Church History

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Fifteen Augustine of Hippo Introduction The first five centuries of the Christian Church were filled with incredible leaders. From the early apostles, such as Peter, John, and Paul, to the next wave of bishops and theologians, like Ignatius, Polycarp, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, the Cappadocian Fathers, John Chrysostom, and Jerome – God used such figures to advance the gospel from the neighborhoods of Jerusalem to the most distant nations.…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Fourteen Jerome Introduction In what’s been called “the golden age” of the early church fathers, the 4th and 5th centuries produced some of the richest theology, apologetics, and preaching in church history. During this time, different figures emerged who are remembered for their individual achievements, such as John Chrysostom for preaching, Athanasius for his theological insight, and Ambrose for his boldness with authorities. But if there was a…

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…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Eight “Christianity in North Africa” – Part Two Introduction In the second and third centuries, the North African region was dominated by the Alexandrian church, with such leaders as Clement and Origen. But one should not overlook another important city to the west, Carthage. From this ancient coastal seaport, the church was led by leaders like Tertullian and Cyprian, who made impacts that resonated throughout the early centuries,…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Seven “Christianity in North Africa” – Part One Introduction As a result of Christ’s promise that the gospel would travel from Jerusalem to the “end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), Christianity began spreading throughout the Mediterranean region of North Africa. It reached distinguished and sophisticated cities like Alexandria and Carthage. In these cities, Christian leaders and apologists such as Clement, Origen, Tertullian, and Cyprian, dominated the theological and…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Six “The Early Danger of Holy Deception” Introduction As the church continued to grow and expand, the enemy often looked for new ways to stall and upend the Christian movement. Persecution caused great physical harm and fear, but ironically it led to greater strength and growth. False teaching from the Gnostics caused great confusion and separation, but it was quickly exposed for its inconsistency with Scripture and its own claims,…

Church History I First Baptist Church Dandridge Dr. Justin Terrell Jterrell@fbcdt.org Session Five “Apologetics the Early Church” Introduction Throughout the first and second centuries, the church suffered many painful attempts from the enemy to derail the Christian movement. Beginning in the days following Pentecost, the Jews began persecuting the church, trying to stamp out what had become a serious threat to first century Judaism. Then, the Romans began a series of intense persecutions against God’s people, trying to remove what…