John Chrysostom: The Golden Mouthed Preacher
On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 40) we commemorate February 26, 398. On this date, John Chrysostom, the golden mouthed preacher of the early church, was ordained as Bishop of Constantinople. This expositor of the early Greek fathers left a legacy of bold preaching. His boldness led to blessing as well as sacrifice. His life and commitment to preaching sound theology, while also calling for holy living, is a reminder to all expository preachers that preaching Scripture faithfully always comes with a cost.
(Music on this Podcast furnished by Bensound, Mid-Air Machine)
George Whitefield: Preacher of the Fields
On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 37) we commemorate January 14, 1739, the day George Whitefield was ordained to preach. Forced to forsake the ornate buildings of the Church of England, Whitefield was noted for his field preaching. Carrying a portable pulpit everywhere he went, Whitefield became the most celebrated preacher of the First Great Awakening to the glory of God. What can preacher’s today learn from Whitefield’s stamina, faithfulness, orthodoxy, and boldness in the task of preaching? Find out on this episode.
*At the 5 minute mark, I make a remark that may sound like I’m suggesting John Wesley wasn’t a hard worker. Much to the contrary. Wesley taught the unbiblical doctrine of perfectionism and therefore emphasized the work and diligence of a Christian. He was a hard worker to be sure. What I was trying to communicate was that what separated Wesley and Whitefield were their doctrinal differences not their industrious spirits, which they both shared. In spite of Whitefield’s affirmation of predestination, he yet possessed a hard working drive. He was not apathetic in spite of his Calvinism. He did not believe, but heartily rejected perfectionism, and yet he was driven in holiness and working with excellence to the glory of God.
Music on this Podcast furnished by royalty free music: Mid-Air Machine, A Whale On It’s Side
Ulrich Zwingli's Most Important Decision
On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 36) we unveil a decision that changed the course of history. Ulrich Zwingli is considered to be the father of the Swiss Reformation. But what sparked the fire of reformation in Switzerland? Find out on today’s segment.
The USA: A Country Birthed By Calvinists
On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 33) we take a trip down the St. John’s River in Florida via the Atlantic Ocean. Our port of departure was in France where we’ve been commissioned by the French government to establish a colony for religious freedom. But on September 20, 1565 Pedro Menendez, the Spanish Commander, was sent by Phillip II to destroy the men, women, and children in this permanent settlement in the United States. The settlement was not Jamestown or Plymouth Rock, but Fort Caroline. The settlers were Calvinists. Learn about this rarely spoken about event in church history and why it matters for today.