Now
all these things happened to them as examples,
and
they were written for our admonition,
upon
whom the ends of the ages
have
come.
1Corinthians
10:11
Before I begin this study
on Paul’s letters to the Corinthians we must learn about the history of Corinth,
in fact, history is most important to fully understand what, and why, that
which was written and how to apply the principles in those letters, or
writings. The letters to Corinth are most important for there has been much
misunderstanding and applying that has become distinctives within certain
churches that may or may not be according to the will of God. Therefore, this
study is most important after the doctrinal study we just completed from the
book of Romans.
Paul the apostle
in his writing to the Romans illuminates this fact: history written for our
learning. History is there for us to learn, both Church history and
secular history: they are two parts of the same coin, you cannot have one
without the other. Therefore, we shall look at history from secular events and
how those secular events affected men and women, and the Church. To know one side of the coin is to know the
other side: this will take study. To know Church history and an explanation of
the present we must know the past, the roots of the past. On the one side of
this coin, of history, we see now in the present day, many religions, some
people who claim no religion. There are more than 250 separate groups claiming
to be called “Christian,” many denominations, and many religious practices
which differ from each denomination, i.e., Methodists in their practice of
communion kneel at the rail, Presbyterians in general serve communion to their
parishioners in their seats, or in some like fashion. Theology between views of
John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius which are different and make for much
consternation among Churches. The idea of separation in our Constitution,
challenged by some, but yet, why did this concept be written into the
Constitution of the United States? All
are present day problems and those problems can be illuminated by a study of
the past.
The many
problems and evils that exist not only in the world at large but also in the
Church. A study of the past will help a person to understand and avoid errors
and false practices, and this is of the most value and reason for such an
endeavor to study the past. It ignorance of history, especially history of the
Church and is a major cause why many churchgoers advocate false theologies, or
have bad practices. A study of history, Church history has many benefits as it
will edify, inspire, to promote enthusiasm, to stimulate a person towards a
higher spiritual life. There are two
major benefits in this study: 1. Spiritual enrichment. 2. To become an
intelligent citizen. Furthermore, to know history is to come to know of the
Church’s indestructibleness giving hope to those who live in nations where
religious freedom is governed by the state. To know history will enable a
person in practical matters, as those values understood and applied will aid a
person in their walk in this life. Secular history can never be divorced from
the history of the Church. A sense of unity, not Unitarianism, rather a knowing
of who you are, from where you come, why you believe what you believe, and of
the unity of Christian brethren. A study of history, especially Church history
will make a person grow in their faith, their sanctification as the doctrines
of Scripture unfold so that you will accept those Doctrines of Faith, the
vicarious death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These Doctrines, the gospel
was what was delivered to the saints of old and to you in this present day, and
they must be true to history, and most important, to the clear illumination of
Scripture. Paul was one who delivered such a message: “For I delivered to
you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the
third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then the
twelve. After that he was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom
the grater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that
he was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by
me also, as by one born out of due time”[1]
(Italics mine). This is history and Paul was explaining the history of Jesus
Christ and how His life was not just some other prophet who would come and go,
maybe be of God, or just prophesizing from their own theology, as some do in
some churches today, rather Paul was giving historical proofs of the Son of God
and of salvation. To study history, the history of the Church will unite a
person to the true Body of Jesus Christ throughout the ages. One who has
studied the history of the Church will lose their provincialism, that is, their
narrowness of denominational view. There will be not ecumenism, rather with
this realization of the past, a person will become more tolerant on the
non-essentials, and will be able to accept the essentials, the basic doctrines
of the Faith.
Establish Your word to Your
Servant.
Who is devoted
To fearing You. Turn away my
Reproach
which I dread.
For Your judgments are good.
Behold,
I long for Your
Precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.
Psalm 119:38–40
Chose the way Of God
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