Church History Essentials

Stephen J. Nichols is more than a storyteller. He is truly a teacher, presenting a winning apologia for the necessity of church history and the importance of the Reformation for today. The Reformation deals with difficult questions of unity, ecumenism, and pluralism, and---despite its playful tone---it considers these issues in the spirit of the Reformation. Accordingly, The Reformation also contains an appendix of source documents, including excerpts from the Ninety-Five Theses and significant confessions and catechisms.

　

"Professor Stephen Nichols is already well-known for his remarkable ability to make history live and sing. This new work is no exception and will simply enhance his well-deserved reputation. It is a scintillating helicopter tour of the amazing men---and wonderful women---of the Reformation. Here conviction joins with courage, holiness with humor, in a wonderful medley of Christian heroes and heroines. You will find reading this book a pleasure and a challenge-from beginning to end. But take note of this church history health warning---these pages may prove addictive!"

--Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia (SC)  Stephen J. Nichols is a professor at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School. He earned a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has written six books, most recently

Publisher: Crossway Books & Bibles
ISBN: 1581348290
ISBN-13: 9781581348293

Tim Challies review:
I love church history. I consider it absolutely tragic that so few contemporary Christians have any real sense of their heritage. They know a little bit of New Testament history, can list hundreds of today's best and worst teachers, but know almost nothing of the 2000 years between.

The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World is one of a long line of books authored by Stephen Nichols, professor at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nichols is a prolific author who seems to be releasing books with impressive regularity. To this point all of his books have centered on church history. He has written several works on Jonathan Edwards, one each on Martin Luther and Gresham Machen, and one providing a guided tour of classic Christian writing. This new title "goes behind the scenes and uncovers the human side of the larger-than-life Reformers through user-friendly narrative stories on the Reformation."
Read more:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3UU7JD7UGRUUG/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1581348290&nodeID=283155&store=books

Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History

What Have They Done with JESUS?

From inside cover: “Strange theories about Jesus seem to ooze from our culture with increasing regularity. Ben Witherington, one of the top Jesus scholars, will have none of it. There were no secret Gnostic teachings in the first century. With leading scholars and popular purveyors of bad history in his crosshairs, Witherington reveals what we can—and cannot—claim to know about the real Jesus. The Bible, not outside sources, is still the most trustworthy historical record we have today.

 

 

Utilizing a fresh "personality profile" approach, Witherington highlights core Christian claims by investigating the major figures in Jesus’s inner circle of followers: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Peter, James the brother of Jesus, Paul, and the mysterious "beloved disciple."

In each chapter Witherington satisfies our curiosities and answers the full range of questions about these key figures and what each of them can teach us about the historical Jesus. What Have They Done with Jesus? is a vigorous defense of traditional Christianity that offers a compelling portrait of Jesus’s core message according to those who knew him best.

Publisher: Harper
ISBN: 0061120014
ISBN-13: 9780061120015

 
　
Product Description
Of late, Jesus has been in the media and news outlets repeatedly. But who is this Jesus everyone is buzzing about? Sensational claims about Jesus have been made, yet there is little or no hard evidence to support such outrageous claims. Pop-culture has tried to reinvent Jesus.

Biblical scholar Ben Witherington masterfully refutes the recent claims and implications of Bart Ehrman, the Gospel of Judas, "lost Christianities", and secret first-century "Gnostic" teachings. Dr. Witherington focuses on the impact of Jesus upon his earliest followers, the so-called inner circle from a historical point of view: Mary, James, Jude, Peter, the Beloved Disciple, Mary Magdalene, Junia (Joanna)and Paul, those who knew him, (or in Paul's case knew other eyewitnesses) and his character best to reveal the truth and reliability of the biblical accounts.


