Early Church

David Bercot explains why the writings of the early Christians serve as our best commentary on Scripture.

In this course, an award-winning professor and New York Times best-selling author offers a penetrating investigation of the 24 most pivotal Christian controversies, shedding light on fallacies that obscure an accurate view of the religion and how it evolved into what it is today. In each lecture, you'll delve deeply into a key issue in Christianity's early development. Explore intriguing questions in this unique inquiry into the core of Christian tradition.

Cyprian of Carthage is not just a name in the annals of history; he is a symbol of unwavering faith, intellectual rigor, and the ultimate sacrifice. But how well do we truly know this towering figure of early Christianity? Cyprian of Carthage for Beginners invites you to step into the life of a man who shaped the Church in ways that still echo today. Unveil the story of a man who transformed from a privileged Roman citizen into a beacon of Christian leadership. Cyprian's journey to becoming the Bishop of Carthage was marked by challenges that would test the faith of any ordinary person. Yet...

In addition to my 49 years of teaching theology at the graduate level at The Cincinnati Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University), I have spent even more years than that as a preacher and teacher in local churches. I have taught hundreds and hundreds of Bible lessons, mostly for adult Bible classes. Some of my lesson series have been topical; some have been based on Bible books. Here, for the first time, I have decided to present one of the latter series in written form for public consumption. This book of lessons is not intended to be a scholarly commentary on the text of First ...

This ebooklet is the transcript of David Bercot's audio lecture on What The Early Christians Believed on the Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms. This doctrine concerns the relationship of the kingdoms of this world with the Kingdom of God. In this ebooklet, Bercot explains what the early Christians believed about involvement in the governments of this world. Bercot quotes extensively from the early Christian writings to demonstrate what the early church believed. He also discusses attempts Christians have made to combine the church with various kingdoms of this world--all without success.

They called him a saint. His enemies called him dangerous. But history remembers him as the man who dared to define the nature of Christ when the church stood on the edge of fracture. Cyril of Alexandria: A Beginner’s Guide is not just a book—it’s your front-row seat to one of the fiercest theological battlegrounds in Christian history. If you’ve ever wondered how the early church survived heresy, imperial pressure, and internal war, you’ll find the answer in the life of one bishop who refused to back down. Cyril wasn’t interested in theories. He wanted truth nailed down, ...

In a world drowning in noise, the wisdom of a 4th-century desert monk offers a lifeline to clarity, peace, and purpose. Evagrius of Pontus for Beginners is your guide to the profound teachings of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, presented in a way that’s accessible, transformative, and utterly relevant for modern life. Unlock the secrets of apatheia—a state of inner calm that frees you from the tyranny of distractions and passions. Master the eight evil thoughts that threaten your peace and learn practical strategies to overcome them with grace and resilience. ...

Prepare to step into the mind of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, Clement of Alexandria. This book is your gateway to understanding how one man’s genius shaped the course of Christian thought, merging the profound wisdom of classical philosophy with the emerging teachings of the early Church. Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Wisdom Clement wasn’t just a scholar; he was a visionary. By delving into this book, you’ll discover how he deftly wove together the threads of Greek philosophy and Christian doctrine, creating a rich tapestry that has endured for centuries. ...

The Foundations of Faith series features important writings from the early Christian Church, with modernized language to make these influential works more accessible to today's reader. Included in Volume 1 are the following works: The Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) The First and Second Epistles of Clement The Epistle of Barnabas The Odes of Solomon The Epistle of Polycarp The Martyrdom of Polycarp The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus The Seven Prison Epistles of Ignatius Ignatius to the Ephesians Ignatius to the Magnesians Ignatius to the Trallians Ignatius to the Romans ...

Unlock the Mysteries of Early Christian Heresies Are you fascinated by the early roots of Christian thought? Do you want to delve into the controversies that shaped the foundations of the Church? Look no further. "Early Christian Heresies: A Beginner's Guide" is your gateway to understanding the revolutionary ideas that challenged early Christianity. This compelling volume combines three essential guides into one comprehensive book: Marcionism: A Beginner's Guide Arianism: A Beginner's Guide Pelagianism: A Beginner's Guide Imagine exploring the provocative beliefs that rejected the Old ...

