Waynesboro Church Of Christ

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A pasted message from Matthew!

Past Message From Matthew

Posted Date: September 27, 2006

One day I was sitting at the supper table with Basil Overton, who published the “World Evangelist” for years, and we were talking about the Restoration Movement. Basil was telling me about some of the great preachers from the past and some historical defining moments from years ago. During our talks, it was evident that he had a deep respect for the leaders of the Restoration Movement as well as the preachers that had declared the word of God before him. As we were talking, I remember thinking that this history had nothing to do with Today’s church, in fact that was the past and we are to look to the future was in my mind, but today I have realized the great significance of knowing our history.

Know our past helps eliminate some of the fights in the future. Basil was disturbed because some of our brothers today are battling over issues that were fought over hundreds of years ago. These brothers who are unaware of our history believe that they are debating over new thoughts and new concepts but in reality they are only rehashing historical warfare. Basil was sad because what was considered new was really old.

The table fellowship continued to progress along historical lines. Basil then started telling me about the need to be connected to the larger Christian story. Basil at this age could comprehend this idea because of all the disputes and developments that have shaped the church in the last hundred years. He knew his place in history which made his work dearer to him. Since I was only about 22 or 23 at the time and was only a Christian for about 4 years, I did not understand his thoughts on this matter. But today I have realized that knowing where you come from helps you to judge the events of the possible future. Just like knowing the background of your family gives you a better perspective on your life now. Knowing our history helps us to know ourselves.

History can be important and we should not be guilty of overlooking our roots. History helps us walk the uncertain steps into the future.