 

Ben Witherington 111 is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. The author of more than thirty books, including The Brother of Jesus, he has twice won the Christianity Today award for one of the best biblical studies books of the year, and he has presented seminars for churches, colleges, and biblical meetings not only in the United States but also in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Witherington writes for many church and scholarly publications, is a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Beliefnet.com , and has been featured widely in the national media.

www.BenWitherington.com

A Book that Needs to be Read by Christians

When A Nation Forgets God - 7 Lessons We Must Learn

This is a timely book that addresses the concerns that are on the minds of many Christians today about the state our Country is in and where will we go from here. In the opening content of the book the Author states: “Back in the 1970’s Francis Schaeffer told us that one day we would wake up and discover that the America we once knew was gone.” that day is here. One does not have to be a prophet to see that dark days are coming to the United States. There are ominous signs that the freedoms we once assumed were ours are disappearing. Forces of secularism lead inevitably to a totalitarian state to which everyone is expected to submit.” (pg. 12)

Pastor Lutzer reminds us again of the precarious times in which we live by writing: “Francis Schaeffer used to tell us, people are willing to march down the wrong path if only they can be assured of personal peace and affluence. They willingly march forward, not asking where the path will lead.” (pg. 45, Chp. 2 subtitled: The Power of the economy)

This book is written to the believer and the church, we are not to react in an unbiblical way by what’s taking place in our nation, but what we are to be found doing is to be a creditable witness to the saving grace found in Christ. Lutzer says: “God is humbling us, that the political solutions that were suppose to rescue our nation from it’s moral and spiritual freefall have had scant effect. We are learning that the problem is deeper than we thought. In sum, we must realize that only God can save us from those trends that have already evoked His judgment. “ (From the introduction)

He writes that Nazi Germany has some lessons to teach us. The author writes that Nazism did not arise in a vacuum, that their were cultural streams that made it possible for the ideology to emerge, eventually gained wide acceptance by the popular culture of it’s time.

This book starts out very interesting, and ends in the same manner. Early on in the book, before even chapter 1 begins, Lutzer writes, “Today we face cultural pressures that are forcing us to combine Christ with other religions, or to combine Christ with a political or ideological agenda. The experience of the church Nazi Germany reminds us that Christ must always stand alone; He must be worshiped not as one who stands alongside the governmental leaders of this world, but as standing above them as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (pg 11) We must stand firm in our faith on the truths in the Bible in the midst of this gathering storm.

Erwin Lutzer reminds the reader: “that before Hitler moved to destroy the church, he decided to go make peace with it, and use it for his own ends.” (Chp. 1 pg. 18) The author goes on to give a brief history of the church and the people in these events and gives the reasons for why they conceded to do what they did.

Erwin Lutzer gives “Seven Lessons” in this book we can learn from

1. When God is separated from Government, Judgment folows
2. It’s always the economy
3. That which is legal might also be evil
4. Propaganda can change a Nation
5. Parents - not the State - are responsible for a child’s training
6. Ordinary heroes can make a difference
7. We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness

In the final chapter titled: When a Nation forgets God - “We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness”, what the Author writes is so amazingly accurate that it is worth quoting: “Here in America we have what many believe is a new phenomenon in the history of the church. In previous eras we have seen the gospel neglected or even mocked by religious liberals and nominal Christians - that is to be expected. What is different today is that the message of the Cross is being ignored even by those who claim to be saved by it’s message. At the very time when the gospel must be proclaimed most clearly, we are hearing muffled voices even from some of the great evangelical pulpits of our land. Christian books flood our markets that have little to do with the heart of the Christian message.” (pg. 136-137).

Pastor Erwin Lutzer is Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago and is the Author of many books. This book is a MUST READ, and you will not put it down until you’ve finished it. I’m surprised this book isn’t in the top 10 Christian books. It is not a lengthy book, we found it to be a quick read and thought-provoking.

Copyright © 2010

Publisher Moody Press
ISBN 0802446566
Reading/Review date: April 2010

When a Nation Forgets God

SEE VIDEO : http://youtu.be/u7O6IVy2YCc

 

Where was the Church of Christ?

Product Description: “The monstrosity of Adolph Hitler's "Third Reich" remains a stunning chapter in the pages of history.

