A Podcast All About Christianity
Two of the most influential preachers of the 18th century were John Wesley and George Whitefield. They were both revivalists but they had very different theologies. Still, there was mutual respect. John Wesley preached at Whitefield’s funeral. You can read the sermon here. You can find out more about their relationship here. You can also … Read More “John Wesley and George Whitefield” »
As we conclude our look at the second century, we revisit some of the people we have already talked about. These are the early apologists. By looking at the things they were responding to, we get a snapshot of what the church was experiencing in this important century. Other episodes related to this episode: Episode … Read More “Episode 49 – Christian Apologists in the Second Century” »
Early Christianity is closely tied to the history of the Roman Empire. Whether as the victims of persecution or as those rising to positions of power, the church could never ignore the empire and vice versa. So some knowledge of the empire and the emperors is important for Christian history. A great resource for this … Read More “Emperors Don’t Die in Bed – Review” »
Since the time before Jesus, the Jews were a part of the Roman Empire. Not a willing part, but a part nonetheless. Not everyone was happy about this and there were attempts to throw off the Roman yoke. There was a war against Rome in the first century in which the Jews were defeated. That … Read More “Episode 48 – The Second and Third Jewish Wars” »
It is impossible to say exactly how many people in the early church were considered apostles. We can say with certainty that it was more than twelve. The original twelve were these: These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and … Read More “How Many Apostles Were There?” »
Back in episode 27, we looked at the Roman Emperors of the first century (or most of them). Now we take a look at the emperors from the last part of the first to the last part of the second centuries. This was a good time for Rome as they enjoyed “The Five Good Emperors.” … Read More “Episode 47 – The Roman Empire in the Second Century” »
The beatitudes, part of the Sermon on the Mount (Plain), are some of the most beloved parts of the New Testament. Christians have loved them, whether in Matthew or Luke’s version, whether they agreed on the meaning or not. The Beatitudes Through the Ages by Rebekah Eklund is a priceless contribution to the study of … Read More “The Beatitudes Through the Ages – Review” »
Many Christians today look back to the church of the first century, the church we find in Acts and the letters of Paul, as the model to emulate. Some denominations aim to be “restorationist,” that is they seek to restore the purity of that early church. Whether or not that should be the aim of … Read More “Five Things to Know About the First Century Church” »
One of the most important leaders in the Church today is that of the Pope. But where did the popes come from? They have been in the background all through our narrative. In this episode, we go back and look at the “popes” or bishops of Rome from the first two centuries. Other episodes of … Read More “Episode 46 – The “Popes” of the First Two Centuries” »
Baptists have been around for a long time in Canada. In fact the congregation where I currently pastor began thirty-four years before Confederation. Baptists in Canada: Their History and Polity tells that story. The book gives a short history of Baptists in general, talking about where they came from and how they began. It includes … Read More “Baptists in Canada: Their History and Polity” »
