RAISING THE DEAD HISTORY OF THE NATIONS TO LIFE…RESCUING HISTORY FROM THE VISIONLESS DEATH KNELL OF A BIASED, HUMANISTIC, MYTHICAL, AND IMMORAL FAITHLESSNESS
Christ…and the Axial History of the Ancient World
“Where there is no Vision, the people perish…”- Proverbs 29:18
In the four and a half decades of teaching ancient and biblical history, this author has witnessed the elevating power of hope invoked by the histories of peoples and nations around the world… Such histories have held captive the hearts of thousands of students – young people and old – across the nation, and now, around the world.
The author unashamedly confesses the power of the Christ in the affairs of the world…as it is written in Psalms where we read of Christ’s inheritance in the nations as given to Him by His Father – Psalm 2. God keeps His Word… despite the prejudice that is sourced in the enmity originating in the hearts (and mouths!) of His detractors.
Too many write histories devoid of Christ’s Rule among the nations. Tragically this is found to be little different in Christian schools, colleges and even seminaries. That needs correcting. May God use this as an offering for raising up a new generation…unto His Glory!
Sola Scriptura (Scripture is the Standard) Sola Fide (by Faith alone) Sola Gracia (by Grace alone)
Wayne Sedlak, Ph.D, M.Div., B.A.
Pastor, Linguist, Historian, Professor, Dean, Author…(Husband and Grandpa!)
“That Christ might have the preeminence…”
=Colossians 1:18
For Testimonials CLICK HERE
Ancient History Classes
“Where there is no Vision, the people perish…”- Proverbs 29:18
Lesson 1 : The introduction to to this Biblical Ancient History course by Dr Wayne Sedlak begins with an introduction to the importance of scriptures, note-taking, and Dr. Sedlak’s credential’s. This Ancient History course highlights the self-verifying nature of the Bible, its impact on culture, and the need to combat disbelief. The course also covers the authority of Jesus Christ, the power of presuppositions, and the six-day creation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the Bible’s teachings, and concludes with a prayer for understanding God’s word.
Q. What is the purpose of the course and what is the speaker’s role in it?
Q. What evidence supports the historical accuracy of the Bible, specifically Jesus’ resurrection?
A. Outside witnesses and a respected atheist attorney who studied the historical facts agree that the Bible is a self-verifying legal document with evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.
Q. What evidence supports the historical accuracy of the Bible, specifically Jesus’ resurrection?
A. Outside witnesses and a respected atheist attorney who studied the historical facts agree that the Bible is a self-verifying legal document with evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.
Q. What examples are provided to prove the credibility and truthfulness of the Bible?
A. Examples provided to prove the credibility and truthfulness of the Bible include the testimony of witnesses outside the Bible, such as the writings of Ipuwer, who describes the destruction and turmoil in Egypt. The Bible is a unique and self-verifying legal document that can expose errors in any field, making it a powerful and reliable source of truth.
Q. How is the decline of Christian faith and demonic activity discussed?
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LESSON 2: Dr Sedlak begins with a prayer and delves into paradigm shifts, focusing on the impact of evolution on culture and history. It examines the Perry Reese world map of 1513 and the mystery of its knowledge of Antarctica. The discussion challenges the crisis in scientific interpretation caused by evolutionary theory. It emphasizes the importance of worldview, the purpose of creation, social order, and dominion over creation. The precision of genealogical history and the perfection of the Bible are also highlighted.
Q. What paradigm shifts are mentioned in the video?
The video mentions paradigm shifts from a flat earth model to a round earth model and the shift towards evolution, paradigm shifts in culture and history.
Q. How does the video explain the accuracy of the Peri Reis map?
Q. What beliefs does the video argue against?
A. The video challenges the beliefs of evolutionists and questions the theory of evolution. It also challenges the idea that Moses borrowed from pagan sources and argues against the notion that Christianity is outdated and mythical.
Q. According to the speaker, how are beliefs influenced?
A. Beliefs are influenced by one’s worldview and presuppositions. Dr Sedlak argues that even non-believers rely on the Christian worldview in arguments against Christianity. They use the example of evolutionists using scientific facts created by God to support their arguments. Ultimately, people’s beliefs and interpretations are guided by their worldview and the selection processes they use in debates.
Q. What topics are discussed regarding creation and orderliness?
Lesson 3: The discussion focuses on the concept of worldview, emphasizing the role of core presuppositions in shaping beliefs. It explores autonomy, the roles of family, church, and state, and life’s purpose. The conversation also highlights the inconsistencies in non-Christian arguments, the importance of authority, and ten fundamental worldview questions. The creation account in Genesis is explained, and the significance of worldviews for both believers and nonbelievers is discussed.
