Echoes of History: Navigating Faith in Modern Times

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the fascinating realm of church history and its relevance to our current times. We began by exploring the notion that history doesn't merely repeat itself but echoes through time, adapting to the unique challenges of each era. This perspective helps us understand that while the core truths of Christianity remain unchanged, the cultural and societal challenges we face today may differ in form from those of the past. We reflected on the works of J. Gresham Machen, particularly his book "Christianity and Liberalism," which remains as pertinent today as it was a century ago, albeit in a world where the challenges have evolved.

We also examined historical parallels, such as the early Christian church's experience in a pre-Christian world and the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s in America. These periods offer valuable lessons for navigating our current post-Christian society. The discussion highlighted the importance of being both winsome and firm in our Christian witness while also standing up for our rights as citizens in a constitutional republic.

Furthermore, we touched on the character of God as revealed through church history, emphasizing His patience, perseverance, and sovereignty. These attributes provide comfort and guidance as we face contemporary challenges. We acknowledged the need for a spiritual awakening in America, recognizing that true transformation comes not through legislation but through a move of God.

Finally, we addressed the issue of "cancel culture" and how to approach historical figures with both honesty and grace. We must acknowledge their flaws while also appreciating their contributions to the faith. This balanced perspective allows us to learn from the past without dismissing it entirely.

Key Takeaways:

1. History as an Echo: History doesn't repeat itself but echoes, adapting to the unique challenges of each era. This understanding helps us recognize that while the core truths of Christianity remain unchanged, the cultural and societal challenges we face today may differ in form from those of the past. [00:43]

2. Parallels in History: By examining historical parallels, such as the early Christian church's experience in a pre-Christian world and the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, we can glean valuable lessons for navigating our current post-Christian society. These periods offer insights into how to remain faithful amidst societal change. [03:41]

3. God's Sovereignty and Providence: The character of God, as revealed through church history, emphasizes His patience, perseverance, and sovereignty. These attributes provide comfort and guidance as we face contemporary challenges, reminding us that God is in control and working through history. [12:09]

4. The Need for Spiritual Awakening: True transformation in America will not come through legislation but through a move of God. We must pray for an awakening, recognizing that the flourishing of our nation depends on men and women being converted and knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. [14:17]

5. Approaching Historical Figures with Grace: In dealing with historical figures, we must acknowledge their flaws while appreciating their contributions to the faith. This balanced perspective allows us to learn from the past without dismissing it entirely, recognizing that all humans are fallible. [22:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Church Historians
- [00:43] - Does History Repeat Itself?
- [01:25] - Machen's Relevance Today
- [01:56] - Challenges of Our Time
- [02:26] - Liberalism and Christian Truth
- [03:11] - Historical Parallels
- [03:41] - Early Church and Modern Times
- [04:22] - Kuyper's Insights
- [05:00] - American Cultural Parallels
- [06:30] - Secularism and the Church
- [07:45] - Christian Response to Wokeness
- [09:14] - Language and Totalitarianism
- [10:41] - God's Character in History
- [12:09] - Sovereignty and Providence
- [14:17] - Praying for Awakening
- [15:45] - Pessimism and Hope
- [17:55] - Realism in the American Church
- [20:37] - Importance of Humanities
- [22:02] - Cancel Culture and Church History
- [24:14] - Heroes with Flaws
- [26:48] - Falling in Love with Church History

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 17:26 - "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place."
2. Romans 13:1 - "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
3. 1 Peter 2:13-17 - "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the way history echoes rather than repeats itself? How does this concept help us understand the challenges faced by the church today? [00:43]

2. How did the early Christian church's experience in a pre-Christian world compare to our current post-Christian society, according to the sermon? [03:41]

3. What attributes of God are highlighted through church history, and how do these attributes provide comfort and guidance in contemporary challenges? [12:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of Christians in standing up for their rights as citizens in a constitutional republic? [07:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the idea that history echoes rather than repeats itself influence the way Christians approach current societal challenges? [00:43]

2. In what ways can the experiences of the early Christian church and the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s inform our response to today's post-Christian society? [03:41]

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty and providence, as discussed in the sermon, impact a Christian's response to societal changes and challenges? [12:09]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the balance between being winsome in Christian witness and standing firm in one's rights as a citizen? How can this balance be achieved practically? [07:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that seemed to echo a historical event. How did your understanding of history help you navigate that situation? [00:43]

2. Considering the parallels between the early church and today's society, what specific actions can you take to remain faithful amidst societal change? [03:41]

3. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and providence in your daily life to provide comfort during challenging times? [12:09]

4. In what ways can you actively pray for a spiritual awakening in your community, recognizing that true transformation comes through a move of God? [14:17]

5. How can you approach historical figures and their contributions to the faith with both honesty and grace in your personal study or discussions? [22:38]

6. Identify a situation where you might need to stand up for your rights as a citizen. How can you do so in a way that is both winsome and firm in your Christian witness? [07:45]

7. Think of a historical figure in the church whose flaws have been highlighted. How can you learn from both their mistakes and their contributions to the faith? [22:38]

Devotional

Day 1: History as an Echo
History doesn't repeat itself but echoes, adapting to the unique challenges of each era. This understanding helps us recognize that while the core truths of Christianity remain unchanged, the cultural and societal challenges we face today may differ in form from those of the past. By acknowledging this, we can better navigate our current context, drawing wisdom from the past while being mindful of the present. The echoes of history remind us that the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us can offer guidance and hope as we face our own unique challenges. [00:43]

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (ESV): "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us."

Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How might the experiences of past generations provide insight or guidance for you today?


