Early Church

What can we learn about leadership and influence from Paul? Most Christians know something of the Apostle Paul's life and ministry, but what about the incredible team of influencers he assembled and mobilized? Who were they, and how did Paul lead this team to accomplish God's purposes? Even more, what can we learn from their successes and failures, and how can we imitate their qualities?

Early Christians were called "heretics" and "atheists" when they denied the gods of Rome, in particular the divinity of the emperor and the statism he embodied in his personality cult. These Christians knew that Jesus Christ, not the state, was their Lord and that this faith required a different kind of relationship to the state than the state demanded. Because Jesus Christ was their acknowledged sovereign, they consciously denied such esteem to all other claimants. Today, the church must take a similar stand before the modern state.

Roots Matter A Baptist’s Interpretation of Church history Learn: The consequences of right and wrong thinking concerning church history What we believe about the beginning and development of church history dramatically influences how we behave as Christians. It also impacts the testimony we have to the world around us. The worldwide influence of the Apostles With the supernatural enabling of the Lord these twelve turned more than the Middle East upside down for Christ. It is very possible that, by the end of the first century, much of the known world at the time, including Africa, India, ...

Are Your Faith Practices Stuck in a Rut? Discover how the vibrant, dynamic energy of the early church can ignite your faith journey today. In Acts Bible Study, take a transformative 40-day exploration of the fascinating narrative penned by Doctor Luke. Who better to guide us than the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament? Luke’s unique perspective offers invaluable insights for today’s believers navigating faith in a complex world. As you journey through the Book of Acts, you’ll uncover powerful lessons on perseverance, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit that resonate ...

“Theologically rich, bursting with Scripture, thoughtfully written, worthy of reflection and faith-enlarging, this is a prayer tool that many sincere Jesus-followers will turn to again and again.” –Dr. John Stumbo, President, The Christian & Missionary Alliance Praying for a Church--for the Church--is one of the most spiritually significant things we can do for the Kingdom of God. In this prayer guide, Ty King has provided 31 powerful Scripture-based prayers that focus on praying the purposes of Jesus Christ for His Bride, the Church. Not meant to be prayed as rote prayers, Pray the ...

THE READING CULTURE OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY provides the reader with the production process of the New Testament books, the publication process, how they were circulated, and to what extent they were used in the early Christian church. It examines the making of the New Testament books, the New Testament secretaries and the material they used, how the early Christians viewed the New Testament books, and the literacy level of the Christians in the first three centuries. It also explores how the gospels went from an oral message to a written record, the accusation that the apostles were ...

The book PAUL AND LUKE ON TRIAL deals with their reputations, the authenticity, and the trustworthiness of their New Testament books (Acts and Galatians), which Bible critics have sought to undermine for centuries. Sadly, this attack also comes from “the new generation of evangelical scholars [who are] far more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty than previous generations.” (Wallace forward, Page xii) Herein the Bible critics and modern evangelical scholars are the prosecutors in this trial, and Andrews is serving as the Christian apologist in defense of the Apostle Paul and the ...

Christianity wasn't born in a bubble. In the intellectually vibrant world of the Roman Empire, a new faith collided with centuries of Greek philosophical thought. This clash sparked a revolution in thinking about God, the soul, and the meaning of life. The Birth of Christian Philosophical Thought delves into the fascinating world of the Church Fathers, the pioneering thinkers who bridged the gap between Christian faith and classical philosophy. From fiery apologists defending Christianity in a pagan world to brilliant system-builders like Augustine of Hippo, this book takes you on an ...

Step into the spiritual wisdom of the beloved Apostle, St. John. John. This New Testament Patristic Commentary Series volume delves into the timeless truths of love, truth, and vigilance against deceit, offering a pathway to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church. In this commentary, the gentle yet powerful voice of St. John the Beloved resonates, calling us to abide in love that springs from the truth—Christ Himself. This epistle, uniquely addressed to a “chosen lady and her children,” reminds us of the unity and equality we share in Christ, who unites us beyond ...

