Remembering a Forgotten Past

Posted by on March 2, 2008 under Sermons

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Discovering Our Roots

  • Roots: The Saga of an American Family — Alex Haley’s family story
  • 1977 mini-series
  • Increased interest in genealogy and history
  • Unknown history

Do We Have a History?

    “The past should be consigned to the rubbish heap where Christ died!” — Barton W. Stone

Why Study Our History?

  1. Wisdom of Past Generations
  2. Understanding the Bible
  3. Understanding our Culture
  4. Understanding our Future
  5. Understanding Tradition
  • The Road to the Future Leads through the Past

Tradition: Good or Bad?

  • Empty traditions distract from the intent of God.
      Matthew 15:1-6; Colossians 2:8
  • Enriching traditions draw us to the intent of God.
      1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6


time changes things

“Critical History”

  • HAGIOGRAPHY – (Non-Critical)
  • DECONSTRUCTION – (Over-Critical)

What is Restoration?

  • Plan
  • Purpose
  • On-going
  • Unity

“Unity is my polar star.” — Barton W. Stone

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.”— Jesus Christ (John 17:20-22)