From the Pastor: A History-Based Faith
"It seemed good to me also ... to write an orderly account for
you ... that you might know the exact truth." Luke 1:3-4
"History is bunk", remarked Henry Ford in an off-handed comment.
That seems to sum up the outlook of many in our modern generation, hence
the decline of interest in history courses in our educational institutions.
The truth is that we depend on history in all sorts of ways: as a
justification for the existence of an organization for one, or to
establish a claim to property about which there is some doubt.
Uniquely in this world, Chrisitanity relies on history for all its major
claims and tenets. It stands or falls on whether certain things happened
or not. To much of modern unbelief this is the offence of the gospel:
(ii) because the Gospel is made to depend on the alleged uncertainties of historical investigation.
Of these, the former is the big one.
However, Luke, in writing to Theophilus makes it abundantly plain that
the things recorded in his Gospel, and the Acts of the Apostles, are
true and accurate. Theophilus, for his part, is meant to take it all
very seriously. Luke in particular is concerned to make three points
regarding his record:
(ii) His record, and others', are based on eyewitness testimony. (iii) His record is based on his own careful, patient, and thorough research.
Lay hold, then, of the facts as presented in the Gospel record, and of
Christ as He is offered to you personally. |