Church History and Theology

CHT | Sermon: Aim Small, Miss Small Mar 1, 2026 0:34:48

CHT | SS Series: Isaiah 1-5 Feb 8, 2026 0:48:21 An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

CHT | SS Series: Isaiah (Intro) Feb 1, 2026 0:49:37 An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

CHT | Sermon: Christian Excellence Feb 1, 2026 0:40:27 Given at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

CHT | S2E24: Persecutions and Defenses of the 2nd Century Jan 3, 2026 0:46:45 Today's episode gives a conceptual dealing with the type of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire at its height. Additionally, the responses of the church to preserve its faith by rightly expressing their beliefs, practices, and dispelling of myths give us a direct window into the early church in the wake of the Apostles' deaths. Title: Persecutions and Defenses of the 2nd Century Date: 1

CHT | S2E23: Ignatius of Antioch Sep 7, 2025 0:45:03 Here we look into the effects and introduce some of the difficulties of Ignatius of Antioch. Which letters are authentic is still a matter of debate but his outsized influence is not. How should a Christian weigh such matters? Title: Ignatius of Antioch Date: 11o AD Place: Antioch to Rome Key Figures and Events: Trajan, Ignatius, Martyrdom. Contact: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me License

CHT Update! Jul 28, 2025 0:12:56 A quick update about life, CHT, and some big news! Links from this episode: https://www.suvel.org churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me

CHT | Resource: The Epistle of Barnabas Jun 25, 2025 0:59:17 The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian work from around AD 100. Attributed to Paul's companion but likely anonymous, it reinterprets the Old Testament through allegory, claiming the Mosaic Law was never meant to be kept literally. Rich in symbolism and sharp in tone, Barnabas offers a bold vision of Christian identity in contrast to Judaism. It is a glimpse into how some in the early church

CHT | S2E22: Overview of the 2nd Century May 15, 2025 1:02:42 In the second century, the post-apostolic church learned to read its emerging Scriptures, shape its practice, and endure episodic Roman persecutions that claimed witnesses such as Ignatius and Polycarp. Confronted by gnostic, Marcionite, and Montanist movements, they clarified orthodoxy and fostered the monarchical episcopate, laying the structural and theological foundations for the centuries to

CHT | S2E21: Going to Church in 100 AD May 1, 2025 1:01:38 Herein we explore what church gatherings looked like in 50–150 AD—early believers met before dawn (and sometimes after work) in private homes rather than dedicated buildings. We'll look at how worship was understood as a "sacrifice" of praise, alms, and service, and why the Roman eight-day week made keeping the Jewish first day of the week a logistical puzzle. Finally, we'll correct common misconc

CHT | S2E20: The Inevitable New Testament Apr 2, 2025 0:57:30 Why did the Apostles write the New Testament at all? In this episode, we explore how the New Testament is not just inspired—it's the official, covenantal documentation of the New Covenant. We show why its existence dismantles apostolic succession by office and establishes Scripture as the Church's lasting foundation. Title: The Inevitable New Testament Date: 30 - 100 AD Place: Jerusalem, Judea,

CHT | Resource Episode: The Epistles of Ignatius - Short Recension Mar 10, 2025 0:19:13 The epistles of Ignatius in the Short recension are preserved for us in this form only in the Syriac. If they are more representative of the original writings of Ignatius, then they are some of the earliest Christian documents, offering a glimpse into the mind and heart of an early martyr of the church who was centered in Antioch. The current scholarly opinion is that these are an abridgement of t

CHT | S2E19 - The OT Canon in the 1st Century Mar 1, 2025 1:25:07 When we open our Old Testaments, are we looking at the same books that Jesus and the Apostles were looking at and considering divinely inspired? The answer to that question and so many more as we look into this issue. Title: The OT Canon in the 1st Century Date: 200 BC - 100 AD Place: Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: John Contact: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me L

CHT | S2E18: John, the Last Apostle Feb 14, 2025 0:52:27 The life and legacy of the Apostle John—the last surviving eyewitness of Jesus' ministry. From his early days as a fisherman in Galilee to his pivotal role in the Jerusalem church, and finally to his later years in Ephesus, John's journey is one of faith, endurance, and profound testimony. We'll examine his possible familial connection to Jesus, his close relationship with Peter and James, his exi

