PROGRAM 1: EARLY CHURCH
1. Jesus came in “the fullness of the time” (chronos)
· Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time (chronos) had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law
· Chronos refers to measured time
· The 70 Weeks prophecy (Dan 9:24-25) indicated that the Messiah would appear
· Ezra’s return in 458 B.C. to Jesus’ ministry in 26 A.D. = 483 years, 69 “weeks”
2. Jesus came at the opportune time (kairos)
· Mark 1:14-15 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time (kairos) is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
· Kairos is the right time, the opportune time.
· The Pax Romana made travel and communication easy for the apostles
· Koine Greek was used throughout the empire, which also aided communication
3. Some heretics, like the Gnostics, denied Christ’s humanity
· They denied His death as an atonement for sin; salvation came by secret “knowledge”
· John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
· 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
4. Other heretics, like Arius, denied Christ’s deity
· As a created being, Christ’s death could not really atone for the sins of humanity
· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
· Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily
5. Christians suffered persecution because of their faith
· Some Roman emperors insisted on being worshiped as an indication of loyalty to the state
· 1 Pet 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
· 1 Pet 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
6. Christians caused persecution because of their faith
· In 380, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the empire
· Pagans and heretics were persecuted and suppressed by force of arms
· 1Th 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
· Rom 2:21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
7. Many new customs were incorporated into the church
· Baptism of infants and the sick; baptism by pouring
· Easter and Lent added to the church calendar
· In 321, Sunday became an official holy day in the empire
· After 350, the festival of Sol Invictus (Dec. 25th) became the birthday celebration of Jesus Christ
· The veneration of angels, saints, relics and images begins
· By 590, the veneration of Mary as the “Mother of God”
· Deut 12:32 "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.
8. Monasticism emerged as a reaction against worldliness
· The official church became lax, aristocratic and filled with nominal converts
· John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
· John 17:18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
· Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Conclusions
1. Jesus came in “the fullness of the time” (chronos)
2. Jesus came at the opportune time (kairos)
Relax! God is in control of history
3. Some heretics, like the Gnostics, denied Christ’s humanity
4. Other heretics, like Arius, denied Christ’s deity
Beware of unbalanced doctrine, theological ditches
5. Christians suffered persecution because of their faith
6. Christians caused persecution because of their faith
Beware of hypocrisy in how we behave
7. Many new customs were incorporated into the church
8. Monasticism emerged as a reaction against compromise
Live in the world without living like the world
PROGRAM 2: MEDIEVAL CHRISTENDOM
1. Augustine’s City of God
· Pagans saw history as cyclical and eternal; Christians see history as linear, climactic
· Augustine explained that two “cities” existed within the Roman Empire
· Pagan society formed the City of Man, and Christian society was the City of God
· The City of God is eternal but co-exists with the City of Man until the end of time
· This is similar to Christ’s parable of the wheat and the tares (Matt 13:24-30)
2. Augustine’s City of God
· Early Christians expected a literal, millennial kingdom after the 2nd coming (pre-millennialism)
· Origen equated the kingdom with the Church Age
· Augustine popularized this doctrine of amillennialism
· The millennium occurs between the 1st and 2nd coming (City of God 20:9)
· Then comes the general judgment and the eternal state
· Pre-millennialism has revived only in the last 200 years (Dan 12:4, 10)
3. The rise of the papacy
· During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire formed a religious and political monopoly that unified and controlled medieval society
· They co-existed in an awkward state of unity and conflict as each one struggled to dominate the other
· Innocent III (1161-1216) brought the papacy to its apex
· He successfully exercised power over the rulers of England, France, and the Holy Roman Empire
· He believed that he was the Vicar of Christ and that temporal rulers derived their power from the papacy
4. The power of the clergy depended on sacerdotalism
· Sacerdotalism: salvation depends on special sacraments dispensed by the clergy
· The fear of losing salvation allowed the clergy to manipulate and exploit the laity
· The sale of indulgences enriched the clergy and turned people away from religion
· Eventually, people came to resent the corruption and hypocrisy of the clergy
5. The power of the clergy also depended on canon law
· Canon law was a summary of Roman legal codes for use in church courts
· It regulated even the smallest and most intimate details of medieval life
· It strengthened the papacy because Roman law concentrated power in one individual
· Individuals summoned by the Inquisition had no right to face their accusers and were considered guilty until proven innocent
6. Thomas Aquinas: the relationship between reason and faith
· Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
· Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
7. Francis of Assisi: an example of selfless devotion and sacrificial love
· Mt 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
· Mt 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
· Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
8. The early reformers: Wycliffe, Huss, and Savonarola
· 2 Chr 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place.