Q. What are presuppositions and why are they important?
A. Presuppositions, or core beliefs, are assumptions that guide our thoughts and actions. They shape our worldview and affect how we interpret information. Presuppositions can be true or false and have a significant impact on our lives. It’s crucial to question our presuppositions and replace them with God’s beliefs for a solid foundation in understanding truth and making wise decisions.
Q. What is the importance of parents’ faith in protecting their children?
A. The parents’ faith is crucial in protecting their children as it acts as a covering and shield against the influence of the devil. In addition, honoring and respecting parents as part of God’s government for the home leads to blessings and longevity.
Q. What is the connection between the separation of state and religion and the roles of family, church, and state?
A. Christianity does not seek to enforce its beliefs through the state, while other religions do. In Christian faith, the roles of family, church, and state are distinct and have their own governing rulers.
Q. How would you argue for the superiority of the Christian worldview?
LESSON 4: Exploring Biblical Themes: Genesis, Redemption, and Authority
Q. What is the role of the church in understanding revelation?
A. The church’s role in understanding revelation is to explain and interpret God’s general revelation in nature and specific revelations in scripture, like the Book of Genesis. By providing insights and explanations, the church helps believers understand the deeper meanings and messages conveyed by these revelations.
Q. What is the concept of derived authority and how does it apply to different aspects of life?
A. Derived authority is the belief that humans only have authority because God has given it to them. In various areas of life like marriage, parenting, civil gov.does the speaker emphasize the importance of wisdom and love in the abnormal world we live in?
Q. Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of wisdom and love in the abnormal world we live in?
Q. What is the role of the church in understanding revelation?
A. The church’s role in understanding revelation is to explain and interpret God’s general revelation in nature and specific revelations in scripture, like the Book of Genesis. By providing insights and explanations, the church helps believers understand the deeper meanings and messages conveyed by these revelations.
Q. How does the speaker explain the concept of predication?
Q. Why does God want his children to mature and become Christlike?
A. God wants his children to mature and become Christlike because it aligns with His ultimate purpose for humanity. By growing in understanding and applying His word, individuals can effectively predicate the world and bring about meaningful change. It also deepens their relationship with Him and fulfills their purpose as His royal priesthood.
Q. How does maturing and becoming Christlike allow individuals to predicate the world?
LESSON 5 : Exploring Genesis: God, Man, and the Evolution of Civilization
The narrative begins with a prayer and moves to the exploration of Genesis, highlighting its unique perspective on man and God. It delves into the attributes of God and man, man’s calling, and the consequences of disobedience. The narrative also explores the courage and resolve leading to achievements, the story of Cain and Abel, and the advanced nature of man. It concludes with a discussion on ancient civilizations, the influence of Josephus, and the importance of continued study.
This video is a detailed discussion on the conflict and worldview presented in the book of Genesis. The speaker highlights the difference between God’s view of man and the world’s view, emphasizing the attributes and calling of humans. They delve into topics such as the creation story, the fall of man, the influence of Satan, and the role of marriage and family. The video also touches on the themes of repentance, obedience, and faith, as well as the impact of early human civilization and the collision of evolutionary worldview with biblical teachings
Q. What is the difference between God’s view and the world’s view?
A. God’s view sees humans as made in His image with certain attributes and a purpose to govern and steward. The world’s view divorces God from the universe and relies on man and the world for meaning and seeks to explain things through natural law and without God.
Q. What is the difference between God’s view and the world’s view?
Q. How did Satan deceive Eve regarding the forbidden fruit?
Q. How does the speaker describe humans’ attributes?
A. The speaker describes humans as possessing qualities like love, knowledge, veracity, wisdom, kindness, hope, truth, and sovereignty. However, humans do not possess attributes like immutability, infinity, independence, and eternity, which are unique to God. The speaker also emphasizes that humans have a calling in relation to labor and service, distinguishing them from animals.
Q. What are the incommunicable attributes unique to God?
LESSON 6: Exploring Biblical History, World Views, and Mysteries of the Pyramids
Q. What is the significance of understanding God’s word?
A. Understanding God’s word is important because it enables us to testify to the glory of God’s kingdom and his son. It teaches us how to think, use evidence, and interpret wisely, avoiding biases. Our forefathers recognized its significance, as it guides us in repentance, avoiding corruption, and seeking guidance and mercy in today’s civilization.
