Now these things were our examples,
to the intent we should not lust after evil things,
as they also lusted.....Now all these things
happened unto them for examples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1Corinthians 10:6,11
We are admonished to know our history, our Church history as they were written for our examples. How can they be an example for us if we do not come to know them? We must remember that those different beliefs and liturgical practices become understandable, but knowledge or understanding does not mean acceptance, only that we now understand and can make good judgment. Church history will be a guide for you if you allow it to guide you as it is a way of correction of existing evils within the Church, even to aid us to avoid error and false practice. Often, when we study Church history those new sects will often be revealed as old heresies n a new guise. It is this ignorance of Church history why many advocate false theologies and bad practices. It is true that Church history will add or offer edification, inspiration or enthusiasm that will stimulate high spiritual life. There is a need for a Christian to become aware of his/her spiritual genealogy in order to become an intelligent Authentic Christian. There is a fear for the future of the Christian Church as it is being bombarded from many sides and beliefs, but by knowing Church history, seeing and becoming aware of those who withstood persecution will be able to see how they stood firm against false theology and will be able to see the renewal that is revealed in history of the revival of the Church. it is influence, this study that offers a stabilizing influence in our age of secularism. We will see the hand of God, the power of God operating in past history and will have confidence He will do the same in our present day. Clement of Rome continues:
"Thus the humility and godly submission of so
great and illustrious men have rendered not only us, but also all the
generations before us, better; even as many as have received His oracles
in fear and truth. Wherefore, having so many
great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the
practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before
us; (Literally,
“Becoming partakers of many great and glorious deeds, let us return
to the aim of peace delivered to us from the beginning.” Comp.
Heb. xii. 1.) and let us look stedfastly
to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and
surpassingly great gifts and benefactions of peace. Let us contemplate
Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His
long-suffering will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all
His creation."
"Take heed, beloved, lest
His many kindnesses lead to the condemnation of us all. [For thus it must
be] unless we walk worthy of Him, and with one mind do those things which
are good and well-pleasing in His sight. For [the Scripture] saith in a certain place,
“The Spirit of the Lord is a candle searching the secret parts of
the belly.”
(Prov. xx. 27.) Let us reflect how near He
is, and that none of the thoughts or reasonings in which we engage are
hid from Him. It is right, therefore, that we should not leave the post
which His will has assigned us. Let us rather
offend those men who are foolish, and inconsiderate, and lifted up, and
who glory in the pride of their speech, than [offend] God. Let us
reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us; let us
esteem those who have the rule over us; (Comp. Heb. xiii. 17; 1
Thess. v. 12, 13.) let us honour the aged Or, “the
presbyters.” among us; let us train up the young men in
the fear of God; let us direct our wives to that which is good. Let them
exhibit the lovely habit of purity [in all their conduct];) let them show
forth the sincere disposition of meekness; let them make manifest the
command which they have of their tongue, by their manner (Some read, “by their
silence.”) of speaking; let them display their love, not
by preferring (Comp.
1 Tim. v. 21.) one to another, but by
showing equal affection to all that piously fear God. Let your children
be partakers of true Christian training; let them learn of how great
avail humility is with God—how much the spirit of pure affection
can prevail with Him—how excellent and great His fear is, and how
it saves all those who walk in (Some translate, “who turn to Him.”)
it with a pure mind. For He is a Searcher of the thoughts and
desires [of the heart]: His breath is in us; and when He pleases, He will
take it away."
We have many great examples of faith and true godly practices so we do not have an excuse for ignorance. We have a God, a Savior Who is with us even if we do not feel His presence. We are to fear God and keep His commandments: this is Authentic Christian Faith.
My beloved is mine,
and I am His:
He feedeth His flock among
the lilies.
Until the day break, and the shadows
flee away, turn, my beloved, and be
Thou like a roe or a young hart upon the
mountains of Bether.
Solomon's Song 2:16-17
Fear not: Be obedient and receive God's blessing
Richard L. Crumb
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