Although the power by which he hypnotized an entire nation is legendary, one question in particular begs an answer: Where was the church of Christ? Seduced by the Satanic majesty of The Fuhrer, church leaders throughout Germany allowed the Swastika a prominent place alongside the Christian cross in their sanctuaries. Nationalistic pride replaced the call of God to purity, and with few exceptions the German church looked away while Adolph Hitler implemented his "Final Solution" to his Jewish problem.

Erwin W. Lutzer examines the lessons that may be learned from studying the deception of the church: the dangers of confusing church and state, how the church lost its focus, the role of God in human tragedy, the parameters of Satan's freedom, the truth behind Hitler's hatred of the Jews, the faithfulness of God to His people who suffer for Him, comparisons between Hitler's rise and the coming reign of the Antichrist, and America's hidden cross -- her dangerous trends.

This book is the story of a nation whose church forgot its primary call and discovered its failure too late.”

Erwin W. Lutzer has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years and has written numerous books. He is also a featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.”  Running to win radio - http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/ and is the author of many Christian books.

　
Copyright © 1998
Publisher Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802435831
ISBN-13: 9780802435835
 
Read/Reviewed: Oct. 1999
 
Can be purchased at Christianbook.com

Spurgeon V. Hyper-Calvinism - The Battle for Gospel Preaching

“C.H. Spurgeon is best remembered today for the remarkable ministry he exercised in London during the Victorian era. His influence was incalculable. Thousands listened to his preaching every week, while hundreds of thousands throughout the world later read his sermons in published form.

A man of great natural gifts, charm and wit, Spurgeon’s master passion was evident in everything he did - to preach Jesus Christ to all as the only Saviour. But as early as 1855 this brought him into a serious and prolonged doctrinal controversy with Hyper-Calvinism.

By tracing this conflict, exploring the issues involved in it and showing what was at stake in them, Iain H. Murray underlines the contemporary relevance and importance of sharing C.H. Spurgeon’s convictions. “

The above best describes the book and is quoted from the inside cover.. This book is exquisitely written by Iain H. Murray.  The Author gives a thorough historical account of Spurgeon’s ministry and life, and the book was helpful in understanding not only the life of Spurgeon and who he was, but what was going on within the Baptist denomination at that time of the controversial issues that are written about which is best remember as “The Downgrade Controversy. This book gave me a better understand of the issues that revolve around Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism.

For Further Research on “The Downgrade Controversy” - From John MacArthur's book: 'Ashamed of the Gospel' -  http://www.spurgeon.org/downgrd.htm

　

Copyright © 1995 by Banner of Truth Trust

Publisher Banner of Truth Trust

ISBN - 0 85151 692 o

Reading /Review date: Sept 2003

Christian History Time-line pamphlet

Christianbook.com

200 Fascinating events in Church History

A Christian history timeline gives a preview of Christian History at a glance in this fold-out chart in a handy pamphlet that gives an overview of church history with photo art, and lots of information from AD 1 - 1900’s. This is a nice summary on basic facts that gives a brief overview. A good resource to have and share with others. Can be purchased at Christianbook.com

Copyright © 1998

Publisher: Rose Publishing

ISBN - 0-9655082-9-3

Reading / Review date: 2000

The Truth War

Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception

Dr. John MacArthur takes a bold and straight forward approach to addressing the current trends that have been invading the Church. He gives clear, well defined definitions of the Emerging and Emergent church movements and other trends such as the purpose-driven movement that have been moving through the Church. The author outlines in each chapter his scriptural reasons for his deep concerns.

MacArthur warns that: ‘Trends signal a significant departure from biblical & historic Christianity’. MacArthur shows examples of points in early church history where the fight for Truth is what keeps the purity of our Faith intact. A key concern for the church is Apostasy to which 2 Thess 2:10 warns will happen to those who do not receive the love of the truth.

