLO)

Okay I'll admit I'd have a little trouble fitting in with Merton's solution! But maybe Merton was closer to being right than we like to admit?


January 14, 1972: "American Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'I have come to the conclusion that none of us in our generation feels as guilty about sin as we should or as our forefathers did.' " (SLO)

Is "sin" an act or a disposition? While it is usually seen as "doing" something that violates God's law, it could also be argued that sin is the state of being into which each one of us is born, a state which we cannot break out of in our own power.

It is an ugly existence that separates us from a Holy God who cannot tolerate any imperfection in his presence. I believe that if we can see our sorry state in contrast to the perfect Holiness of God, we cannot help but cry out to him for mercy and redemption!

"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." (Isaiah 6:1,5))

Thus, we need a Savior to free us from the power and penalty of "sin".

Thank you, Jesus, for going to the Cross to set free all those who accept your sacrifice!

January 15, 1970: "Israeli archaeologists reported uncovering the first evidence supporting the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by military forces of the ancient Roman Empire". (SLO)

January 16, 1740: "English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: 'If I see a man who loves the Lord Jesus in sincerity, I am not very solicitous to what...communion he belongs. The Kingdom of God, I think, does not consist in any such thing.' " (SLO)

January 17, 395: "With the death of Emperor Theodosius I (the Great), this became the last day the (Christian) Roman Empire was controlled by a single leader. In his wisdom, Theodosius had divided the empire into western and eastern portions." (SLO)

January 18 - (Event deleted, wrong date)
 

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