Q. How do the genealogies in Genesis indicate a change in society?
A. The genealogies in Genesis show a shift in society through changes in names and worship practices. The name “Adam” represents mankind, and the Seth Line symbolizes blessing. Early humans worshipped publicly, similar to church worship. Enoch, Seth’s son, called people to worship. The genealogy in Chapter 5 emphasizes the long lives of ancient civilizations, who believed people lived up to a thousand years. The changing meanings of names over generations reflect societal and church transformations.
Q. What is the interpretation of the phrase “sons of God” in Genesis?
A. The interpretation of the phrase “sons of God” in Genesis primarily refers to humans, specifically the Church, and not angels. It signifies the marriage between believers and non-believers, dismissing the idea of angels fathering children with humans. The text also mentions occultic practices related to this interpretation.
Q. What is the significance of the Great Pyramid of Giza?
A. The significance of the Great Pyramid of Giza lies in its precision, mathematical design, and astronomical alignments. It represents the Earth and is positioned at the center of the Earth’s landmass. The pyramid’s accuracy in placing its heavy casing stones showcases advanced engineering knowledge. Additionally, it aligns with Orion’s belt and holds undiscovered mathematical, physical, and chemical secrets.
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LESSON 7: Exploring Morality, Ancient Civilizations, and Mysteries of the Universe
The discussion starts with a prayer and moves on to the advancements of computers and the moral state of man. It highlights warnings from ancient figures about a great judgment and the deterioration of the church’s testimony. The axial age, the significance of pyramids, sphinx, and zodiac, and the concept of imputation are discussed. It also covers topics like ancient astronomy, Mitochondrial Eve, historical mysteries, and the existence of UFOs. Stories and their connections to constellations, as well as the engineering and architectural design of the Great Pyramid. The text touches on various discoveries and mysteries related to biblical events and archaeological findings. The speaker also delves into the existence of UFOs, the downfall of the American Indian, and the collision of evolutionary and Christian worldviews. The video raises questions about the purpose of the pyramids in Egypt and hints at an upcoming revelation.
Q. What is the impact of computers on tabulating and correlating facts and events?
A. Computers have greatly improved the process of tabulating and correlating facts and events. They allow for quick access to information and enable efficient organization and analysis of data. This technology has significantly enhanced the processing and understanding of information in various fields.
Q. What are the benefits of tabulating and correlating facts and events?
A. The speaker in the video explains that by using computers to tabulate and correlate facts and events, information can be quickly accessed, organized, analyzed, and interpreted. This leads to a deeper understanding of patterns, trends, and relationships, enabling more informed decision-making.
Q. How do historians and scientists create biases and interpretations?
A. Historians and scientists create biases and interpretations by incorporating their personal beliefs and perspectives into their work. They may reject contradicting answers or evidence due to their preconceived notions, leading to prejudice and bias. To be unbiased, they must actively work towards eliminating biases and strive for objective interpretation of facts.
Q. What evidence supports the biblical account of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea?
A. The evidence supporting the biblical account of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea includes a sonar picture showing a road in the Red Sea that is believed to be the path taken by the Israelites. Egyptian artifacts, such as chariots, human and horse skeletons, and a golden wheel, have also been found along this road, validating the biblical account. The speaker criticizes those who ignore this evidence and mentions the challenge of locating Sinai in the biblical record.
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LESSON 8:Exploring the Intersection of History, Astronomy, and Religion
Lesson 8 begins with a focus on the importance of dignity and truth, moving on to the need for a better history education. It explores the Great Pyramid’s mathematical precision and its alignment with astronomical measurements. The talk also delves into the symbolism in the temple and its prophetic representations. It further discusses the significance of various constellations in relation to ancient beliefs, pyramid construction, and future events.
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Audio introduction for understanding a Trinitarian approach to the Ancient history of the world…topic by topic.
The following briefly introduced topics are designed only to illustrate the approach to Ancient and biblical history. These are NOT designed as exhaustive lessons but simply to give the listener some understanding of HOW the subject matter will be handled. (Some are briefly introduced as examples for the listener’s interest and pleasure.)
1
Six day Creation and its history in the ancient world
2
Facts don’t speak…
3
History of the Garden of Eden
4
Man was advanced – NOT primitive
5
The Fall in history & Scripture
6
Evidences for ancient history before the Flood
7
Scripture and Science: The world wide flood of Noah
8
“Nothing like it anywhere in the world.” – Genesis 10: The Table of Nations
9
Semites and the alleged “Myths”
10
Ebla
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Sodom & Gomorrah
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The “spade of Archaeology” and Scripture
13
Abraham and history
14
The Stars and the ancient world
15
Life in the ancient world
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Who was Joseph in history?
