Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HISTORY (03/10/22)
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TITLE: Taking The Mystery Out of History | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
03/16/22 -
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Consequently, much of the negativity in the world today is a repetition of what has already taken place throughout the course of human history.
One of the examples of insanity is to keep on doing the same things the same way, while expecting to have a different outcome. Yet, that is exactly what most humans do without giving any serious thought concerning how they got where they are, or where they are headed.
If one is to prevent negative history from repeating itself, one must establish his or her course in life by growing in the knowledge (2Pet. 3: 18) of the Lord, and applying (James 1: 22) that knowledge to the details of his or her daily life.
One stays on that course by conducting frequent 2Cor. 13: 5 examinations and making the necessary adjustments.
Sounds like a simple strategy, but God’s people have consistently and repeatedly failed to do so.
When something different comes along, conservatives tend to resist change, taking the position that the old ways are “good enough (Luke 5: 39 NASB).”
Moderates tend to take a comfortable “middle of the road” position. They are open to a degree of change, so long as it doesn’t rock the boat too much, or too soon.
Liberals favor changes that “justifies” and/or enables them to cast off the traditional restraints and limitations that religious systems and organizations have imposed.
Solomon pointed out that, in principle, there is really nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1: 9).
Change can be new to us, but not to history. The same things that either blessed or plagued Man throughout the course of human history remains the same, no matter where human viewpoint, modern science and technology brings us.
The idea of using history as the source of making the best future decisions is only as wise as the accuracy of whatever historical record one chooses to utilize.
Inaccurate or incomplete accounts leaves future generations with a distorted view of what had actually had taken place. As time goes on, these inaccurate and incomplete accounts become the accepted “truth.”
Much of the accumulated apostasy (false or distorted doctrine and accompanying practices) that have been accepted and incorporated into the teachings and practices of the Christian Community could have been identified and eliminated.This can still be accomplished by tracing its roots back to the time when the teachings or practices were first introduced.
Did these changes come from God or religious men (Matt. 15: 9)? Can the change be Biblically substantiated (Acts 17: 11)?
The problem is that in order to put the ship back on course, the one(s) responsible would have to acknowledge the error(s) made, and be willing to take the corrective actions. But this is not likely to happen when dealing with haughty attitudes so commonly found in religious circles.
With each passing generation, the roots of false religion grow deeper, becoming more difficult to pull up.
It is only by embracing Biblical discipleship that a Church Age Believer can avoid the consequences of religious history repeating itself. Only by learning the truth can falsehood be identified.
During the reoccurring periods of moral decline, advancing disciples will find themselves swimming against current of popular opinion (Matt. 7: 13, 14).
Studying (2Peter 3: 18), applying (James 1: 22), and teaching (by word and or example) the Word of God is what being a faithful and advancing disciple is all about.
By tracing the roots of any given doctrine or accompanying practice, one can identify under whose authority, human or divine, the changes were made.
Developing doctrine based on selected or isolated verses of Scripture can lead to error. It is only by studying and applying all of the principles found in related Scripture that one avoids such error.
Failing to interpret Scripture in the light of it’s original languages is another cause of error, with the limited and ambiguous English translations leading the way.
Change that is without Biblical substantiation (Acts 17: 11) should be nipped in the bud.
By studying the secular history that was unfolding (or will be unfolding – 2Timothy 4: 3) at the time, one can see the tendency of Man trying to address spiritual issues through human activity, assuming functions that God has not given to any man.
Biblical discipleship can take the mystery out of history, and make our way clear (Psalms 119: 105).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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How grateful I am
Still your point about studying the Word is hugely important.
Thank you.