· 2 Chr 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.
· Matt 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Conclusions
1. History is coming to a climax when God will judge the wheat and the tares
2. Understanding about the Kingdom of God is being restored in our time
3. Studying history helps us understand the unfolding of God’s plan
4. The Gospel should never be used to manipulate and exploit others
5. Church administration should be biblical and just
6. Reason and faith work together in the Christian life
7. We are called to a life of selfless devotion and sacrificial love
8. Reformers are not always popular or treated fairly
Special Handout: The Rise of the Papacy
Church polity in the 1st century
· The early church was lead by apostles and prophets
· These “charismatic” offices ended before the 2nd century
· Local congregations worked together cooperatively
· They were administered by a plurality of “bishops” (Php 1:1)
· Php 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos)
· A bishop was appointed by other bishops “with the consent of the whole church” (Clement 1 Corinthians 44, Didache 15)
Church polity in the 1st century
· In the NT, the terms “elder” (presbuteros) and “bishop” (episkopos) were synonymous
· Tit 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders (presbuteros) in every city as I commanded you––
· Tit 1:7 For a bishop (episkopos) must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self–willed, not quick–tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
· Also see Acts 20:17, 28 and Clement 1 Corinthians 42-44
Church polity in the 2nd century
· Elders evolved into a priestly class because
· Elders became subordinate to a local, monarchial “bishop” due to
1. the need for leadership to counter heresy and persecution
2. belief in the doctrine of apostolic succession
3. the increasing importance of the Lord’s Supper
The rise of the papacy
The primacy of the bishop of Rome increased due to
· The belief that Peter was the rock (Matt 16:18)
· The belief that Peter was the first bishop of Rome
· The belief in apostolic succession from Peter
· The subordination of elders to the local bishop
Who was the rock?
· In Matt 16:18, Jesus called Simon a petros (masculine) but the rock was a petra (feminine)
· In Gal 2:11, Paul publicly opposed Peter at Antioch; therefore Peter was not preeminent
· Eph 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone
· 1 Pet 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
PROGRAM 3: THE REFORMATION
1. Sola scriptura: the sole authority of Scripture
· The Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice rather than popes, church councils, or tradition
· Deut 12:32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.
· Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
· Luke 4:4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’“
2. Sola gracia: salvation by grace alone
· Grace (Greek charis) is unmerited favor resulting in a free pardon and righteous standing with God
· Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast
· Luther said, “Good works do not make a man good, but a good man does good works.”
· Jms 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
· Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
3. Sola fide: justification by faith alone
· Justification means that God declares a person to be righteous in His sight
· Gal 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ
· In this context, faith includes repentance and surrender to God; not license to sin
· Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law
· Matt 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4. Sola sacerdos: the priesthood of all believers
· Luther returned to the early Christian view of a community of believers who were called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God (Shelly, 241)
· 1Pet 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
· 1Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
5. The three basic forms of church government
·
Episcopal: hierarchical government by bishops,
priests
Roman Catholic, Anglican churches
·
Presbyterian: representative government by ministers,
elders
Presbyterian, Reformed churches
·
Congregational: democratic government by the laity
Baptist, Congregational churches
· Prv 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
6. Summary of Calvin’s teachings (TULIP):
· Total depravity: man’s will is totally corrupt via Adam’s sin
· Unconditional election: God chooses who will believe
· Limited atonement: Christ only died for the elect
· Irresistible grace: the Spirit irresistibly draws the elect
· Perseverance: the elect will never be lost
Calvinism: Presbyterians, Evangelicals, most Baptists
7. Summary of James Arminius’ teachings:
· Free will: God enables every sinner to repent & believe
· Conditional election: God foreknows who will believe
· General atonement: Christ’s death is sufficient for all
· Resistible grace: man can successfully resist the Spirit
· Falling from grace: believers can lose faith & salvation
Arminianism: Methodists, Salvation Army, some Anglicans
Conclusions
1. Sola scriptura: we need to study Scripture diligently
2. Sola gracia: we need to glorify God by good works
3. Sola fide: we need to obey God’s commandments
4. Sola sacerdos: we need to praise and worship God
5. Godliness is the foundation of good government
6. Protestant theology is diverse, requires careful study
7. God’s plan of salvation provides the crucial foundation
PROGRAM 4: THE CHURCH IN EARLY MODERN TIMES
1. Rationalism (head, reason)
· Rationalism exalted man’s ability to discover truth by reason without resorting to revelation
· People were tired of religious wars, awed by scientific discoveries, and confident in human reason
· Rationalism paved the way for naturalistic evolution, negative biblical criticism, and religious Liberalism
· Human reason works well in the physical realm
· Reason alone is NOT a reliable guide to spiritual truth
2. Rationalism
· Human reason can understand some truth
· Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse
· Rom 2:14-15 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts… (i.e., moral conscience)
3. Rationalism
· After Adam’s sin, human nature became corrupt
· Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
· We need God’s revelation and regeneration to straighten out our thinking processes
· Prv 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding
· Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
4. Rationalism
· God wants His people to develop good judgment
· 1 Thes 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good
· Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
· James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (i.e., a promise)
5. Pietism (heart, emotion)
· Pietism was a reaction against the intellectual emphasis of Protestant scholasticism and extreme religious formalism
· Pietism paved the way for the Methodist Revival in England and the Great Awakening in the American colonies
· It was the forerunner of the modern Evangelical movement
· Pietism also serves as a prototype for spiritual renewal
6. Pietism
· Pietism stressed the importance of personal faith and complete devotion to Christ
· Ga 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
· Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ
7. Pietism
· Pietism utilized small group meetings for prayer and Bible study to encourage spiritual growth
· Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
· 2Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness
8. Pietism
· Pietism stimulated a desire for personal piety, missionary activity, and social service projects
· James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world
· Heb 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds
Conclusions
1. Reason alone is NOT a reliable guide to spiritual truth
2. We can understand some truth, but our nature is corrupt
3. We need God’s revelation and regeneration to fix our thinking
4. We must exercise critical thinking skills and pray for wisdom
5. Pietism provides us with an historical example spiritual renewal
6. We need to encourage deeper faith and devotion to Christ
7. We need regular fellowship, Bible study, and prayer
8. We must encourage one another to love and good deeds
PROGRAM 5: CHRISTIANITY IN THE NEW WORLD
Puritan Foundations
· The Puritans wanted a more biblical pattern of worship
· Forerunners of the Congregationalists and Baptists
· Puritan Independents tried to reform the Church of England
· They settled in Boston and Salem; unified church and state
· Puritan Separatists broke from the Church of England
· These “Pilgrims” settled in Plymouth; no state church
Puritan Foundations
· The Bible strongly encourages unity within the church
· 1Co 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
· Eph 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
· Causing disputes, dissension, and factions can keep one out of the kingdom (Gal 5:19-21)
Puritan Foundations
· Separation is justified under certain circumstances:
1. Doctrinal differences over salvation related issues
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess
Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an
antichrist (see also vs. 10)
2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring
this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him
2. Corruption and immorality
1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named
a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler,
or a drunkard, or an extortioner––not even to eat with such a person
The Struggle for Religious Liberty
· Roger Williams encouraged tolerance toward others through his doctrine of soul liberty
· Rom 14:1-2 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
· Rom 14:4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
The Struggle for Religious Liberty
· Soul liberty also means we must follow our conscience
· Rom 14:22-23 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin
· James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
The Struggle for Religious Liberty
· Freedom always includes personal accountability
· 1 Cor 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
· Basic Rule: in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity
· Php 3:15-16 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained
The Great Awakening
· George Whitefield showed us that this rule applies to organizations just as much as to individual Christians
· 1 Cor 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?
· 1 Cor 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
· Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Conclusions
1. The Bible strongly encourages unity within the church
2. Separation is justified under certain circumstances
3. We should exercise tolerance on minor issues
4. We must follow our conscience before God
5. We also must avoid causing our brother to stumble
6. Basic Rule: in essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity
7. This applies to organizations as well as to individuals
PROGRAM 6: THE CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT IN AN AGE OF UNCERTAINTY
1. The Lausanne Covenant
· The authority of the Scriptures
· Mt 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’“
· 2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
· Jas 2:12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.
2. The Lausanne Covenant
· The lostness of human beings apart from Jesus Christ
· Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned
· Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. The Lausanne Covenant
· Salvation in Jesus Christ alone
· Rom 5:18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
· Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
4. The Lausanne Covenant
· A witness to the Gospel in word and deed
· 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear
· Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
5. The Lausanne Covenant
· The priority and urgency of evangelization and missions in fulfilling the Great Commission
· Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”
· Luke 10:2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Conclusions
1. We need to be serious about repentance and obedience
2. Everyone needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ
3. Evangelism must lead people to Jesus Christ
4. We must reflect the Gospel in word and deed
5. We must do more to fulfill the Great Commission