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The Exodus and Ipuwer
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Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Word of God
19
The Great Empires: Greece, Rome, Babylon, Assyria, Persians
A Lesson drawn from the ancient world…
The Imperial Kérux
(Yes Pastor, that’s you!)
1. Gaius Popillius Laenas: Drawing the Circle in the Sand
Gaius Popillius Laenas (fl. 172–158 BC) was a politician and general of the Roman Republic. He was consul two times in 172 and 158 BC. However he is best known by the commission he received from the Roman Senate in the capacity of “Envoy.”
The Greeks use the term κῆρυξ – Kérux , one sent by a king or emperor to the inhabitants of the realm to make demand upon them and whose word was final. The term became popular throughout the ancient world due to the impressive stature of such a position and the effectiveness with which it was wielded.
The kérux as envoy, Gaius Popilius Laenas, drawing the circle around Antiochus Epiphanies IV
The ancient world understood very well the power of the Senate of Rome, which at that time exercised Imperial power (“Empire”) over a wide range of conquered territories, creating provincial governments and challenging many other territories throughout Europe (from Spain to Greece/Macedon), the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and the Middle East, wherein it was only a matter of time when such authority was vested in a single “Emperor”…Augustus Caesar, the adopted nephew of Julius Caesar, whose assassination (44 BC) prevented him from assuming the Imperial purple. But that’s another lesson for another time.
Before we proceed we should understand that, though Gaius Popillius Laenas carried himself impressively, that is NOT the only impression made on the day when he stood before a king of Syria – Antiochus Epiphanes IV by name. Antiochus had been a youth when his father, the king, suffered defeat at the hands of the Roman armies in the decisive battle of Magnesia (190 BC), In exchange for time needed to raise the enormous tribute exacted upon him by the Roman Senate, Antiochus the Great gave his son (the above-mentioned Antiochus Epiphanies) to the Romans be held captive in a rather glorified confinement whereby the Romans allowed him to walk somewhat freely throughout Rome itself (with a bodyguard).
Coin depicting Antiochus IV adorned with a radiate crown, Greek inscription reads ΘΕΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ (King Antiochus, God manifest, bearer of victory)
There in Rome he saw the power of the victorious Roman armies – over the years, one after another – as they exhibited masses of spoil and changed captives through the streets of Rome in celebrated parades called “Triumphs.” Such Triumphs would often last for many days.
The Romans knew someday Antiochus would inherit the throne of his father and the impressions he received from his stay in Rome would impress the relations he had with the growing Roman provincial power in the future.
That day arrived as Antiochus Epiphanies IV, now king of Syria, stood with his massive army at the edge of the desert threatening Egypt. But Egypt was considered “the friend of Rome.” So, Gaius Popillius Laenas, the envoy of Rome, acting as kérux (Antiochus was “Hellenized”, i.e., Greek educated and understood that usage), stood before the Syrian king and refused to receive the King’s hand of friendship. Instead, he demanded the King leave Egypt immediately. Shocked by the apparent affront of an envoy who had merely a small bodyguard with him while confronting the massive Syrian army, Antiochus replied he would that he would take up the matter with his counselors. In response to attempted delay, Laenas, acting as kérux, took a stick and drew a circle in the sand around the King. Thus, he withstood the king and announced, “I will have your answer before you leave the circle” (implied was the added ellipsis: ‘else there will be war with Rome.’).[1]
Frightened by his memories of the great Roman power and this kérux whose actions were “as bold as a lion” (cf. Proverbs 28:1), the Syrian king withdrew his armies from Egypt without further delay.
2. The Minister of God
The apostle Paul would use the verb κηρύσσω: kērússō when he was describing the power of preaching. Of course, Paul knew that the verb and its noun, kérux, invoked the same authority. It is given to pastors to preach (Gr. kērússō) with such authority as that such draws a circle around the hearts of our listeners. As pastors, we draw upon an even greater authority than what we represent in our mere persons. Laenas represented the mighty authority of Rome, a provincial power reaching out in all directions, expressing itself as Empire. As pastors, we draw upon the mighty power of the greatest King of Heaven and earth, Jesus Christ the Lord and, according to the apostle Paul, we do so by using the penetrating power of His Holy Word.
So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. – The Apostle Paul, Romans 7:25
For those homeschoolers and parents wanting to understand HOW the Word of God utilizes ancient history, feel free to call us at this number: 262. 597. 2030. Leave us a message – 1) your first name (and last if you wish), 2) your phone number with area code, and 3) when it would be convenient to call you – and we will get back to you!
[1] Livy, Ab Urbe Condita, xlv.12, and Polybius, The Histories, Fragments of Book XXIX, published in Vol. VI of the Loeb Classical Library edition, 1922-1927
