2,000 Years of Christ’s Power
The brief description from the cover says everything about these books: “2,000 Years of Christ’s Power is a multiple value series on the history of the church. Academically reliable, but written with an easy, even humorous style which makes it accessible to anybody with an interest, this work falls into a category all of its own.” In essence, this says everything. The book is written in such a format to be interesting to seminarians yet easily accessible to high school curriculum. Each chapter is followed by original hymns, poems, letters, and excerpts from the historical figures themselves. For us, the question is not “what is church history?”; the question is “why should I read it?” Let me give four reasons.
First, church history confirms God’s promises. Jesus says that “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her.” What do we see in church history but that very promise unfolding? History is full of pitch forks and torches, of scandals and headlines, of men both famous and infamous. Despite it all, the gates of hell itself has not prevailed against her. Today, we find ourselves in a rapidly changing culture, amongst growing hostilities toward the Christian faith. But this is not the first time, and we need to be reminded of that. God is faithful, and God always keeps his promises.
Second, church history encourages us with Christian examples. All men have clay feet, but that does not prevent us from having heroes in the faith. Hebrews 11 is the famous “Hall of Faith,” yet this hall is not filled with the most spotless photos. Nonetheless, we are exhorted to remember them, to honor them, to imitate them. God has not stopped giving us men to imitate. Which of us would not pray to have the missionary zeal of St. Patrick, the holy bravery of Maximus the Confessor, the strong will of Athanasius? God has crowned these men with particular graces for particular trials, and these are graces which we should seek after daily.
Third, church history prevents us from falling into old pits. Heresy is a dangerous trap. The development is slow, but steady; the end is disastrous. Many of the heresies of which we encounter today are rebranded issues of days past. The Jehovah Witnesses are the Arians of the 4th century. Oneness Pentecostals have cousins in the Sabellians of old. Examples abound, but they all teach one thing - heresy is dangerous. By reading church history, we can see the development of these deviations and the deadly fruit they produce.
Fourth and finally, this is our story. Fred Craddock was being led on a tour of Israel by a retired Army General. When they approached a tree-covered hill, the General reminisced of when they thwarted an ambush in those grove of trees. Craddock asked, “Was that in the 1948 or the 1967 war?” The General replied, “No. It was the Maccabean War.” “Well, pardon me,” Craddock said, “but you tell it as though you were there.” Then the General looked directly in his eye and said, “I was.” That General understood a truth that we have long forgotten. We may not of stood in Nicea, we may not have heard the hammer knocking in Wittenberg, but we were there. These stories are our story, our legacy, our family history. We would do well to know it better.
These are but a few reasons why we should study church history. If you are making a reading goal of 2022, consider this four-volume set. The chapters are short, the language is accessible, and the benefit is tremendous. Gather the family around and say, “Let me tell you our story.”
You can buy these here.
