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Church History. Definition of Church History. For purposes of this course, term used in broadest sense: the scholarly discipline of recording and interpreting the experiences of the worldwide body of people who claim to follow Jesus Christ, since the Pentecostal baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2)
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Definition of Church History • For purposes of this course, term used in broadest sense: • the scholarly discipline of recording and interpreting the experiences • of the worldwide body of people who claim to follow Jesus Christ, • since the Pentecostal baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2) • against the backdrop of man’s kingdom, • and in the cradle of divine providence.
Definition of Church History (cont) • The term “Church” • The term “History” • Historical Process • Relationship between “Church History” and “World History” • Secular and Sacred History • Church History as the Hub
Encouraging an Appreciation for Church History • History and Divine Revelation • Time – medium God creates to reveal his glories to man • Progressive Revelation • Gen 1:1 – “In the beginning” – unity of Bible • Gen 3:15 – progressive unfolding of this war and redemption • Bible is incomprehensible apart from historical records • History and the Providence of God • Divine sovereignty over all that comes to pass. Nothing left to chance. • Weak interest in history reflects a weak theology.
History and Sanctification • Salvation history is directly linked to the believer’s sanctification. • Exod 12:24-27a; Josh 4:1-7; Ps 102:18 – second generation knows God through the first • Rom 6:20-21; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 10:6-12; 11:23-25 • History provides negative and positive motivation (Heb 11-12) • History provides practical insight for ministry • History and the Love of God (Eph 2:11-22; Titus 2:14) • History and Theological Studies • Knowledge of God supported by those who have gone before • Theology deteriorates or matures over time