The 200's
A Snowy 2nd Sunday in Advent 2018 Greetings!
Pastor Josh & Sister Kristina 9 Dec 2018
In the early days of the church, Advent was a time of prayer, fasting & confession. Today, Advent is more a time of preparation & expectation of the coming of the Lord. Did you know the second advent candle has 3 different themes? Faith--to indicate the faith it took for Mary & Joseph to deal with the unexpected pregnancy & the trip to Bethlehem; Peace--for the peace promised to all mankind through the coming of the Savior; & the Bethlehem Candle pointing to the Savior's birth in a manger. He is coming again. Prepare!
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Covenant Bible Fellowship
a loving faith family, a home for seekers of truth, &​ a discipling church for an undisciplined world...
Heroes of the Faith, Church Leaders, & Our Common Christian Heritage
God's Generals a series of videos and teaching on many of the leaders of the church through the ages by Roberts Liardon
Church History a series of videos and lectures covering the sweep of history and its impact on the church, as well as the church's impact on history by theologian and history professor Bruce W. Gore
Heroes of the Christian Faith ~ the stories of 7 men who advanced the Christian faith by R. C. Sproul
Highlights from the History of God's People a series by Bruce Gore. He covers the major players in the church and the interaction they had with the political and social systems of the day, as well as sometimes with each other...
Historical Theology for Everyone ~ One Gospel Through the Centuries with Ryan Reeves, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
5 Minutes in Church History with Dr. Stephen Nichols please note this is an extensive series of podcasts and it may take some time to find what you want... editor
God in America--PBS, The American Experience (Be aware that this channel tends to have a politically "left-leaning"/progressive/non-traditional Biblical stance -- for
example, if you are a creationist, it will be handled as a myth; they tend to suggest that religion is a human construct only) PBS Religion in America timeline
The American Minute by historian William J. Federer covers early ancient and classical history to today's headlines plus Christian and church history and their impact on world and American history. American Minute monograph search American Minute video collection
0-99 (The First Century)
The 100's (The Second Century)
February 23, 155 (traditional date): Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, is martyred. Reportedly a disciple of the Apostle John, at age 86 he was taken to be burned at the stake. "You try to frighten me with fire that burns for an hour and forget the fire of hell that never burns out," he said. The flames, legend says, would not touch him, and when he was run through with a sword, his blood put the fire out (see issue 27: Persecution in the Early Church).
Historical Premillennialism (NOT Dispensationalism) is believed to be traced back as far as Polycarp (1st century)
Polycarp!
The 200's (The Third Century)
Born around 280 AD, the only child of a wealthy, elderly couple who lived in Patara, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Nicholas became one of the youngest Bishops ordained during his lifetime. December 6 marks the death of Saint Nicholas, a 3rd-4th Century bishop who helped shape the Nicene Creed and became synonymous with generosity and holding firm to the truth even in the face of great persecution. This summary write-up shows how the Muslim invasion introduced the story of St. Nicholas into Europe ~ "Saint Nicholas~a brief history" (Here you can learn how and why one family enjoys St. Nicholas Day.)
The History of the Nicean Creed The original Nicene Creed was created at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in A.D. 325. The council was called by Emperor Constantine in order to define the basic tenets of Christianity. At the time of the council, there were a variety of different Christianities, including Gnosticism and what would come to be called Orthodox Christianity, the church from which all other modern Christian denominations would form. A basic statement of faith was needed to define what made a person a Christian and what made them a heretic.
The 300s (The Fourth Century)
Athanasius of Alexandria (A.D. 296-373) was the most prominent theologian of the fourth century, and he served as bishop of Alexandria. His list of canonical books was published as part of his Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle of A.D. 367. In his writings, he declares, “these are the wells of salvation, so that he who thirsts may be satisfied with the sayings in these. Let no one add to these. Let nothing be taken away.” Known as variously as "the black Bishop" (He was a dark Egyptian) and the Defender of the Deity of Christ, Athanasius was not afraid to fight heresy, defended the orthodox position against the influence of Arianism (Three Speeches against the Arians, c. 335), and found himself in major trouble with the powers that be some 5 times! Athanasius of Alexandria was the most prominent theologian of the fourth century, and he served as bishop of Alexandria. His list of canonical books was published as part of his Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle of A.D. 367. In his writings, he declares, “these are the wells of salvation, so that he who thirsts may be satisfied with the sayings in these. Let no one add to these. Let nothing be taken away.” Known as variously as "the black Bishop" (He was a dark Egyptian) and the Defender of the Deity of Christ, Athanasius was not afraid to fight heresy, defended the orthodox position against the influence of Arianism (Three Speeches against the Arians, c. 335), and found himself in major trouble with the powers that be some 5 times!
