Sermon Archive

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Thirteen John Chrysostom Introduction Some have called the 4th and 5th centuries the “golden age” of the early church fathers. Due to on-going persecution, division, and theological controversies, some of the greatest theologians and preachers emerged during this era, producing theological formulations and writings that continue to guide the church to this day. Among those who led the church during this time was one of the greatest preachers…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Twelve The Cappadocian Fathers Introduction Following the unwavering faithfulness of Athanasius of Alexandria, who boldly opposed Arianism by proclaiming the full deity of Christ, a new generation of Nicene theologians arrived – men like Basil of Caesarea (330-379), Gregory of Nazianzus (330-390), and Gregory of Nyssa (335-394). These theologians became known as the “Cappadocian fathers,” because they were from the province of Cappadocia in Asia Minor. These church…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Eleven The Arian Controversy Introduction With the radical conversion of Emperor Constantine, Christianity no longer faced the outside threats of widespread persecution and oppression inflicted by the Roman Empire. However, the church continued to face the inside threat of false teaching – which is always more dangerous to Christian life. While outside persecution often produces strength and growth, inside heresy (false teaching) produces weakness and decline, and this…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session TenRoman Christianity: The Question of Spiritual Authority 1 Introduction Following a successful victory over Maxentius in the battle at the Milvian Bridge, Constantine not only became Emperor of the Western Roman Empire, but he radically embraced the Christian faith and sharply changed the course of Christian history. His new faith was made evident by radical changes in his life, including passing laws that ended widespread persecution; making Sunday…

Introduction Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session NineConstantine: A New Era of Christianity Throughout the first three centuries, the church both grew and suffered greatly. While more people in the world were being converted to Christ, the Romans intensified efforts to persecute and destroy the people of God. Emperors such as Nero, Trajan, Domitian, and Decius inflicted cruel and extreme measures to punish and destroy local churches. However, a major development took place within…