New two learning based on my readings are; first, the Jewish, Greek and Roman culture played a big part in History for it influenced the early Christian organization. The Jews themselves contributed a lot for Jesus Christ was born a Jew. Not just that but as well as their scattering which is called 'diaspora,' their monotheism belief and the synagogue. However, the language of the Greek and the law of the Romans were a good contribution as well. Different cultures, different people but God ordained it for His message to be proclaimed. So that Christianity will spread out to other nation which really happened. I have seen God's work in each aspect. His ways are unfathomable and I ought to thank His might and power for He planned everything for Himself and for the good news to be proclaimed.
Second, I've known that the most important date in the history of Christianity is Christ's resurrection which happened on AD 30. The value of this date is overwhelming and mind-boggling. Come to think of it, when Christ's resurrection didn't happen or it was delayed or ahead one day then the prophecy in the OT wouldn't be fulfilled. We can see God's perfect timing in every circumstance. He is not delayed and are not ignorant of what will happen next for in His Sovereignty, God perfectly planned everything ;).
This reading made me realized how important to take note of the dates, events and names of people. Before and even until now I have a hard time remembering titles, names, and dates. But I have decided to give importance of these since it will benefit me I know. I love reading books but my problem is that I easily forget its title and author. Too bad for me! From now on, I have to set in mind to really get to know the authors and titles not just the content of what they wrote.
Since I love to read. Not just read but watch movies as well. Every time I watch/read I have to get to know the title of the movie and/or book then test my self after an hour if I still remember the author and the title. Haha. Also, I will ask help from my friends to be accountable with me regarding my struggle. I will not just limit my self with the books and movies but as well as in remembering people's name. One thing also, I wanted to teach the things I've learned to my disciples. I am super excited to finish the lesson that we have now and proceed to church history. I hope they will find it interesting as well as I thought it is. :) It's not just interesting but beneficial as well. I know they will grow more in their faith by knowing this for I did.
However, I should pay attention to details for I have seen while reading the book that God is a detailed God. He as well put every thing in order. Because of His orderliness we can grasp in our human capability and have a glimpse of what happened in the past. He let us know and see His mighty works so that our faith in Him may grow more and our relationship with Him strengthens. Therefore, I believe in the detailed God of order.
I
have known Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, and Justine Martyr through our
lecture this week. Plus the Gnosticism belief have I known and how
people had different view of what they believe in about God.
St.
Clement was the early bishop of Rome that's why he was known to be
Clement of Rome. He wrote the epistle to the Corinthians known as “1
Clement,” which dealt with ecclesiastical order and authority. On
the other part, Irenaeus was also a bishop but not in Rome. He was a
bishop of Lyons who wrote “Against Heresies” as an attack on
Gnosticism. He emphasized the authority of scripture. Gnosticism was
a
prominent heretical movement of the 2nd-century Christian Church,
partly of pre-Christian origin. Gnostic doctrine taught that the
world was created and ruled by a lesser divinity, and that Christ
was a representative of the remote supreme divine being, deep
knowledge (gnosis) of whom enabled the redemption of the human
spirit. This belief has two parts: First, Dualism which deals with eternal battle of light versus dark which means they are equal and opposite. Second, Docetism believed that the human element in the person of the redeemer was as illusion. However, Justin Martyr who was reported by
Keziah was the most important early Christian apologist, who defended
Christians against false charges and who argued that Christianity was
the only true philosophy.
Knowing
three people in just 1 hr. and 45 mins. was overwhelming. I can see
God's work and it is indeed true that God can use anything and anyone
just for the sake of His glory to be revealed to every mankind. I
believe that the mentioned names above were used by God and have
honored Him through their lives. Through the lives of those people,
the Gospel has been passed on to us and the dilemma still exist even
until now. And it can be used as a proof that the Bible is true and
it is timeless. Many people in the early times had believed with Gnosticism but still God has His purpose. In his foreknowledge He had foreseen everything that will happen here on earth. For us who knew the truth may find this belief as absurd.
As to my own, I have to see to it that I am living a life that is pleasing to God. A life that other people can look up to. I may not be as great as Clement of Rome neither Irenaeus nor Justin but I believe that God created me and is molding me to be the person that He wants me to be. I have my own role and that is to glorify Him and live on by faith and spread the Gospel to all nation. On my own resources, I can use that so God may made known to everyone such as posting Bible verses in facebook, instagram, and/or pinterest. Post pictures that cannot cause others to stumble. Make everything in accordance to His will and purpose not just merely entertainment. Let things be done with an eternal purpose perspective.