Bishop and theologian Athanasius lived a life of turmoil. He was repeatedly sent into exile. Here are some of the key events of his life.
c. 297 Athanasius born, probably in Alexandria
c. 328 becomes Bishop of Alexandria
335 deposed by a rigged Council at Tyre
336 confronts Emperor Constantine in Constantinople; is exiled to Trier, Germany, because of false accusations of enemies
337 returns to Alexandria
c. 338 Orthodox council in Alexandria exonerates him; Pope Julius I confirms the Alexandrian verdict; pro-Arian council in Antioch condemns Athanasius
c. 339 flees to Rome because a dragnet is out for him
346 restored by influence of Constans
356 driven into exile by Constantius after death of Constans
361 Julian the Apostate becomes emperor
362 Athanasius returns to Alexandria
362 holds a Council at Alexandria to reconcile Egyptian factions
362 exiled by Julian because of complaints by pagan priests
363 Julian dies on military expedition
364 Athanasius returns to Alexandria
365 flees because of pro-Arian Emperor Valens
366 Athanasius restored. Now in his later years he would help build the new Nicene party whose support helped to defeat Arianism at the Council of Constantinople in 381.
373 dies in Alexandria
There are several videos that provide more information on this important leader who had a lasting effect on the church that stays with us today...
Who was Athanasius & Why is He Important? 5 min YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGQeMKIJDu0 Dr. Ryan Reeves
Athanasius Bruce Gore: 4th C video class 48 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe0V9s5VlIk
Athanasius https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/heroes_of_the_christian_faith/athanasius/? 21 minute audio teaching by RC Sproul
During the fourth century, a battle raged over the deity of Jesus Christ. If you were placed in this battle, how far would you go to ensure that the world knew that Jesus was no mere man? In this message, Dr. Sproul introduces us to Athanasius—a man who was willing to risk it all for the sake of the Truth.
St. Athanasius https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsiOJxynVc4 from Catholic online 3+minute video
Augustine, Bishop of Hippo born November 13, 354; died died August 28, 430 "By any measure, the greatest Christian thinker of the first millennium of the church's history was St. Augustine (or Augustin), who served for most of his adult career as the bishop of Hippo, a seaport town in North Africa. Augustin would have seemed an unlikely candidate for this honor, however, given the hostile attitude he maintained toward the Christian faith for the first 30 years of his life. When he finally did come to faith, his hostility was transformed into a powerful and insightful theological mind, which shaped the direction of the Christian movement from his time on." Bruce Gore
The Life of Augustine from a series of Christian History and Philosophy lessons by Bruce Gore
An Overview of Augustin's Thought Bruce Gore
Augustine: Is there any hope for the wayward son? by R. C. Sproul
The 1300s (The 14th Century)
John Wycliffe, an English scholastic philosopher, theologian, Biblical translator, reformer, English priest, & a seminary professor at the University of Oxford. He was born sometime in 1330, in Hipswell, Yorkshire, England and died of a stroke on December 31, 1384, in Lutterworth, England.
As an English priest & Oxford scholar, plus a promoter of the first complete translation of the Bible into English, he was one of the forerunners of the Protestant Reformation. He was thought to be heavily influenced by Augustine of Hippo, William of Ockham, Roger Bacon, Robert Grosseteste, & Thomas Bradwardine. The politico-ecclesiastical theories that he developed required the church to give up its worldly possessions. In 1378 he began a systematic attack on the beliefs & practices of the church. The Lollards, a heretical group, propagated his controversial views. Religious unrest was a factor under Richard II's unrest. England had been virtually free from heresy until John Wycliffe began his career as a religious reformer with two treatises in 1375–76. He argued that the exercise of lordship depended on grace &, therefore, a sinful man had no right to authority. Priests & even the pope himself, Wycliffe went on to argue, might not necessarily be in a state of grace & thus would lack authority. Such doctrines appealed to anticlerical sentiments and brought Wycliffe into direct conflict with the church hierarchy, although he received protection from John of Gaunt. The beginning of the Great Schism in 1378 gave Wycliffe fresh opportunities to go against the papacy, & in a treatise of 1379 on the Eucharist, he openly denied the doctrine of transubstantiation. He was ordered before a church court at Lambeth in 1378. In 1380 his views were condemned by a commission of theologians at Oxford. He was forced to leave the university. At Lutterworth he continued to write voluminously until his death in 1384. The movement he inspired was known as Lollardy. Two of his followers translated the Bible into English. Others went out to spread Wycliffe’s doctrines, which soon became popularized. The movement continued to expand despite the death of its founder & the government’s attempts to destroy it.
John Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation podcast & article on Wycliffe
John Wycliffe, Morning Star of the Reformation Enjoy this 14+ minute biography of Wycliffe by John Bona of The Story of Liberty.net
John Wyclif, Father of the Reformation Enjoy this 24 minute video biography by Stephen Kuruvilla, pastor & aid worker
The 1400s (The 15th Century)
The 1500s (The 16th Century)
Martin Luther, the Catholic priest that was a key player in the Reformation, was born (November 10, 1483, to February 18, 1546). He was a German
monk who began the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, becoming one of the most influential and controversial figures in Christian history.
Luther called into question some of the basic tenets of Roman Catholicism, and his followers soon split from the Roman Catholic Church to begin the
Protestant tradition. His actions set in motion reform within the Church. A prominent theologian, Luther’s desire for people to feel closer to God led
him to translate the Bible into the language of the people, radically changing the relationship between church leaders and their followers.
PBS specials~ 1) Martin Luther, the Complete 2 Part PBS special 2) the 2017 PBS special Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World
A Man Named Martin Luther, Part 1 - The Man Lutheran Hour Ministries (2015) - In this five-session Bible study, Luther's life and times are examined through the lens of history, religion, and theology. Expanding on commentary from Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, numerous scholars add their expertise and perspective to render an illuminating portrait of the life of this extraordinary human being.
A Man Named Martin Luther, Part 2 - The Moment A Man Named Martin: The Moment examines the errant teachings and wayward traditions of the Late Medieval Church that eventually sparked the Protestant Reformation, a theological overhaul set in motion most notably by Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg.
A Man Named Martin Luther, Part 3 - The Movement Lutheran Hour Ministries (2017) - From Luther's 95 Theses in 1517 to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, God was at work in the Reformation. Fierce debates over Scripture, church doctrine, and late medieval church practice led to theological positions articulating salvation as God's grace in action, with man being left to add nothing to his own salvation. In A Man Named Martin - Part 3: The Movement, viewers will see how the Reformation transformed European society and, eventually, left a profound impression around the globe.
The 1600s (The 17th Century)
The 1700s (The 18th Century)
The Reverend George Whitefield As a boy in Gloucester, England, he read plays insatiably and often skipped school to practice for his schoolboy
performances. Later in life, he repudiated the theater, but the methods he imbibed as a young man emerged in his preaching and were part of what
made Rev. Whitefield the most famous religious figure of the eighteenth century. He was born on December 16, 1714, in Gloucester, England, and
died on September 30, 1770, Newburyport, MA.
George Whitefield, Sensational Evangelist of Britain and America A brief history of his life in Christianity Today
The Reverend John Knox Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister and a Founding Father of the United States. He was the only
clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence and was considered a part of the Black Robed Regiment, and a high-value target for the British
government. He was born on February 5, 1723, Gifford, United Kingdom, and died on November 15, 1794, in Princeton, NJ.
John Witherspoon as Pastor, Preacher, and Patriot Rev. Kevin DeYoung speaks on the life and thought John Witherspoon, followed by a
discussion with Dr. Peter Lillback and Hugh Hewitt. This lecture was part of the Faith in the Public Square conference held at Westminster
Theological Seminary on October 7, 2016.
John Witherspoon, Museum without Walls 5 minute video
Young Witherspoon, The Man Who Shaped America 6 minute youtube of his formative years as a preacher in Scotland
John Witherspoon, The American Minute a brief history by historian Bill Federer. The American Minute Video of John Knox Witherspoon
The Right Rev. Richard Allen He was born into slavery in Philadelphia on February 14, 1760 & died a free man in Philadelphia on March 26,1831.
Allen's family was sold later to a Delaware farmer and during this time while yet a slave was converted as a young man to the Methodist religion. Taking his faith very seriously, he preached to family and friends and eventually led both blacks and whites in his congregations and meetings, especially once he was moved from slave to indentured servant by his master, who also had become a believer and who came to feel holding slaves was wrong. He was a sought speaker by circuit riders and Methodist leaders. He at one point was part of the preaching staff of St. George in Philadelphia and brought in so many freed converts that the white congregants became uncomfortable to the point that eventually a split with St. George's came and Allen and others joined together to form their own fellowship. Eventually, after a court ruling that supported the new congregation in its own right to hold services separate from St. Georges, Allen helped other congregations in other states achieve independence and thus began the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and denomination. Mother Bethel was the first and founding church, and it is there that Allen and his wife Sara are interred.
