Life and Practice in the Early Church

Life and Practice in the Early Church PDF

Author: Steve McKinion

Publisher: NYU Press

Published: 2001-08

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 0814756492

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A collection of primary texts revealing how early Christians practiced their faith Life and Practice in the Early Church brings together a range of primary texts from the church's first five centuries to demonstrate how early Christians practiced their faith. Rather than focusing on theology, these original documents shed light on how early believers "did church," addressing such practical questions as, how did the church administer baptism? How were sermons delivered? How did the early church carry out its missions endeavors? Early Christian writings reveal a great deal about the tradition, as well as the wider culture in which it developed. Far from being monolithic, the documents which present the voices of the early church fathers in their own words demonstrate variation and diversity regarding how faith was worked out during the patristic period. The texts illuminate who was eligible for baptism, what was expected of worshippers, how the Eucharist was celebrated, and how church offices and their functions were organized. Contextual introductions explain practices and their development for those with little prior knowledge of Christian history or tradition. The pieces included here, all in accessible English translation, represent such sources as Justin Martyr, Tertullian, the Cappadocians, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, and Augustine.

Early Church Discovery Guide

Early Church Discovery Guide PDF

Author: Ray Vander Laan

Publisher: HarperChristian Resources

Published: 2015-09-15

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0310879639

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This five-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume five of the That the World May Know series. In this volume, Vander Laan uncovers the passion and commitment early believers displayed as they claimed Jesus in the face of fierce consequences and powerful adversaries. Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers. Filmed on location in Caesarea Philippi, Sardis, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Laodicea, these illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use in small groups, personal and family Bible studies, and adult Sunday school. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study. Lessons include: Everything to Lose, Nothing to Gain – Filmed in Caesarea Philippi The Salt of the Earth – Filmed in Sardis Where Satan Lives – Filmed in Pergamum The Mark of the Beast – Filmed in Ephesus Hot or Cold – Filmed in Laodicea Designed for use with the Early Church Video Study (sold separately).

The Early Church

The Early Church PDF

Author: W. H. C. Frend

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 9781451419511

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Frend's masterful survey, here presented with a new Preface and updated bibliographies, traces the historical and theological development of the Christian church from apostolic times through the fifth century.

Introducing Early Christianity

Introducing Early Christianity PDF

Author: Laurie Guy

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2009-09-20

Total Pages: 307

ISBN-13: 0830877975

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The life and times of the early church were every bit as exciting as our own. But the living pulse of early Christian life, worship and controversy is too often submerged beneath the text of standard introductions to early Christian history. Here from Laurie Guy is an introduction to Christianity of the first four centuries that is readable but not lightweight, interesting but not superficial, informative but not technical. It is a welcome supplement to chronological histories of the early church, a vantage point from which readers may sit aloft and view the broad patterns in the historical terrain. From the apostolic fathers to the great ecumenical councils, we see the church undergoing persecution and martyrdom and then rising to favor under Constantine, shaping its ministry and order while worshiping and developing its understanding of doctrine. Baptism and Eucharist, asceticism and monasticism, and the developing roles of women unfold in this thematic account of the rise of Great Tradition Christianity. Richly illustrated and filled out with maps, charts and close-up windows on related topics, Introducing Early Christianity will inform the curious and enliven courses in early church history.

Early Church Discovery Guide with DVD

Early Church Discovery Guide with DVD PDF

Author: Ray Vander Laan

Publisher: That the World May Know

Published: 2015-09-29

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780310879657

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This five-session small group Bible study, Early Church, by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume five of the That the World May Know series. In this volume, Vander Laan uncovers the passion and commitment early believers displayed as they claimed Jesus in the face of fierce consequences and powerful adversaries. Filmed on location in Israel, Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers. The sessions on this DVD were filmed on location in Caesarea Philippi, Sardis, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Laodicea. These illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use in small groups, personal and family Bible studies, and adult Sunday school. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study. This pack contains one Discovery Guide and one DVD. Lessons include: Everything to Lose, Nothing to Gain - Filmed in Caesarea Philippi The Salt of the Earth - Filmed in Sardis Where Satan Lives - Filmed in Pergamum The Mark of the Beast - Filmed in Ephesus Hot or Cold - Filmed in Laodicea

The Early Church

The Early Church PDF

Author: Esma Cardinal

Publisher:

Published: 2002-11

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780908067367

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Jerusalem: unfavourable city for a religious revival? Crucified carpenter: unsuitable head for a world-wide movement? Fisherman: improbable leaders? You may think so, without a close look at Acts. Here is an opportunity at the very start of the church as we now know it - see how the Lordship of Christ was clearly understood and marvel at how, from such humble beginnings, the world was turned upside down by it. Geared for Growth study materials encourage: A Daily Encounter with God: Your 10-15 minutes each day will strengthen the impact of God's word on your daily living Group learning and sharing: Meet weekly in a small group, share your answers and be enriched as you learn from others. Spiritual Growth: You will be challenged to put God's Word into practice. Others will feel the impact as you obey, grow and mature. Church Growth: Introduce people to Spiritual reality. Your study group could be the stepping-stone for others coming to faith.

The Patient Ferment of the Early Church

The Patient Ferment of the Early Church PDF

Author: Alan Kreider

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2016-03-29

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1493400339

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How and why did the early church grow in the first four hundred years despite disincentives, harassment, and occasional persecution? In this unique historical study, veteran scholar Alan Kreider delivers the fruit of a lifetime of study as he tells the amazing story of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Challenging traditional understandings, Kreider contends the church grew because the virtue of patience was of central importance in the life and witness of the early Christians. They wrote about patience, not evangelism, and reflected on prayer, catechesis, and worship, yet the church grew--not by specific strategies but by patient ferment.