CHT | S2E17: Thecla, the Saint Who Never Existed Jan 28, 2025 1:06:14 In this episode, we dive into the fascinating yet problematic world of hagiography through the lens of The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Who was Thecla, and why has her story captivated Christian imagination for centuries? We'll explore the origins of her legend, the glaring historical and theological errors in the text, and how her tale became a cornerstone of ascetic devotion in the Eastern Church. F

CHT | S2E16: James, the Lord's Brother Jan 8, 2025 1:06:59 In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of James, the brother of Jesus. Often overshadowed by hagiography and theological embellishments, James emerges from the New Testament as a devout follower of Christ, a key leader in the early church, and a voice of wisdom in his epistle. From skepticism to leadership, and finally to martyrdom, we explore James' journey and debunk the myths that ha

CHT | Resource: The Didache Dec 11, 2024 0:22:21 The Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents, offers a rare glimpse into the worship, instruction, and practices of a local church in the late 1st or early 2nd century, emphasizing themes of ethical living, communal unity, and eschatological hope. In this episode, we explore this ancient text in its entirety, reflecting on its significance as a snapshot of early Christian life and its endu

CHT | S2E15: Rome of the First Century Nov 27, 2024 0:50:23 Special links! The interview on "Two Creations One Creator" is found on Spotify at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fBBumuP8DngBzRCBp8cXT On to the episode! Rome! City? Empire? Church? Why, yes. This episode deals with all three. Join in for an overview of the significant moments of Rome in the first century for church history. Title: Rome of the First Century Date: 0 - AD

CHT | S2E14: NT Canon and the Church Nov 13, 2024 0:54:30 How is it that the Holy Spirit guided His people to recognize His writings? Did they vote? Hold a council? What was it? Join today as we discuss the concept of inspiration, preservation, and recognition of the Word of God. Title: NT Canon and the Church Date: AD 45 - 200 Place: Everywhere! Key Figures and Events: Apostles, NT Prophets, Didache, Clement, Mathetes, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Mar

CHT | Resource: 1st Clement Oct 30, 2024 1:25:24 1 Clement is a first-century letter from the Roman church to the Corinthian church, written after Corinth dismissed its elders. Known for its extensive use of Scripture, the letter reflects a deep familiarity with the New Testament, employs a collegial, respectful tone, and illustrates a presbyterian structure without a single ruling bishop. The text of the letter was lost to the Western church un

CHT | S2E13: Antioch - the Rome of the East Oct 16, 2024 0:32:46 Today we're diving into the story of one of the most influential cities in early Christianity—Antioch. A bustling hub of culture, trade, and power, earning the title "Rome of the East." But it wasn't just a political giant—by the 1st century AD, Antioch became a crucial center for the spread of Christianity, the very place where believers were first called "Christians" and where Paul and Barnabas

CHT | S2E12: All Christians are Saints Oct 2, 2024 0:40:44 Before we go any further into church history, it is important to take a clarifying theology break. Many are those who have seen Saints as a special class of Christians who, through their own personal and practical holiness have attained levels of holiness that other Christians have not. Is this consistent with the teachings either of Christ or the Apostles? No. No it isn't. All Christians are sain

CHT | S2E11: The Jerusalem Council Sep 18, 2024 0:54:08 As the Apostles and Elders meet in Jerusalem to discuss a false gospel floating around the Gentile church, they come to a conclusion that has important ramifications for us today. Let's go learn from them! Title: The Jerusalem Council Date: AD 49 Place: Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: Paul, Peter, James, the believing Pharisees, the Apostles, and the Elders. Documents of Significance: Acts 15

CHT | S2E10: The Church in Ephesus and Its Mystical Culture Sep 4, 2024 1:03:43 Ephesus is perhaps one of the more fascinating cities of the ancient world. The magical arts being performed there were arguably second to none and made for a unique beginning of the church there. The first years were not without growing pains as we shall see. Title: The Church in Ephesus and Its Mystical Culture Date: AD 51-56 Place: Ephesus Key Figures and Events: Paul, Priscilla, Aquilla, A

CHT | S2E9: Wolves Will Arise Aug 21, 2024 1:16:27 CHT | S2E9: Wolves Will Arise As Paul nears the end of his life and ministry, he warns the church leaders in Ephesus that false teachers (wolves) will arise from even among their own number. In this episode, we look into Paul's presentation to the church in Ephesus about how to identify them, avoid them, and keep watch over yourselves. False teachers wander away from revealed truth, true teachers

