I love church history. It was actually one of my favorite classes in seminary. These days, a lot of people accuse me of being an unrealistic idealist because I truly believe that the Christ working through local churches is the hope of the world. People say I am naive when I expect churches to actually act like churches.
But I am no idealist or dreamer when it comes to the church. Because I read the bible, and because I study church history, I can’t help but be a REALIST when it comes to the church. And ironically, that is what gives me hope!
Because as bad as it can get — and it can get pretty bad — there has always been a faithful remnant who have pursued God with everything they had… at greater cost than they could imagine… for the simple purpose of loving God and loving others. And I have to tell you, nothing fires me up more these days — ESPECIALLY THESE DAYS — than reminders of the faithful remnant who sacrificed everything to BE THE CHURCH.
Can the church get past institutionalism to become a place of radical grace and healing and hope? I believe it can. I know it can. It must.
And it must become a place where justice is not just spoken about but pursued; where community isn’t a cliche or buzz word but a fleshed-out reality; where life-change is the norm.
Mark Beeson, lead pastor at Granger Community Church, recently did a great teaching from church history… WHEN ROME BURNED. It is definitely worth your time to watch it. And I would love to hear your thoughts…
The Early Church from Granger Community on Vimeo.
BEN DUBOW 
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