This pursuit requires hard work, original research, and a humble spirit. Church history is the story of how God has guarded, purified, chastised, and strengthened his undeserving people. Take Athanasius. The effort to discover the natural laws which governed theuniverse led to scientific, political and social advances. Historians must be careful not to casually ascribe divine motive where God has not plainly revealed it. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. Dave received his MAR and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Dave Jenkins is happily married to Sarah Jenkins. Your email address will not be published. The relevancy and importance of Church history cannot be stated enough. Enlightenmentthinkers examined the rational basis of all beliefs and in the process rejectedthe authority of church and state. Hall (PhD, University of Kentucky) is provost, senior vice president for academic administration, and associate professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Importance of Studying Early Church History Most Christian believers are unaware of the history concerning the founding of America or our Constitution, and they know even less about the founding history of the Christian church. This doctrine should warn us against the temptation of hagiography, calling us instead to critical truth-telling about those who have come before us. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will … No matter your nationality, ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status, if you’re in Christ church history is the story of your true community and family. One of the great stories of the past 50 years is the spread of Christianity throughout the Global South. It becomes a source of warning, wisdom and encouragement. Christians need to learn from those who have gone before us in the faith. The history of the church reminds us that Christians can be culprits of foolishness as well as bold titans for truth. Below are 10 facts you may not know about church history. One-Stop Super Centers. Christians have a long and rich intellectual and spiritual heritage that has explained, contended, and defended biblical orthodoxy for over two thousand years. Remembering is vital.. Matthew 16:18 ESV / 27 helpful votes. But we do it all through the eyes of faith and gospel hope. But we understand that our knowledge is never full and always clouded. Specialists and historians of Christianity in general find Church History: Studies in … Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research articles and book reviews covering all areas of the history of Christianity and its cultural contexts in all places and times, including its non-Western expressions. Knowledge and understanding is 50 percent of your task. Six Ways to Use Our Website, Why It Matters, and How You Can Help Us, expository preaching: an end goal more than a style, answered to important questions about expository preaching, three keys to sermon listening and note-taking, the priority of regularly communing with God, biblical doctrine: the lifeblood of the Christian life, 9 Principles for Navigating Anxiety and Depression, Scott Christensen- What about Evil? It is important to know and to learn from church history, as there will always be old heresies cropping up, appearing as new teachings. Yet Israel repeatedly forgets, fails, and strays. Singing a New Song: The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation, The Liberal Roots of the Pro-Life Movement. Christians should look back at the life and example of men in the Old Testament such as Abraham and David. 2 Why is Church History Important To Know? Church History: Faithfulness, Movements, and Mistakes. Church history helps God’s people understand the movements and sins that Christians have made throughout history. Servants of Grace is a multi-media ministry that exists to help people know the God of the Bible and to equip God’s people to grow in and serve God’s grace in the local church and beyond. Throughout the Old Testament, God calls his people to recall and retell his gracious saving acts. Church history is one of the most helpful studies in the preparation of Christian ministers. The bond we share in Christ is more real and enduring than the connection we have with our families in the flesh. In the process, the Reformers brought biblical doctrine to the masses in order to bring reform to the Church for her health and growth in the gospel. Matthew J. Throughout Scripture, rightly remembering is critical to faithfulness. Despite the imperfection of man, Christ has continued to sustain His Bride. This is what is fascinating about church history: it is a … And it reminds us that the perseverance of the church has never been dependent on any human being. My brothers and sisters from the 16th century, for example, compose my spiritual family. Biblical truth may be stated in fresh ways; however, Christians must remain faithful to the old paths of biblical orthodoxy. 4:5). Instead, they appropriated the teaching of Augustine who received his doctrine from the early church fathers. Understanding Getting an understanding of these disorders is half the battle. The Church History: THE RECORD OF THE PAST OF THE CHURCH a) real events involving: * real dates * real names * available directly or indirectly Church history will also give one a tolerance of others who do not agree with him doctrinally. We should also be eager to allow historical actors to speak for themselves, rather than through mediating groups or powers. Instead of wanting to know the old paths traveled over and over again by godly saints of previous eras, Christians today want something “deeper” and more meaningful. Ultimately, I’m much more concerned that my students be skilled theologians than historians (though I think they can be both!). Church history is so much more than a collection of names, dates, and events. Understanding the historical circumstances surrounding doctrinal formulation should make us better theologians. Even the development of post-apostolic doctrine involved history. We must see Christ's scepter swaying in all the events of time. 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