CHT | S2E8: Paul - the Apostle to the Gentiles Aug 7, 2024 0:58:00 CHT | S2E8: Paul - the Apostle to the Gentiles No other person outside of Jesus Christ has affected so much of the development and theology of the church than Paul. His writings make up nearly half of the books of the New Testament and his leadership helped found the churches of Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He helped align the focus of missions, theology, and gentile relations in the Church of J

CHT | S2E7: The Real Peter - the Apostle to the Jews Jul 24, 2024 0:49:54 Today's episode takes a look into the character and life of the Apostle Peter. Much is made of his ministry that has no home in either Scripture or authentic history, but we will dive into what can be known regarding him and his ministry God gave him. While he is clearly NOT the bishop of Rome or the first pope, what we learn of him is even more impressive: a humble man who has learned through his

CHT | S2E6 The Leadership of the Apostolic Church Jul 10, 2024 1:13:45 Today's Episode finds us all throughout the New Testament delving into the question of offices and roles in the leadership structure of the First Church. After that we see what the enduring offices and roles are for the church, including the surprising centrality of the Scriptures in the governing of those in the offices and roles of the church. Title: The Leadership of the Apostolic Church Date

CHT | S2E5 The First Deacons - Stephen and Philip Jun 26, 2024 0:50:24 In today's episode we join the first Church in Jerusalem about a year after the Resurrection of Christ. The apostles create a new office in the church that has far reaching ramifications for the future. The first two deacons are Stephen and Philip and their stories are part of the expanding infant church as the Holy Spirit spreads the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Title: The First Deacons - St

CHT | S2E4 The NT Church is Born Jun 12, 2024 0:53:20 Today's episode centers in on the first church from the day of Pentecost onwards. Who was the church made up of? What were its characteristics? Its habits? What a tremendous grace that God has shown us the starting description of His NT people. Buckle up! As the Gospel goes out into the world you will see its adaptability throughout time and space. Title: The NT Church is Born Date: AD 30 or 33 (

CHT | S2E3: Christ the Head of Church History May 29, 2024 0:47:17 Today's episode has us talking about headship and leadership. Both in the Invisible Church and the Visible Church. And wouldn't you know it? God is consistent everywhere He goes. The general idea is this: the only bottleneck of leadership ought to be on Christ; not on any other human or leader. Christ instituted a concept of multifocal leadership for the church: multiple apostles appointing multip

CHT | S2E2: Why Study Church History? May 15, 2024 0:46:46 Title: Why Study Church History? Date: 1st-21st Century Place: Worldwide Key Figures and Events: Our Brothers and Sisters Documents of Significance: The Bible (as always) Narrative Overview: As we get into the "Why" of the study of church history, we cover how it has affected us already, where God is at work, the tie-ins to ecclesiology and eschatology. In the end, as an extension of Christian

CHT | S2E1: What is Church History? May 1, 2024 0:26:00 Title: What is Church History? Date: Creation - Present Day Place: Worldwide Key Figures and Events: God and His People Documents of Significance: The Bible :) Narrative Overview: This introductory episode explores the fundamentals of Church History and Theology. What exactly is Church History? Where does it begin, who is included, and what are its boundaries? We'll delve into these question

CHT | Deep Dive #16 - Anne Steele: Baptist Hymnwriter Apr 11, 2024 1:05:52 England, 1700s. Anne Steele was a poet who published under the pseudonym Theodosia. Her hymns were included in many hymnals. She was part of a circle of writers and intellectuals, both men and women, who provided her with intellectual stimulation and support. Despite suffering from physical ailments and the deaths of loved ones, Steele lived her life by seeking to glorify God through her writ

CHT | Deep Dive #15 - Saint Patrick's Confessions Mar 20, 2024 0:57:35 Ireland, 400s. Today we will again attempt our livestream of Saint Patrick's Confessions. So many myths and legends surround him that some clarity would certainly be beneficial. Join in for some Emerald Isle wisdom! A translation of the confessions is found here: https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english# If you ever want to join in the livestream, it is hosted on YouTube Wednesday evenin

CHT | Deep Dive #14 - The Heidelberg Catechism Mar 6, 2024 1:36:37 1563 AD. In the wake the Council of Trent's condemnation of the Protestant Reformation and the Peace of Augsburg (1555), there arose a desire to clarify a clearer set of Lutheran beliefs that were informed and influenced by Calvin's reformation in Geneva. The result? A politically needed theological document that has become one of the most influential catechisms in the Protestant churches. Its t

The Future of Church History and Theology Feb 28, 2024 0:31:56 Tonight is a reflective show that talks about some of the long-term plans for Church History and Theology. When we begin the next walkthrough and what that will look like. Why we do this, reintroduction of our methodology and goals. Also, if there is time, maybe a teaser of another project that is in the works for those of you who are super-fans of Church History.

