1. Church History

2.  For purposes of this course, term used in broadest sense:  the scholarly discipline of recording and interpreting the experiences  of the worldwide body of people who claim to follow Jesus Christ,  since the Pentecostal baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2)  against the backdrop of man’s kingdom,  and in the cradle of divine providence.

3.  The term “Church”  The term “History”  Historical Process  Relationship between “Church History” and “World History”  Secular and Sacred History  Church History as the Hub

4.  History and Divine Revelation  Time – medium God creates to reveal his glories to man  Progressive Revelation  Gen 1:1 – “In the beginning” – unity of Bible  Gen 3:15 – progressive unfolding of this war and redemption  Bible is incomprehensible apart from historical records  History and the Providence of God  Divine sovereignty over all that comes to pass. Nothing left to chance.  Weak interest in history reflects a weak theology.

5.  History and Sanctification  Salvation history is directly linked to the believer’s sanctification.  Exod 12:24-27a; Josh 4:1-7; Ps 102:18 – second generation knows God through the first  Rom 6:20-21; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 10:6-12; 11:23-25  History provides negative and positive motivation (Heb 11-12)  History provides practical insight for ministry  History and the Love of God (Eph 2:11-22; Titus 2:14)  History and Theological Studies  Knowledge of God supported by those who have gone before  Theology deteriorates or matures over time