Long before the New Testament was a document, it was a sacrament. Jesus called the Eucharist by the name Christians subsequently gave to the latter books of the Holy Bible. It was the "New Covenant," the "New Testament," in his blood. Christians later extended the phrase to cover the books produced by the apostles and their companions; but they did so because these were the books that could be read at Mass.

Maximus the Confessor for Beginners: Insights into Christology and the Human Will takes you into the life and teachings of one of Christianity’s most courageous and influential thinkers. This is not just another history lesson—it’s a journey into the mind of a man whose ideas on Christ’s nature and human freedom reshaped Christian doctrine for centuries. Why does Maximus matter today? Maximus wasn’t just a theologian. He was a spiritual warrior who stood firm in the face of torture and exile, all to defend the truth. His defense of Christ’s human and divine will is more than an ...

Jesus of Nazareth. Born in a manger. Worshipped as God. Crucified as a criminal. Resurrected in glory. But who was He—really? The question has divided empires, built creeds, and stirred the hearts of millions. And at the center of it all lies a mystery so bold, it redefines what it means to be human and divine at once. Hypostatic Union for Beginners: Exploring the Divine and Human Nature of Christ isn’t just another theology book. It’s a breakthrough guide to the most extraordinary truth in Christian history—explained without ivory-tower jargon or academic fog. Clear, compelling, ...

Ever wondered if there were more writings from the first few centuries by Christians? Well the answer is - yes! There is much that the early Christians left us and they are available in this day and time. The New Testament is our rock to stand upon, but there are other works that we can glean from that are filled with godly wisdom and virtue. The 1st Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians is just that kind of work that can further your walk with Christ in this present day.

Sex and money scandals. An exploding divorce rate. Drug-addicted youths. And an ever-growing worldliness. Today's evangelical church is fighting battles on all fronts. And we seem to be losing these battles to the relentlessly encroaching world. Perhaps the answers to our problems are not in the present, but in the past. Because there was time when Christians were able to stand up to world.

Dive into the transformative power and enduring impact of one of the most pivotal events in Christian history with "Tongues of Fire: The Day of Pentecost and the Birth of the Church." In this compelling narrative, Rev. John Eugene Miller brings to life the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the early believers, igniting the flames of faith that would spread Christianity across the globe. This book meticulously explores each aspect of that historic day—from the miraculous signs of wind and fire to the apostles speaking in diverse tongues. Rev. Miller skillfully draws upon scripture to ...

"Secrets of the Dead Church":"Brimming with intrigue and suspense, "Secrets of the Dead Church" is a fiction book set in a sleepy coastal town during the early 20th century. This tale fuses elements of science fiction and gothic horror, intricately weaving a story that explores the fine line between human pursuit of knowledge and the chaotic realm of the supernatural. Delving Into The StoryOur protagonist, Morris Friar, is an electrical engineer riding on the cusp of a revolutionary invention - the 'aerophones'. His strained relationship with his cousin, the intelligent yet aloof, Mary ...

In this book, Dr. Eddie Hyatt examines the biblical character of Apostolic ministry and discusses whether there are apostles in the church today. He shows how the perception of the apostolic has shifted and changed throughout history with different institutional trends and recurring spiritual renewal movements. He explains the origin pf the concept of apostolic succession and shows how it applies to the church today. He addresses modern attempts, such as the New Apostolic Reformation, to restore the apostolic office to the church. He offers biblical and practical guidelines for ...

Women were there. For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders in the church. But there is ample evidence right in the New Testament that women were actively involved in ministry, at the frontier of the gospel mission, and as respected leaders. Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches.

How did the Bible come to Be, and Why does it matter? This book tells the story of how the Bible came to be and makes a case for why this history matters. Beginning with the basic questions believers are often asked about the origins of the Bible, Spellman introduces strategic steps you can take to understand and explain how the biblical writings were written and then gathered together into a treasured collection of authoritative Scripture. Examining the story of canon formation is both challenging and rewarding. The gains from this historical and theological heavy-lifting will strengthen ...