Photo courtesy of http://www.vinlandvikings.org/Index.html
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;…” 1 Timothy 4 (whole chapter on avoiding apostasy) also see: 2 Peter 2:20-22, Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Peter 3:17, 2 Timothy 3:1-9
I’ve always been fascinated by history. You can learn a lot from history, with the most important lesson being, don’t make the same mistake twice. Unfortunately, people fail to heed the wisdom shared through a study of history and make the same mistakes over and over again. The Israelites are an excellent example. As you read the history books of the Bible including the first 14 books and parts of the profits and the New Testament you see the mistakes made, the mistakes repeated and the resulting trials and tribulations that ensue. The rich and replete life lessons in the Old Testament make it well worth the read, and the rich proven history makes it real, not just stories.
I’ve been watching the show Vikings for its historical content and entertainment. I probably shouldn’t because of all the violence and rampant promiscuity and constant talk about the Norse gods, but I’ve learned new things about Vikings and their history, specifically their raids into England, where they found a post Roman civilization with a thriving Catholic Church. The Romans conquered the pagan Celtic tribes of England and taught them about Christ. Then as their Empire started to fade the Romans pulled out of England and left Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms with ties to the Catholic Church.
The most intriguing thing about the show is the spiritual struggle of the Priest that is struggling with his faith. He had the Bible and understood it and was a scribe that copied it to preserve it, yet he still fell into doubt, pagan behavior and apostasy. He was even briefly crucified for his apostasy, but the King of Wessex spared him. He had the Latin Vulgate Bible, but still, he had the Bible and the rich history of what happens when people or nations fall way from God and yet he allows the need to please, belong and fit-in, cloud his mind. He still clings to the cross he carries, but I think for reasons less about Christ and more about a pagan need for symbols. It seems to be just another thing for him to worship. Fortunately, he’s just an imaginary person and the writers of the show will determine his fate.
We, as Christians, should learn from history and glean its life lessons, so that we stand firm in our faith. Especially in this current church heresy of allowing almost anything, as long as the person loves the Lord. Imagine – anything goes as long as you ask for forgiveness and love God. Wow, how stupid, but that is what many of our modern churches of tolerance, heresy and blasphemy are teaching. We need to get back to being people of God – people of the Bible – people of righteousness - sanctified lovers, followers and emulators of Jesus.
God the Father is a loving father that will chastise his children when they sin and shower blessings on them when they follow the precepts of His Holy Word – the Bible. Be a sanctified people with righteous lives and be richly blessed. Even thru trials and tribulations you will be blessed.