CHT | Deep Dive #13 - Corrupting Lies: The Donation of Constantine Feb 14, 2024 1:20:56 c. 750 AD This episode will find us in the recesses of the Medieval Era, learning something about a church so desperate for power that it told one of history's greatest lies to get it. The Roman church's forgery known as "The Donation of Constantine" was used for 700 years to legitimize the temporal powers of the church in Rome. Once proven to be a lie, it was quickly put to the side. But the dam

CHT | Deep Dive #12 - Martyrdom: Perpetua and Felicitas Jan 17, 2024 0:54:10 203 AD. This episode will find us in Carthage in the early 3rd century alongside some of our most laudable sisters in the faith. Two young mothers and catechumens face the ultimate test for a Christian. And is not their testimony one of deep challenge to those of us in our day? The text in which their story is told is found at the following link: https://earlychristianwritings.com/text/tertullian2

CHT | Deep Dive #11 - A Letter from the Early Church Jan 10, 2024 1:17:55 100s AD. The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus is one of my favorite artifacts from the early church. Its author is unknown to us but thankfully, due to a single manuscript, we have the full text of this marvelous letter. In it we get a glimpse of a Christian's defense of Christian theology, description of their lifestyle, and a snapshot of issues of their day. Join in! We won't be reading it in i

CHT | Deep Dive #10 - Unam Sanctam: Power and Its Corrupting Nature Jan 3, 2024 0:58:07 1302 AD. Pope Boniface VIII continues to develop and clarify the sweeping reforms (largely promulgated by his great-uncle, Pope Gregory IX) of the temporal power of the Roman church by issuing his papal bull: Unam Sanctam. "The One Holy [Church]" Tonight we will go through the text and discuss its situation in the late 13th/early 14th century. A translation can be found at this link: https://www

CHT | Deep Dive #9 - The Biblical Case for Studying Church History Dec 13, 2023 1:04:35 Grab your Bibles. Let's get into this.

CHT | Deep Dive #8 - Jan Huss' Treatise: "The Church" Dec 6, 2023 1:10:20 After last week's infamous silent stream of this lesson, we are back again. This time with audio! We are paying attention today to Jan (John) Huss' most influential treatise on the church. If you want a copy of this book, it was translated to English in 1915 and is available here: https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/schaff-the-church

CHT | Deep Dive #7 - Baptism in the Earliest Church Nov 15, 2023 1:10:10 In this episode, we delve into the question of baptism in the earliest church. Specifically, we aim to understand the practice of baptism as broadly as possible in the first two centuries of the church. If you want to follow along, I am using Roberts Donaldson's translation of the Didache: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html And for Justin Martyr's 1 Apology I am using Rob

CHT | Deep Dive #6 - Writings of Church History: Ignatius Oct 25, 2023 1:29:25 In this episode, we go back to the earliest part of the 2nd century (100s) to listen to the Bishop of Antioch writing to a church in Smyrna as well as his letter to that church's bishop, a man named Polycarp. These are only two of the seven letters Ignatius wrote on his trip to Rome to be martyred. They are worthy of our attention, as are the other five (another episode). If you want to follow al

CHT | Deep Dive #5 - The Heidelberg and Leipzig Disputations Oct 18, 2023 1:27:35 In this episode, we join Luther during the first years of the Reformation in order to grasp his developing arguments and thoughts on a variety of topics that go far beyond his first arguments against indulgences. Let's be a fly on the wall in Heidelberg (1518) and Leipzig (1519) and see what wisdom we can glean from all that went on in those early days of the Protestant Reformation.

CHT | Deep Dive #4 - The Role of Peter in the Early Church Oct 11, 2023 1:16:22 Many have a view of the nature of the church that rests on the person of Peter. What can we know of his role in the early church from their own writings?

CHT | Deep Dive #3 - Writings of Church History: The Didache Sep 27, 2023 1:17:52 Today we will be discussing a work called the Didache. It is a 1st or 2nd century writing that gives us a glimpse into the habits of the early church in a specific area. If you want to read it for yourself, here is a link to it: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

CHT | Deep Dive #2 - The Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade Sep 20, 2023 1:09:04 How NOT to deal with heretics and false teachers.

