II. Digging Deeper... (History of Denominations) Presbyterianism
We have been looking at the history of various denominations in Christendom. Our July issue dealt with the Reformed Movement. One of the new expressions of this movement of the Reformation was the Presbyterian Church. Generally speaking, its theology is "Reformed" but its character is different as expressed in its founding by John Knox (1505-1572). Most historical theologians see its various tentacles of influence being addressed to give a proper "context."
By the early part of the 16th century Luther's reformation ideas began to enter Scotland. It influenced the lower nobility which was in a struggle with the monarchy. The controversies were at first and foremost over the landed control. The monarchy was stridently Roman Catholic while the lower nobility began to embrace the new Reformation ideas and theology. James V(1513-1542) King of Scotland, tied himself to the French Monarchy which was strongly Roman Catholic. There came about by the 16th century a move to ban Luther's writings. It was however too late. By 1528, a reformed preacher by the name of Patrick Hamilton preached a series of fiery sermons full of reformation ideas which had mass appeal. Subsequently, he was tried as a heretic and burned at the stake. But another, some say more articulate voice, came from a man by the name of George Wishart.(1513-1546) He was Scottish but had studied in Geneva under Calvin. In 1533-34, he returned to Scotland and like Hamilton was tried as a heretic and burned at the stake in 1546. Now enters John Knox. Let us consider his background and drama.
In short, Knox was a disciple of Wishart. He was born of peasant stock and studied theology at Glasgow. He was ordained as a Catholic Priest and also taught from that perspective. As time went on, he was heavily influenced by Reformation Theology. In reprisal for Wishart's execution, Knox and a number of his friends captured and killed Cardinal Beaton in 1547. The result of this was that Knox and the others were captured and spent nineteen months on a French galley ship. They were eventually released and go to England. Here under Mary (Catholic Queen) Knox is appointed as Chaplin of the Royal Court. Eventually, Queen Mary is expelled and Knox becomes a part of those English Catholics known as "Marian Exiles." As an exile, Knox will travel to Frankfort, Germany then to Geneva to study Greek and Hebrew. Reconciled to the Reformation theology, he will by 1559, return to Scotland and become a leader of Scottish Reformation. With the consolidation of other countries attune with the reformation ideas, John Knox encourages an alliance of Scotland and England with their now similar majority Protestant views. By August of 1560 the Roman Catholic Church was abolished and there was a general acceptance of the Presbyterian Faith. Knox will produce along with five others the first book of discipline. Significantly, Knox will be the only reformer to write a history of this aspect of the reformation as it was taking place. This work was called, History of the Reformation of Religion Within the Realm of Scotland.
Without noting all the transactions of historical content, Scotland in the 17th century was caught up in the widening controversies of Church Government. The conflict between the Episcopal and Presbyterian form of Church government led to many unnecessary political and religious bouts. By the 18th century, the Scottish church found itself in numerous divisions within itself. As Scots moved to the North America and other areas of the British Empire they influenced any number of religious and social movements. By 1969 they were the fifth largest denomination in the United States encompassing ten different groups who embraced the Presbyterian tradition. Today in the early part of the 21st century, this major denomination is much diminished and is less white in ethnicity and outreach.
III. Comic Relief- (SIGNS ON VARIOUS DOORS AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS)
1. In a Podiatrist's Office: "Time Wounds all Heels."
2. On a Plumber's Truck: "Don't Sleep with a Drip... Call Your Plumber."
3. At a Towing Company: "We Don't Charge an Arm and a Leg... We Want Tows!"
4. On a Taxidermist's Window: "We Really Know Our Stuff."
5. In a Veterinarian's Waiting Room: "Be Back In Five Minutes... Sit! Stay!"
6. In the Front Yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive Carefully... We'll Wait."
IV. Nuggets of Nourishment- A Sermon from Acts-
A. Title: A Sermon Worth Waiting For...
Text: Acts 2:14-41
Introduction: Newness is always exciting. We all like new shoes, new cars, new whatever we survey or purchase. However, with "newness" comes new realities. So it was with the beginnings of the New Covenant begun by Jesus and the purchase price of His blood. Peter had been told he would be given the "keys" to the kingdom which we call the Church. It was over the preparation of centuries by God Himself and completed in the gospel by Christ's death,burial and resurrection. Now it needed transmitted supernaturally. Here on the Jewish day of Pentecost, Peter will use the first key by the power of the Holy Spirit to preach a new reality in the new covenant to bless the world with the Church, founded by Christ and build upon Him alone. Lets look into this great revelation of Peter, a sermon worth waiting. What then did he preach?
I. Peter Preached a Powerful Message- (vs.14-35)
-He told them Plainly who Jesus was from scripture: This list included Son of God, God in the flesh, Heaven's promise, the Savior of mankind.
-He was the Promised Messiah of Old Testament.
-He told them Powerfully who Jesus was eternally. (Lord and Christ) vs.36
II. He Preached a Prominent Message- (see cross references)
-It was a message of Prophecy- (Isaiah 53:4-5)
-It was a message of Promise- (Rom.15:8, Acts 13:23)
-It was a message of Purpose- (Heb. 9:11-14)
III. He Preached a Plain Message- (vs.37-41)
-He preached Christ Crucified-
-He preached Christ Sanctified-
-He preached Christ Glorified-
Conclusion: This message produced the body of Christ the Church. This community since then can be seen through at least seven functions: 1. Spiritual Formation- 2. Evangelism- 3. Recreation- 4. Volunteerism- 5. International Mission Efforts- 6. A Caring Community- 7. Extended Compassion
V. Quotes of Quality...
1. "The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a noble purpose."
2. "Conceit is a closer companion of ignorance than of learning..."
3. A preacher's sayings: "Subtract from another's unhappiness...Multiply the joy of sharing and Divide the good things that come your way..."
4. How to stay ignorant: Be satisfied with your own opinions and content with your own knowledge. (Elbert Hubbard)
5. 'Tis looking downward that makes one dizzy..." (Robert Browning)
6. "When men speak ill of thee, live so that nobody will believe them..." (Plato)
7. An old Proverb: "Swallowing angry words is much easier than having to eat them..."
