CHRIST HISTORY

Church history is about church and as such not always so much about Christ. There is some ‘history of the church’ in Scripture, but of far more importance is the history of the Christ. For example:

Eberhard Arnold (1883-1935) theologian and author wrote:

“No one person or group could have made the first church. No heights of oratory, no flaming enthusiasm, could have awakened for Christ the thousands who were moved at the time, or produced the united life of the early church. The friends of Jesus knew this very well. Had not the Risen One himself commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the great promise? John had baptized in water all those who listened to him. But the first church was to be immersed in the holy wind of Christ’s spirit, to be blown upon, penetrated by, and filled with it. All who had accompanied Jesus as he traveled through the land knew what they were waiting for: God’s rulership was to make the conditions of absolute justice and perfect love a reality on this earth. They knew, for they had been sent out as sheep among wolves on behalf of the coming kingdom, which was actual and present in Jesus himself. For the sake of this kingdom they had taken upon themselves the poverty of Jesus so that they might bring his peace to all the towns and villages they entered. For the sake of witnessing to this kingdom and confessing him who alone bears it, pure and whole, within himself, they had given themselves up to endure suffering and hatred at the hands of the authorities as well as their nearest relatives.”

“But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Jesus