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom, a 23 minute documentary by Union Bethel A.M.E. Church
The Black Robed Regiment--from the founding Era through the War of Independence from the Crown of England
These history videos are centered around the dynamic history of the church and her many voices before and during the US War of Independence from Great Britain, especially those known as "The Black Robed Regiment." The Colonials really did not want to overthrow King George, but his determined ignorance of their rights as Englishmen drove the American English to finally declare a separation from the Crown and to stand up for the rights of mankind to be free agents as they understood it from the Holy Scriptures. "The Black Robed Regiment" was a Crown reference to the many preachers and Scripture teachers who saw in the Bible man's right to life, to liberty and to self-determination as prescribed by Jehovah, Himself.
The Black Robe Regiment a 9 minute youtube by historian David Barton
“Black Robed Regiment“ by Pastor Dan Fisher; An hour long reenactment as a member of the Continental Army, the Reverend Peter Muhlenberg
The Black-Robed Regiment! (Revolutionary War) a statement on the impact of the church, its preaching, and its teachers both then and today by
Bradley Dean
Chaplains of the Revolutionary War by Susan F. Craft
The 1800s (The 19th Century)
Billy Bray, the Enthusiastic Evangelist born 1 June 1794, Twelveheads, a village near Truro, in Cornwall, England; died 25 May 1868 (aged 74)
"I was born in the fire and could not live in the smoke." William 'Billy' Trewartha Bray was a tin-mining, uneducated drunk who would become a famous Methodist preacher known as "God's man with a shout." In his early life, his rough and tumble way of living and working led to his practically living in the pubs of Cornwall near the mine in which he worked. Even after he married and had seven children, his wife had to come to the pub almost every evening to bring (or drag) him home so he might be able to get up the next day and start it all over again. His life changed dramatically when he was confronted with the reality of hell and the devastation of his choices not only to himself but to others...especially his friends and family. Billy Bray became the most enthusiastic of evangelists for the Lord and daily witnessed and confronted others with the reality of Christ's saving grace, of the freedom that comes with salvation, and of the consequences of not turning to the Lord as friend and master.
Billy Bray, Enthusiastic Christian -- stories about and lessons from the life of Billy Bray
Billy Bray and a Positive Christian Attitude - a 3 min video by Pastor Doug Batchelor
Glory! a 3 minute about Billy Bray and his supreme confidence in Jesus as Savior and Lord
“Preacher’s Ghost” a song by Seth Lakeman about Billy Bray. Click here for the lyrics.
Fanny Crosby: Prolific Blind Hymn Writer a one minute video on her life by the Museum of the Bible
George Muller, the Man of Prayer & Compassion, born at Kroppenstaedt, near Halberstadt, in the kingdom of Prussia, on September 27, 1805. Died-1898.
George Muller, His Testimony as portrayed by reenactor Douglas B. Whitley, Jr. This 40 minute video presents Mr. Muller's life story.
George Muller, My Journal. George Muller's spiritual journey in his own words ~ In these personal accounts from his own pen, he shares with us a biographical sketch of his early life and specific incidents spanning the years from 1830 to 1863, including his early days in ministry up through caring for thousands of orphans. These selections were gleaned from the journal that Müller kept throughout his life by HeartCry Missionary Society.
David Livingstone, Evangelist and Explorer 19 March 1813 – 1 May 1873 born in Blantyre, Scotland; died in Zambia (aged 60)
Just as William Carey had opened the doors for missionary labor in India, David Livingstone paved the way into the interior of Africa with a similar vision. Livingstone was a Scottish Christian Congregationalist, pioneer medical missionary with the London Missionary Society, an explorer in Africa, and one of the most popular British heroes of the late-19th-century Victorian era. He was born in a tenement building for the workers of a cotton factory on the banks of the River Clyde under the bridge crossing into Bothwell in the mill town of Blantyre, Scotland . His lifelong, lonely quest produced an explosion of knowledge of the 'dark' continent and made Livingstone one of the most celebrated men of his age. From his own perspective, however, his objective was straightforward. He only wished to see in the wake of his efforts hundreds more missionaries who would establish in Africa a Christian presence that would spread the gospel, and drive out the horrific abuses of the slave trade that dominated the African world. He died in 1873 at the age of 60 in Chief Chitambo's village at Ilala, southeast of Lake Bangweulu, in present-day Zambia, from malaria and internal bleeding due to dysentery.
David Livingstone, 1813-1873 Historian Bruce Gore explains Dr. Livingstone's place in Christian history and his efforts to wipe out slavery.
