Page 17 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

Introduction to Church History

1. Church history is not primarily about names, dates, and facts. It
is about real people—people who struggled with life and death
issues for more than 2,000 years. Someone has said that history
is biography. Church history is about people, some gifted, some
common, and others from the margins of society. By studying
church history we find assistance for our own journey of faith. It
helps us put our faith and practice into perspective.

2. Scripture exhorts us to study history. Deuteronomy 32:7 states:
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.”

3. God is actively working through His church today. Studying
history gives us a sense of God’s purpose as it relates to humanity.
Historical events did not just happen; rather, the birth of the church
came in a larger scheme of eternal plans. The church was God’s
idea (Matthew 16:18), and His purposes will be accomplished
through the church. However, actions and ideas of history have
consequences for our generation and future generations.

4. God wants us to be inspired by men and women of faith who
have gone before us (Hebrews 11) and to learn from those who
have failed. People who have triumphed over adversity in real-life
situations provide inspiration for Christians in our day.

5. Church history is a great source of illustrations for sermons
and teaching lessons. For example, we marvel at Augustine’s
understanding of the doctrine of sin. Luther’s personal redemption
in the midst of religious ritual and his ethic brought an earth-
shaking reformation. “Jonathan Edwards’ understanding of God’s
redemptive work in history helps one to understand the big picture
of what God is accomplishing in the world” (Nichols, 15). And the
list goes on and on.

6. Cairns points out that studying church history helps us to see a
bigger picture. He states:

One who has studied the history of the church will never
again be denominationally provincial. He will sense the unity
of the true body of Christ throughout the ages. He will be

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