Why Study Church History?

“The history of the church should more accurately be called the history of truth.” Blaise Pascal

If Church History does not sound interesting it is all the fault of the teacher! I accept that premise as I invite you to a 3 week journey with me back to the shadows of the Apostles and walk with me through the ages of willing students – faithful teachers – humble martyrs.

To read the sermons of Chrysostom or the declarations of Polycarp or the prayers of John Knox or the agonies of John Bunyan – these are the stories that can inspire every soul to answer the call of God.

The study of church history, however, is meant to provide more than just inspiration. There are 3 clear goals of any comprehensive study of Church History. Serious reflection on our past will protect us from error, remind us of God’s faithfulness, and motivate us to persevere.

Considering that “great cloud of witnesses,” the godly lives of believers from the past, can motivate and inspire us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely . . . and to run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Are you feeling spiritually tired? Are you ready to give up? We can ‘cast our cares on Him’ but we can also review the pages of those who have gone before us - reflecting upon the faithful lives and godly voices of the past, on those whose faith motivates you to keep running.

We stand between many generations. If we are indifferent to those who went before us - how can we expect to invest in the faith journey of those who come after us?