This book takes a closer examination of these current trends in the Church and quotes what the Leaders of these movements say themselves, it is quickly apparent that historical Christian truth is being undermined. We are being told by some of these leaders that ‘Truth found in Scripture’ can’t be certain or knowable. As the author writes; ‘Truth is under assault in the Church today’, and ‘People are experimenting with subjective, relativistic ideas of Truth and labeling them Christian’. But contrary to popular teachings and thought, stands the enduring truth of scripture. 2 Tim 3:16,17, Psalms 119:160, Proverbs 30:5, 1 Peter 1:25

Another important point addressed in this book is the Christian’s apathy towards discernment and the Church allowing false teachings to flourish, and the sad lack of duty to contend earnestly for the Faith - Jude 3. John MacArthur writes that church leaders are especially responsible for setting the example for all believers - Jerm 3:15, Acts 20:18-31.

The Truth War - Fighting For Certainty in an Age of Deception

John MacArthur 

SEE VIDEO : http://youtu.be/35LVc-lwLO4

“The Truth War” will cause you to really think about your faith, what you believe and why. You will learn important lessons on discernment and how to determine truth by applying the Scriptures, and you will grow in your knowledge of Christ. For those who already hold to sound doctrine, it will refresh you. Recommended Reading.

John MacArthur is the author of over 150 books including many best-sellers. He is the Pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California and President of the Master’s College and Seminary. He is also president of  Grace to you  ministries which produces an internationally syndicated radio program, along with print, audio and internet resources. http://www.gty.org/Resources

Copyright © 2007 John MacArthur

Thomas Nelson publishers - http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/

ISBN - 10: 0-7852-6263-6


Reading / Review Date: July 14, 2007

 

131 Christians Everyone Should Know



Christianbook.com

 



This book is a quick reference of personalities in Christian History that includes Theologians, Evangelists, Apologists, Pastors and Preachers. Each short biography includes a timeline in history in which the person lived, and gives a brief historical background of each person and how their faith affected early Christian history. Mystics are listed within the book as well, so discernment is needed.

A topical index, quotes and photos are also included in this book. There are other books on Church history that go into more detail and depth, but this is a good primer with the most general information and is a very helpful reference source to have on hand. The book is from the editors of Christian History Magazine.

Copyright © 2000
Publisher: B & H publishing group
ISBN: 080549040X

Can be purchased at Christianbook.com

Read/ Review date: 2006

The Vanishing Word

The Vanishing Word - The Veneration of Visual Imagery in the Postmodern World - Arthur W. Hunt III  



 In our technologically advanced age the value of the written word is being lost. Arthur W. Hunt III reveals that we have entered a high-tech version of the Dark Ages, but he admits he is not the first to do so. He shows how the Judeo-Christian heritage is characteristically word-dependent, and contrasts this with Paganism, which typically has been image-dependent. The book shows how the Dark Ages of Europe illustrate what can happen when a culture lapses from the written word, and that image has supplanted the word, causing pagan forms to return.

The Bible calls Babylon “the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication” Revelation 17:1,2. Spiritually, Babylon is the relentless competitor of revealed religion and strives to change the truth of God into a lie, by idolizing the creature over the Creator (Romans 1:25). The term mystery Babylon is allegorical for the political religious systems of ancient Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, Greece, and Rome all of which bowed to the image.

The Author shows the reader examples of this by giving a historical account of how this is leading our present society into Idolatry and Paganism. The devaluation of the written word is leaving people defenseless against counterfeits and leaves them open for whatever trend comes along. This book takes a close examination of our media saturated culture.

This book is a clear warning that the church is being cut off from its word-based heritage. We are open to abuse by those who exploit the image but neglect the Word. Thoughtful readers will find this a challenging call to be critical about the images bombarding our senses and to affirm that “the Word is everything.”

© 2003
Published by Crossway Books   http://www.crossway.org/   
The Vanishing Word - Arthur W. Hunt III
ISBN 1-58134-404-X
Christianbook.com: The Vanishing Word

Review Date: June 2006