Connecting the Dots: The Importance of Understanding Our Faith's History for Church Leaders and Bible Teachers

Connecting the Dots: The Importance of Understanding Our Faith's History for Church Leaders and Bible Teachers by Pastor Alexander Redd
June 27, 2023

In today's world, getting caught up in the hype of the latest trends is effortless. We tend to be attracted to new TV shows, gadgets, and restaurants that come our way. However, in the process, we overlook the worth and magnificence of what existed before.
Humans often seek new experiences, even in our spiritual lives. However, as church leaders, we must resist this temptation and remember the depth and richness of our faith's history.

Fortunately, I have a wealth of resources in my library, including the writings of ancient Christian commentators on Scripture, that help me stay grounded in this tradition.
Church leaders and authors in former times take us back to the Church's earliest days, giving us commentary on Scripture from some of the greatest minds of our faith's past. They were grounded in the Word of God and the Church's traditions, and their insights can still speak to us today.

Take, for instance, their thoughts on 1 Peter 1:3-9. This passage reminds us of our living hope in Christ, thanks to His resurrection. We have an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, and this hope sustains us through our trials.

We may experience grief and suffering, but it's all for a purpose. Our faith is refined like gold to bring praise and glory to Jesus Christ. And even though we cannot see Him, we still love Him and rejoice with inexpressible joy.

There are several compelling reasons for church leaders and Bible teachers to learn and remember the richness of our faith's history. Here are a few:

1. Understanding our theological roots: Studying the history of Christianity helps leaders and teachers understand the development of theological concepts and doctrines. It provides a foundation for interpreting Scripture and discerning the core beliefs of the Christian faith. For example, understanding the debates and controversies surrounding the Trinity can shed light on the importance of this doctrine in contemporary Christian theology (Matthew 28:19).

2. Learning from the wisdom of ancient Christian literature: Ancient Christian literature, such as the writings of the Early Church Fathers and other early Christian authors, offer valuable insights and perspectives on various aspects of Christian life and doctrine. Their writings can provide guidance and inspiration in addressing contemporary challenges. For instance, the writings of Augustine on grace and the human will (Romans 9:16) can help shape discussions on the nature of salvation and the role of human agency.

3. Recognizing the continuity of the Christian faith: Studying the history of Christianity reveals the continuity of the faith throughout the centuries. It reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers who have wrestled with similar questions and challenges throughout history. This understanding fosters a sense of unity and helps us avoid the pitfalls of individualism and cultural relativism. For example, Paul's teachings on the unity and diversity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) resonate with the historical development of the Church.

4. Guarding against heresy and false teachings: Familiarity with the history of the Church equips leaders and teachers to identify and address heretical teachings that may resurface in contemporary contexts. It helps discern between orthodox Christian beliefs and distorted interpretations. The Apostle John's warnings against false teachers in his letters (1 John 4:1) underscore the importance of discerning truth from error throughout history.

Practical examples of how the wisdom of ancient Christian literature, authors, and church leaders are relevant to today's Christian livelihood could include:

- Drawing on the writings of the Desert Fathers, like Anthony the Great or John Cassian, to explore the practices of solitude, prayer, and self-discipline in cultivating a deeper spiritual life (Matthew 6:6).

- Studying the writings of Ignatius of Antioch or Polycarp to understand the early Christian emphasis on martyrdom and commitment to faith in the face of persecution (Matthew 5:10).

- Examining the teachings of Thomas Aquinas or Augustine on the relationship between faith and reason to address contemporary debates on science and religion (Proverbs 9:10).

- Exploring the works of Julian of Norwich or Teresa of Avila to gain insights into Christian mysticism and contemplative prayer practices (Psalm 46:10).

Appreciating the wisdom of ancient Christian literature, authors, and church leaders is highly relevant to today's Christian livelihood. It provides a solid foundation for theological reflection, offers guidance in addressing contemporary challenges, fosters unity with the broader Christian tradition, and guards against false teachings.

My friends, let us remember the treasures of our faith's past or history. Let us learn from those who came before us and be inspired to deepen our own walk with the Lord. May we always remember the living hope we have in Christ, and may it sustain us through all of life's trials.

Find more of Pastor Alexander Redd's teachings, articles, sermons, devotionals, and more at gracioushopefellowship.com or write info@gracioushopefellowship.com