The Access to Power: Ten Kingdom Keys to Ignite Evangelism and Revive the Church by Larry Titus. Unlock the true power of your ministry and discover the transformative impact of the Kingdom of God. In The Access to Power, Larry Titus reveals the ten essential Kingdom Keys that Jesus entrusted to His disciples—not to build the church, but to advance the Kingdom of God. Drawing on the powerful example of Jesus’ ministry and the explosive growth of the early church, Titus challenges the conventional focus on church-building, urging believers to redirect their efforts toward Kingdom ...

"This edition is perfect for teens who want to understand the legacy of faith and be challenged to live it out in their own lives." Have you ever wondered what it truly means to stand up for your faith, no matter the cost? *Foxe’s Book of Martyrs* is a powerful collection of real-life stories about people who gave everything for their belief in Jesus. From the earliest Christians to those facing persecution during the Reformation, this book brings their sacrifices to life. Written by John Foxe in the 16th century, it’s more than just history—it’s a testament to courage, faith, and ...

Truth has infinite patience. It can quietly wait for centuries looking for the right opportunity to reveal itself. More than two thousand years in the making, this is the revolutionary book we have been waiting for - one that can remove the shroud of misunderstanding hanging over the magnificent lives of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, to reveal, for the first time, their true human story. Here are some of the most important questions Avi addresses in this book: Who was Jesus and what was his actual message? Who was Mary Magdalene, and why is she one of the most despised and vilified women in the...

The Letters: A Historical and Scriptural Journey Through the Letters to the 7 Churches of Asia provides commentary on the letters while also serving as a traveler's guide to the historical locations of the 7 Churches. Dr. Johnny King, with his years of experience and knowledge, expertly guides one through the historical and archaeological facts regarding the locations as well as giving insight to the spiritual climate, the church and the pastor each of the letters were addressed to. The letters become alive and applicable to any “who hath an ear to hear.” This book is a great traveling ...

Dear Children, I am going to talk to you about Jesus Christ, and your souls. I want to make you happy. But I know that people are never really happy unless their souls are happy; and I am sure that people’s souls cannot be happy, unless they love Jesus Christ. And that is the reason why I am going to preach to you now: I want to tell you something about Jesus Christ and your souls. Dear children, I hope you will all attend, while I talk to you. I pray that the Spirit of God may come into your hearts, and make you able to do so. Try to listen to me. Try to understand what I say. Try to ...

Who would have thought that from its humble beginnings as a small group of followers of a Jewish man called Jesus that Christianity would become, less than 2,000 years later, the most widespread religion on Earth? Christianity’s birth and development is a vast, complex story filled with setbacks and contradictions but also with triumphs.

Acts is an action-packed, fast-moving narrative of the first century Christian Church between 33 to 60 AD. This a sequel to the gospel of Luke. This book will take you on an incredible journey with Peter, Paul and other first century disciples from Rome to Jerusalem, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Caesarea Maritima, Damascus, Antioch Syria, Cyprus, Lystra, Iconium, Derbe, Antioch Pisidia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and back to Rome. Along the way you will experience the amazing miracles and hear the sermons and testimonies that led to the birth of the first century ...

Jesus quoted Hosea in saying, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." The prophet Samuel similarly told King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice. In fact, an attentive read through the Old Testament will show that there are a lot of things better than sacrifice. What was the role of Old Testament sacrifices? How does that affect our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? Pavao forces us to look at verses we gloss over because they contradict our understanding of the purpose of the Jewish sacrificial system. Have you ever considered that God once said: I didn’t speak to your ...

This particular volume (Volume One) begins with the period in the early 1600s when two very different English societies were established in the New World, one in Virginia and one in New England. The Virginia society simply re-created the rigidly class-based feudal society of the times. The New England society was a most unusual democracy of social equals, covenanted to live under God's—not man's—personal rule. These two American social types would find themselves in rather constant struggle....

Church has become boring, religious, and/or irrelevant for many people; while God is none of the above. Why is there such a difference between the perceived church and the real God that the church proclaims? The early church was unscripted, alive, powerful, unpredictable, life-changing, and world-shaking. Our church services today are usually scripted, predictable, polished performances that seem to be making little impact in our society. Why? The answer may surprise you.

In vivid detail, author Jay Lampart lays out several reasons why the Internet pornography crisis Christian males are facing today is so unique and dire. He then presents five very simple but highly effective weapons that are available to us as Christians to combat it.