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume? A documentary by "In Search of History" detailing Livingstone's life and the search to find him when he seemed to vanish into the interior of the mysterious continent of Africa while trying to bring Christianity and medical help to its citizens.
David Livingstone, a short biography by Ravi Zacharias details the Christian faith and foundation of this medical missionary's life.
The Salvation Army
William Booth born 10 April 1829, Sneinton, Nottingham, England; died 20 August 1912 (aged 83)
William Booth -- Salvation Army 1953 Documentary Made in honor of Booth, this British documentary contains both motion and still pictures,
some over 100 years old.
William Booth-God's soldier: A Keith Daniel Sermon Evangelist Keith Daniel, of South Africa, speaks of the dedication, valor, and courage
that drove William Booth through tough opposition, and chronicles how "the General" led the Salvation Army to war against the devil.
The Salvation Army: Then and Now (as of 2006) A comparison of the origins and what the Army is in the 21st Century
Charles Haddon Spurgeon born 9 June 1834, Kelvedon, England; died January 31, 1892, Menton, France (aged 57)
The Life of Charles Spurgeon (Documentary) This hour-long British documentary covers his life, details his conversion, and tells the tale not only
his tremendous impact on England and the church at large but also of his doubts and the many attacks he endured in his 40+ years of
preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ as "the peoples' preacher".
Through the Eyes of Spurgeon - Official Documentary by Stephen McCaskell. This is a recent addition to the sevaral historical looks at Spurgeon.
The Spurgeon Center Making visible the life, legacy and library of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Center allows users to see and study the gospel
through the lenses of the “Prince of Preachers” with access to nearly 6,000 volumes from Spurgeon’s personal library. Eventually, all of his
writings will be available online.
Listen to Spurgeon's sermons here from www.oneplace.com
Dwight Lyman Moody born February 5, 1837, in Northfield, Massachusetts; died December 22, 1899.
Moody, the full movie. "Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian." - D.L. Moody Moody was born into poverty. His earliest memories included one at the age of 4 when his father suddenly died of a massive heart attack. Since they could not pay the
rent, everything they owned was confiscated as payment by the owner of the home. Life suddenly became very hard. His mother was
pregnant and later gave birth to twins, giving her the difficult work of raising seven fatherless children, and yet her love and encouragement
to stay in church eventually guided Dwight to the right path. Dwight struggled a bit with schooling and was known as a troublemaker when
young. He eventually left home, worked for his uncle in a shoe store, became a consummate salesman, and returned to his faith. He gave
all to the Lord, and in doing so changed his world. Known as a powerful teacher and evangelist on both sides of the Atlantic, Moody tried to
never let a day go by that he did not speak to someone about the Lord Jesus.
D. L. Moody shares his testimony. Douglas B. Whitley Jr. reinacts this sermon/testimony in which Moody summarizes his life.
The Growth of the Pentecostal Church
Samuel "Kaboo" Morris, Missionary to the US born sometime in 1873 in a small village in Liberia; died 12 May 1893 in Fort Wayne, IN.
Smith Wigglesworth 1859-1947 A God's Generals presentation by Roberts Liardon
The Assemblies of God Heritage magazine has an extensive article about Wigglesworth
Smith Wigglesworth on Prayer, Power, and Miracles a free ebook of a collection of thoughts and teachings by Wigglesworth
Samuel Kaboo Morris was a Liberian prince who endured being captured and enslaved by a rival tribe, managed a miraculous escape, converted to Christianity at around the age of 14. made his way to the US aboard a ship to NY. While aboard, his testimony and strong love of Christ led to several of the crew converting to Christianity. Once in the US, became a important Christian voice for all who crossed his path. He enrolled in Taylor University in Ft. Wayne, IN, where his witness continued to change the lives of those who knew him.
The Story of Samuel Morris: A Spirit-Filled Life A 42 min biographical video produced by Taylor University covering Morris' short life & impact.
Faithful Heroes: Samuel Morris, from Prince to Missionary A biographical blog which includes 2 children's videos on Morris.
The 1900s (The 20th Century)
The Azusa Street Revival was an historic Pentecostal revival meeting that took place in Los Angeles, California, and is the origin of the Pentecostal movement. It was led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher. It began with a meeting on April 9, 1906
From Tragedy to Triumph, the story of William J. Seymour Racial Reconciliation Through The Holy Spirit
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The Azusa Street Revival of 1906 This documentary explains Seymour's Christian faith, his personal history, and it puts the revival into the historic
context of the early 20th Century.