CHT | Deep Dive #1 - St. Columba, Iona, and Early Lindisfarne Sep 13, 2023 1:04:16 What if your greatest sin was transformed into a repentance that changed the course of history?

CHT | S1E58: Reflections on Church History Aug 30, 2023 0:53:26 After wrapping up nearly two years of lessons throughout the 20 centuries of church history, we will reflect on what we learned, our place in history, and the path forward. Maybe a sneak peek at some of the deep dives we have planned in the coming months. :)

CHT | S1E57: Postmodernism and the Church Aug 9, 2023 1:16:09

CHT | S1E56: Evangelicals and Evangelicalism Aug 2, 2023 1:00:20

CHT | S1E55: Segregation, Pentecostalism, and the Charismatic Movements Jul 26, 2023 1:21:22

CHT | S1E54: The Church Reactions to Modernity Jul 5, 2023 1:10:44 Liberal Theology, Holiness Movement (and Pentecostalism), and Fundamentalism/Conservative Theology.

CHT | S1E53: 19th Century Catholicism Jun 28, 2023 1:01:18 Papal Authority - Immaculate Conception - Vatican I

CHT | S1E52: The New American Christianity Jun 21, 2023 0:57:30 After the Revolutionary War, while the ink on the Constitution is still wet, a new amalgam of Christianity revealed itself. And it is as American as apple pie. Join us live on youtube.com/churchhistoryandtheology each Wednesday night at 6:30pm ET.

CHT | S1E51: Christendom No Longer Jun 14, 2023 1:07:09 Political, Societal, and Religious Upheavals of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries displays a transition for Christianity. Join us for this overview lecture of the past 250 years of church history.

CHT | S1E50: A Whole New World May 31, 2023 1:03:41 Divine Mandate. Pluralistic Society. Freedom? The New World presented the church with many challenges and opportunities.

CHT | S1E49: 18th Century - Rethink, Renewal, Revolt May 24, 2023 1:22:39 The far reaching effects of the Radical Enlightenment, the First Great Awakening, and the Revolutions that overthrew Monarchies. More change, more directions, more branches. Join us for this overview of 18th church history! Each week we are live 6:30pm ET on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology

CHT | S1E48: Pietism May 17, 2023 1:04:21 Spener, Francke, Missions, Reading your Bible and Prayer! Join us for a delve into Pietism tonight!

CHT | S1E47: The Eastern Church (1054-1600s) May 10, 2023 1:05:17

A Short Announcement May 9, 2023 0:08:33 Just an 8 minute long announcement, explanation, and introduction. You'll see. Have a listen.

CHT | S1E46: The Puritan Revolution Mar 15, 2023 1:08:37 After the Tudor line came to an end, the Stuart line comes to power in England. The ongoing issues inside the Anglican church will dominate much of their legacy. And the Puritans take center stage. Join us each Wednesday at 6:30pm on www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology/streams

CHT | S1E45: A Century of Changes (the 1600s) Mar 8, 2023 1:22:15 Whether the Synod of Dordt, the English Civil War, the age of colonization of the New World, the Thirty Years War, or the dawn of the Age of Reason; no matter what part of the 1600s you focus on, you will witness significant cultural and religious upheavals that affect Church History and its Theology for centuries to come. Join us each Wednesday on Youtube at 6:30pm ET!

CHT | S1E44: Church of England, Puritans, KJV Feb 22, 2023 1:01:16

CHT | S1E43: The Radical Reformations and Anabaptists Feb 15, 2023 1:12:06

CHT | S1E42: The Catholic Reformations and Responses Feb 8, 2023 1:15:18

CHT | S1E41: The Theology of the Reformations Jan 25, 2023 1:35:58

CHT | S1E40: John Calvin and the Genevan Reformation Jan 18, 2023 1:18:31

CHT | S1E39: The English Reformation Dec 21, 2022 1:18:44

CHT | S1E38: Zwingli and Melanchthon: Theology Dec 14, 2022 1:29:30

CHT | S1E37: Martin Luther Dec 7, 2022 1:36:06

CHT | S1E36: The Reformations Nov 30, 2022 1:31:09

CHT | S1E35: Renaissance and Reformation Nov 9, 2022 1:24:16

CHT | S1E34: The Pre-Reformations Nov 2, 2022 1:22:10

CHT | S1E33: Conciliarism and Papal Schism Oct 26, 2022 1:30:31