Chapter 4:
The Waldenses
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
Introduction
The scene opens with darkness covering the Christian church. Without God's word there is no truth; but nevertheless, God shines light in darkness. A faithful remnant is preserved in the wilderness where they are able to continue to worship God according to His Word. From their wilderness hiding place they carry forward the work of spreading the gospel to the world. However, the devil hates the word of God and does everything he can to prevent it from spreading.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: WITNESS
The testimony of the truth. The true church of Jesus Christ bears witness of Him.(John 3:31-34)
Early Sabbath keeping Christians (until the 6th Century)
Columba evangelizes at isle of Iona.
Abyssinia - Modern day Ethiopia was evangelized by the apostle Philip.
People: WALDENSES
Early Christians who lived hidden in the mountain valleys of Piedmont, Italy.
They descended from the apostolic church.
They stood out the most in their resistance of the papacy’s doctrine and denied their supremacy by refusing to worship God according to the dictates of the pope.
They kept the seventh-day Sabbath until they were heavily influenced by the reformation to keep Sunday.
Question: What kind of church does my church resemble?
Concept: EVANGELISM
Sharing the gospel with the world. (Matthew 9:38; 10:16-17; 28:19; Mark 6: 7-13)
To avoid detection and capture by papal authorities, Waldensian missionaries doubled as merchants.
They sewed copies of the scriptures inside of their clothing waiting for an opportunity to leave it behind to those that were seeking truth.
Concept: GOD’S WORD
The beliefs of the Waldenses were founded on the Bible alone.
They were the first to translate the Bible in their own language.
Children and youth were trained early in the memorization of the Scriptures.
Concept: PERSECUTION
The Waldenses were persecuted to the brink of extinction.
A papal bull was issued against the Waldenses by Pope Innocent VII, 1487 AD
They endure persecution with patience (Revelation 14:12)
What does this have to do with me today?
How should a loving parent guide their children at an early age?
What distinguishes me from others when it comes to what I believe and how I worship?
Why is it important to have knowledge about the doctrines of Christ and the prophecies?