Weeks of continuous discussions about dark ages and church fathers. Of all those topics, my mind came across an idea that not all people dare to walk the path where our church fathers had walked on. Let me introduced to you three church fathers who became the constant topic of our class for weeks, these were Clement of Rome, Eusebius and Athanasius who were reported by my classmates. The Francs also made a huge impact in our Christianity. Charles the hammer and Charlemagne played an important role in spreading of Christianity in Europe.

These people speak with conviction upon what they believed and they remained on their ground. No one can make them moved even the influential people in their time. The conviction and passion built in them was enough reason why until now their influence remains. As I look at myself and try to examine my conviction, I am greatly encouraged to figure out things that convicted me to continue. The Lord has put in each of the heart of his people that conviction about him that no matter where his people are located, they stand firm.

The absolutes of the Word of God should be the guide for people in making decisions. Yet traditions of humanity trampled the very absolute truth of God’s Word. Back again to examining the beneath part of me. Am I adhering to the absolutes or am I just staying and living in complacency? Those questions help me and remind to constantly examine myself.

Behind The Scene

Justinian almost gave up. Let me tell you who he was. He was one of the emperor in Rome way back on 500 A.D. This was one of his remarkable saying, "There are two great gifts which God, in his love for man, has granted from on high: the priesthood and the imperial dignity." He was a very influential emperor, but we have to note that there was a woman behind him who made a very huge influenced in his decision making as an emperor and that was Theodora. She was one of the most influential and powerful of the Byzantine empresses. When the time came that they were being attacked by their own people, Justinian made up his mind to run away, but then, his wife, Theodora, resolute to stay and so they were able to hold firm the empire and their influence and political power spreads farther. 
She protected the queen. She was there when he almost ran away and loses his faith. She was with him. I find it very romantic and dramatic for a woman to be the strength of a man. We know that God is our strength, but when we look at it physically, we need someone to run to. The woman, Theodora, never failed to meet his need. She was a remarkable woman of her days, no doubt she was honored as one of the most influential woman of the Roman empire. I aspire to be like her when it comes to being there for my man. I want to be with him in good times and bad. I know that he will be the one to protect me but when time comes he will need me as his strength, I will be there for him. 

Throughout Church history, I believe and trust that God is working behind the scenes. The war, plagues, death, persecution, killing name it all disasters, God was there. We may not understand it at the time it happened but later on we found out that it had to happen that way. Later on we realized that God is an amazing God who orchestrates in a very artistic way. All we have to do is to be reminded that someone is behind the scenes. We need not to worry because he is there. Don't worry, he got everything in his full control. He is never surprise nor shock. 

Know Your Doctrine

No matter what you do. No matter how hard you work, there will always be people who will go against you. This is one thing that I've learned and reflected upon our study of the church history this week. It is a weird thing that one needs to go against the teaching of the apostles and the church fathers. It made me think of what could possibly be the reason of doing such a thing. But as what I have said previously, these kinds of people are innate. They will always be present no matter what. The second thing that I've reflected so far is that the people who knew what they believe will always defend their faith. Why? Because they are not unsure of where they are standing. They knew that what they are bringing is the Word of God and the Word of God is perennial. No matter what people did to make it gone in history, all the more it spread throughout the whole wide world.

I need to examine my doctrines and my teaching. Is it in line with what the Word of God says? Or is it eering away from the truth. Becasue I am responsible and accountable for whatever comes out of my mouth whether be it good or bad. That is why also apostle Paul reminded his brothers and sisters to watch our doctrine closely because it might be the wrong doctrine we have been living on.

Knowing that heretics ares still present today, I shall keep studying the word of God, working hard to understand God's Word by the help of the Holy Spirit in me. I will not rely on my own capacity to think but I will trust and rely upon God who is the author and giver of all wisdom.

God is to good to be unkind and God is too wise to be mistaken.

------Makes Me Think :)