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For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15.4
1 Clement 8
Clement of Rome (fl. ca 90-100 AD)
“Wherefore, let us yield obedience to His excellent and glorious will; and imploring His mercy and loving-kindness, while we forsake all fruitless labours, and strife, and envy, which leads to death, let us turn and have recourse to His compassions. Let us steadfastly contemplate those who have perfectly ministered to His excellent glory. Let us take (for instance) Enoch, who, being found righteous in obedience, was translated, and death was never known to happen to him. Noah, being found faithful, preached regeneration to the world through his ministry; and the Lord saved by him the animals which, with one accord, entered into the ark.”
Thus Clement begins three chapters of parading the faithful of the Lord before the people of Corinth, pointing them over and over to examples of the saints of Scripture who found favor with God through obedience. He warns, in chapter 11, that “those who are of a double mind, and who distrust the power of God, bring down judgment on themselves, and become a sign to all succeeding generations.” The Corinthians had allowed disorder and disobedience to enter into their church, and Clement was urgent that they should return to the ways of obedience their forebears exemplified. We cannot be double-minded in the churches: either we will serve God on His terms, or we will follow the ways of whim and the world. By seeking the example and instruction of previous generations, we may find our way into fruitfulness for the Lord once again.
How does the example of great Christian leaders and churches from the past inform the way your church pursues its ministry? How confident are you that all your worship and work is grounded firmly in the Scriptures and the teaching of our forebears in the faith?
T. M. Moore
Introduction to Christian Worldview
We’re pleased to offer our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, at The Ailbe Seminary. There’s no charge, and all the course materials are free. In 12 diagrams you will gain a perspective and overall grasp of the 1 worldview that can change the world. Click here to register.
Personal Discipleship Inventory
You can have a look at the state of your own Christian worldview by watching this brief video and working through the free download, Personal Discipleship Inventory (click here).
The Writing Pastor
Have you ever thought you might like to learn how to use writing in your ministry? Our course, The Writing Pastor, can set you on a course of developing a ministry of writing to deepen and extend your ministry in the Lord. We currently have three slots available for this course, which lasts around four months, meeting every other week. I teach this individually to help you discover your interests and develop your skills. The course is free, but there is a charge for the workbook. For more information, write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.