Day 2: Parallels in History
By examining historical parallels, such as the early Christian church's experience in a pre-Christian world and the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, we can glean valuable lessons for navigating our current post-Christian society. These periods offer insights into how to remain faithful amidst societal change. Understanding these parallels helps us to see that the church has always faced challenges and that faithfulness to the core truths of Christianity can guide us through times of cultural and societal upheaval. [03:41]

1 Corinthians 10:11 (ESV): "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come."

Reflection: Reflect on a historical period that resonates with your current situation. What lessons can you learn from the faithfulness of Christians during that time?


Day 3: God's Sovereignty and Providence
The character of God, as revealed through church history, emphasizes His patience, perseverance, and sovereignty. These attributes provide comfort and guidance as we face contemporary challenges, reminding us that God is in control and working through history. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace in the midst of uncertainty, knowing that He is orchestrating all things for His purposes. This understanding encourages us to rely on His wisdom and timing, even when we cannot see the full picture. [12:09]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty? How can you actively surrender this area to Him today?


Day 4: The Need for Spiritual Awakening
True transformation in America will not come through legislation but through a move of God. We must pray for an awakening, recognizing that the flourishing of our nation depends on men and women being converted and knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. This call to prayer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and guidance in our lives and communities. It reminds us that lasting change begins with the transformation of hearts and minds through the power of the Holy Spirit. [14:17]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: How can you commit to praying for spiritual awakening in your community? What specific steps can you take to encourage others to join you in this prayer?


Day 5: Approaching Historical Figures with Grace
In dealing with historical figures, we must acknowledge their flaws while appreciating their contributions to the faith. This balanced perspective allows us to learn from the past without dismissing it entirely, recognizing that all humans are fallible. By approaching history with grace, we can honor the legacy of those who have gone before us while also learning from their mistakes. This perspective encourages humility and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature. [22:38]

Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Reflection: Think of a historical figure you admire. How can you acknowledge their flaws while still appreciating their contributions to your faith journey?

Quotes


"I'll start, and then you can correct me. I forget who said, 'History doesn't repeat itself; it echoes.' And I like that because the echo picks up the texture of the geography of where those soundwaves are traveling. And I like that because I think history does repeat itself, but I think we also have to not be naïve to what is unique in our day in the way those things are getting put forward." [00:43:12]

"So, I think we need to be students of church history, we need to be aware of how these challenges ebb and flow and come back again. But I like the idea that it also picks up a little of the texture of our moment, and I think that's helpful for us to deal with them wisely, and I think we can deal with these challenges better." [02:00:54]

"The other thing that comes to mind as a similar kind of moment, I think of Abraham Kuyper in the Netherlands in the nineteenth century where Europe was facing some of the issues that have come somewhat more belatedly to America. So, Kuyper was very self-conscious in thinking, 'How do Christians live in a world that is not predominantly Christian?' And Kuyper had to face the fact that a lot of the Reformed confessions were written in the glory days of Christendom, and if those days have passed, do the confessions need to be changed?" [04:01:56]

"And I was thinking while we as Christians want, as Christians, in the context we face today to be as winsome and loving and understanding on the one hand and faithful on the other hand, I think we also as citizens have to, at some point, stand up and appeal to Caesar and say, 'Look, the HR department does not have the right to take away my free speech or my right to religion.'" [07:53:10]

"In line with Dr. Thomas' wonderful address, God is patient and persevering. What a mercy it is that in the midst of all the mistakes we've made in church history, He perseveres. And ... you should stop me, I'm beginning to ramble like an old man ... but one of the things that has occurred to me recently is the very worst thing that can happen to a church is that it no longer allows itself to be reformed by the Word of God." [10:47:00]

"And that's true of Augustine, that's true of Anselm. I always think of this very philosophical text Anselm writes, the Proslogion, but, you know, his very first word is homuncio, 'little man.' Like what a great perspective that God is great, and we are small, and that's the first word of Anselm's personal view on. And it's true of the Reformers. Of course, it's true of the Reformers." [12:26:52]

"We're all praying for an awakening. There needs to be a move of God for the United States to flourish the way that many of us would like to see it flourish. And there's no fixing it by legislation and all these other efforts. It really will take a move of God and men and women being converted, knowing the Lord Jesus Christ." [14:08:16]

"So, the pessimism, I mean, you think about where we are currently, the cultural sort of mess that we are in currently, it's because of a generation of what has happened in the American academy. The chickens have come home to roost because ideas do have consequences. So, I'm very tuned into the idea of ... we'll call it realism, maybe not pessimism and optimism, but at the same time, the American church still has resources that the global church doesn't have." [18:27:48]

"And we don't know why God raises up nations and doesn't raise up nations and why God blesses. In fact, Paul even says that God appoints the boundaries of the nations in Acts 17, He's sovereign over the nations and their boundaries and their comings and goings. We don't know why God raises up nations, but America has served a purpose in the global church. I think America still has resources to serve in the global church." [19:02:04]

"People are sinners, and this will be a shock to all of you who didn't know until you came here, it's worth the whole price of registration. And as sinners, they do bad things, bad things not just before God, but in light of fellow human beings. And I think, precisely Christianity helps you to be honest to look at history and say, 'Here were people who accomplished some good things, but also were responsible for a lot of bad things.'" [22:38:58]

"So, we don't want to just write them off and give them a pass, we do need to call out the sins of our heroes. But we don't need to cancel them or dismiss them either because they still have valuable things to say to us and point us to Christ. And as you pointed out, it's self-righteous and it's a hubris of our age to think that every previous age has missed it and we've arrived, and now from our perch of having arrived we have this wonderful position to judge everybody else perfectly." [25:18:77]

"Samson is a great example of a very, very, very flawed character who was still used by God to accomplish God's purposes." [26:31:44]

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Transcript
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