Library
Echoes of Faith: Sandy
Sermon Summary
In this sermon, Sandy emphasises the importance of understanding church history, highlighting how Jesus builds His church through the Spirit, and encourages learning about the contributions of saints throughout the ages, particularly during the Middle Ages, while reminding us that true faith is about following Jesus rather than mere religious practices.
Read More
In our journey through church history, Sandy reminds us of the profound truth that Jesus is the one who builds His church, a church that the gates of hell will not overcome. This is a story that spans continents and centuries, from the Middle East and Africa to the Western world, and it is a story that is still being written today. As we delve into the Middle Ages, often referred to as the Dark Ages, we uncover the vibrant and diverse history of the church, a history that is not solely Western but deeply rooted in the global spread of Christianity.
We explored the lives of saints like Ansgar, the Apostle of the North, and Brigid of Kildare, who played pivotal roles in spreading the gospel in Europe. Their stories remind us of the organic growth of the early church, where faith was shared through personal relationships and communities, transcending cultural and gender barriers. However, as the church transitioned from a persecuted minority to a state religion under Constantine, it faced new challenges. The era of councils and creeds sought to define orthodoxy and combat heresies, but it also led to divisions, such as the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches.
The church's history is marked by both triumphs and failures. The Crusades, initially intended to protect pilgrims, became a period of violence and bloodshed. Yet, amidst the corruption and control, God continued to work through individuals and communities. The church's story is one of resilience, where saints like Joan of Arc and Thomas Becket stood as beacons of faith.
Today, we are reminded that the church is not a building or an institution but a community of believers united by faith in Jesus. Our mission is to invite others to see Jesus alive in us and to follow Him. As we navigate a world where nominal Christianity is fading, we are called to be authentic followers of Jesus, living out our faith in a way that reflects His kingdom. This is our story, a story of belonging to the eternal church, a story of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways
1. The Global Roots of Christianity: Christianity's origins are deeply rooted in the Middle East and Africa, reminding us that it is not a Western religion. The early church spread organically through personal relationships and communities, transcending cultural and gender barriers. This global perspective enriches our understanding of the church's history and challenges us to embrace the diversity of the body of Christ.
2. The Role of Councils and Creeds: The councils and creeds of the early church sought to define orthodoxy and combat heresies. While they played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine, they also led to divisions, such as the Great Schism. This history teaches us the importance of unity in the church and the need to hold fast to the core truths of our faith.
3. The Impact of Constantine: Constantine's conversion to Christianity marked a significant turning point in church history. While he embraced Christianity, his reign also highlighted the dangers of merging church and state. This period reminds us of the need to maintain the purity of the gospel and to resist the temptation to use faith as a tool for political power.
4. The Great Schism and Its Lessons: The Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches was a result of cultural, linguistic, and theological differences. This division serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and dialogue in addressing disagreements within the church. It calls us to seek unity in diversity and to celebrate the richness of our shared faith.
5. The Call to Authentic Discipleship: As nominal Christianity fades, we are called to be authentic followers of Jesus. Our mission is to invite others to see Jesus alive in us and to follow Him. This requires a deep commitment to living out our faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God, embracing both the intellectual and mysterious aspects of our faith.
