Building the Church: A Journey Through History

 

Summary

In our journey through church history, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the one who builds His church, a church that the gates of hell will not overcome. This is a story that spans continents and centuries, from the Middle East and Africa to the Western world, and it is a story that is still being written today. As we delve into the Middle Ages, often referred to as the Dark Ages, we uncover the vibrant and diverse history of the church, a history that is not solely Western but deeply rooted in the global spread of Christianity.

We explored the lives of saints like Ansgar, the Apostle of the North, and Brigid of Kildare, who played pivotal roles in spreading the gospel in Europe. Their stories remind us of the organic growth of the early church, where faith was shared through personal relationships and communities, transcending cultural and gender barriers. However, as the church transitioned from a persecuted minority to a state religion under Constantine, it faced new challenges. The era of councils and creeds sought to define orthodoxy and combat heresies, but it also led to divisions, such as the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches.

The church's history is marked by both triumphs and failures. The Crusades, initially intended to protect pilgrims, became a period of violence and bloodshed. Yet, amidst the corruption and control, God continued to work through individuals and communities. The church's story is one of resilience, where saints like Joan of Arc and Thomas Becket stood as beacons of faith.

Today, we are reminded that the church is not a building or an institution but a community of believers united by faith in Jesus. Our mission is to invite others to see Jesus alive in us and to follow Him. As we navigate a world where nominal Christianity is fading, we are called to be authentic followers of Jesus, living out our faith in a way that reflects His kingdom. This is our story, a story of belonging to the eternal church, a story of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Global Roots of Christianity: Christianity's origins are deeply rooted in the Middle East and Africa, reminding us that it is not a Western religion. The early church spread organically through personal relationships and communities, transcending cultural and gender barriers. This global perspective enriches our understanding of the church's history and challenges us to embrace the diversity of the body of Christ. [36:30]

2. The Role of Councils and Creeds: The councils and creeds of the early church sought to define orthodoxy and combat heresies. While they played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine, they also led to divisions, such as the Great Schism. This history teaches us the importance of unity in the church and the need to hold fast to the core truths of our faith. [45:54]

3. The Impact of Constantine: Constantine's conversion to Christianity marked a significant turning point in church history. While he embraced Christianity, his reign also highlighted the dangers of merging church and state. This period reminds us of the need to maintain the purity of the gospel and to resist the temptation to use faith as a tool for political power. [48:41]

4. The Great Schism and Its Lessons: The Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches was a result of cultural, linguistic, and theological differences. This division serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and dialogue in addressing disagreements within the church. It calls us to seek unity in diversity and to celebrate the richness of our shared faith. [52:47]

5. The Call to Authentic Discipleship: As nominal Christianity fades, we are called to be authentic followers of Jesus. Our mission is to invite others to see Jesus alive in us and to follow Him. This requires a deep commitment to living out our faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God, embracing both the intellectual and mysterious aspects of our faith. [01:06:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Church History
- [02:15] - The Global Spread of Christianity
- [05:00] - Saints of the Middle Ages
- [08:45] - Organic Growth of the Early Church
- [12:30] - Constantine and the State Church
- [16:00] - Councils and Creeds
- [20:00] - The Great Schism
- [24:00] - The Crusades and Their Impact
- [28:00] - Saints Amidst Corruption
- [32:00] - The Call to Authentic Discipleship
- [36:00] - The Church's Mission Today
- [40:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
2. Acts 15:6-11 - The Council at Jerusalem
3. John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the key figures mentioned in the sermon who played a role in spreading Christianity during the Middle Ages? [36:30]

2. How did the early church spread according to the sermon, and what role did personal relationships play in this growth? [40:37]

3. What was the significance of the Council of Nicaea, and what was its main declaration about Jesus? [48:41]

4. What were the main issues that led to the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches? [52:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that the global roots of Christianity challenge the perception of it being a Western religion? [40:37]

2. In what ways did Constantine's conversion to Christianity impact the church, both positively and negatively? [48:41]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of councils and creeds in shaping Christian doctrine, and what lessons can be learned about unity and division in the church? [45:54]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of authentic discipleship in today's world, especially as nominal Christianity fades? [01:06:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the global roots of Christianity. How can you embrace and celebrate the diversity of the body of Christ in your own community? [40:37]

2. Considering the impact of Constantine's reign, how can you ensure that your faith remains pure and not influenced by political or societal pressures? [48:41]

3. The Great Schism was a result of cultural and theological differences. How can you practice humility and dialogue in addressing disagreements within your own church community? [52:47]

4. The sermon calls for authentic discipleship. What specific steps can you take to live out your faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God? [01:06:17]

5. How can you invite others to see Jesus alive in you, and what actions can you take to be a more authentic follower of Jesus in your daily life? [01:06:17]

6. Reflect on the role of personal relationships in the early church's growth. How can you use your personal relationships to share your faith organically? [40:37]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of unity in the church. What practical steps can you take to promote unity and avoid division in your church community? [45:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Christianity's Global Heritage
Christianity's roots are deeply embedded in the Middle East and Africa, challenging the misconception that it is a Western religion. The early church spread organically through personal relationships and communities, transcending cultural and gender barriers. This global perspective enriches our understanding of the church's history and challenges us to embrace the diversity of the body of Christ. By recognizing the diverse origins of our faith, we can appreciate the richness and depth of the Christian tradition and be inspired to foster inclusivity and unity within our own communities. [36:30]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and celebrate the diversity of the global church in your daily life and interactions with others?


Day 2: Unity Through Councils and Creeds
The councils and creeds of the early church played a crucial role in defining orthodoxy and combating heresies. While they helped shape Christian doctrine, they also led to divisions, such as the Great Schism. This history teaches us the importance of unity in the church and the need to hold fast to the core truths of our faith. By understanding the role of these councils and creeds, we can appreciate the efforts made to preserve the integrity of the Christian message and be reminded of the ongoing need for unity and dialogue within the church. [45:54]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to unity and understanding within your church community, especially when disagreements arise?


Day 3: The Cautionary Tale of Constantine
Constantine's conversion to Christianity marked a significant turning point in church history. While he embraced Christianity, his reign also highlighted the dangers of merging church and state. This period reminds us of the need to maintain the purity of the gospel and to resist the temptation to use faith as a tool for political power. By reflecting on Constantine's impact, we can be vigilant in ensuring that our faith remains genuine and untainted by external influences that seek to exploit it for personal or political gain. [48:41]

"Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'" (John 18:36, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your faith remains pure and untainted by worldly influences or political agendas?


Day 4: Lessons from the Great Schism
The Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches was a result of cultural, linguistic, and theological differences. This division serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and dialogue in addressing disagreements within the church. It calls us to seek unity in diversity and to celebrate the richness of our shared faith. By learning from the Great Schism, we can strive to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where differences are acknowledged and embraced rather than leading to division. [52:47]

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to promote humility and dialogue in your interactions with those who hold different theological or cultural perspectives?


Day 5: The Call to Authentic Discipleship
As nominal Christianity fades, we are called to be authentic followers of Jesus. Our mission is to invite others to see Jesus alive in us and to follow Him. This requires a deep commitment to living out our faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God, embracing both the intellectual and mysterious aspects of our faith. By committing to authentic discipleship, we can be a living testimony of Christ's love and grace, inspiring others to seek a genuine relationship with Him. [01:06:17]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to live out your faith authentically and invite others to see Jesus in you?

Quotes


Jesus grows the church which he birthed through the Spirit of God. Jesus actually said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not destroy us. The church is growing throughout the world. And we are looking back at some of our roots, some of the echoes, some of the history so that we remember that God is alive, has always been alive, and has always been working. [00:34:13] (42 seconds)


Because the church did not start in the West. It started in the Middle East and Africa. And because of their obedience to Jesus, the West was converted. So it's not just the church. It's not a Western religion. But we pretend that it is, and we think it is. So learn your church history. Learn all about it. [00:35:45] (22 seconds)


Division in the church is worse than war. You see, Constantine embraced Christianity, and he wanted Christianity to... He wanted it to be the sole religion of the empire. He knew that if there was division in religion, there was not a wholehearted allegiance to the emperor. [00:47:36] (34 seconds)


If Christianity was to serve the empire, however, it had to have one faith. And so this council of Nicaea was there. The age of the emperors was an age of creeds and a creed tells us what to believe. Creeds were the instrument of conformity. You got it? We believe. In these things. [00:48:41] (26 seconds)


After the schism, we had the Crusades. Remember the Crusades? Anyone who's... I've done a little bit of history. Now, originally, the Crusades were meant to keep pilgrims safe as they journeyed from Europe down to Israel. That was their original purpose, to keep them safe. [00:57:38] (22 seconds)


But the truth is, throughout the Western Europe at that stage you could go into any church and it would be exactly the same, whether you were in Denmark, whether you were in Germany, whether you were in France, or England. Exactly the same. And all in Latin. How can you have a personal relationship with Jesus? [00:59:09] (26 seconds)


Remember, we people are the church. Salvation comes from God alone and our faith in Jesus. We owe a lot to the history that's gone before us. But most of all, we belong to Jesus. Remember, religion says do. This, the disciples say, come and see Jesus. [01:06:13] (28 seconds)


The period of nominalism and calling yourself Christian is past. It's much harder today to call yourself a Jesus follower. Than ever in Australia. Those who went because it was the right thing to do, tradition, have stopped going. But we, the followers of Jesus, gather and will gather. [01:07:24] (26 seconds)


Whether in secret in Iran, whether in a hidden place in China, whether Palestinians and Israeli Christians worship together, or we openly can worship today, we belong. We belong to the church, eternal. The saints before us, the saints after us. This is our story. This is our God, our saviour, our Jesus. [01:08:03] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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