Church History Seminar How To Form A Local Historical Society

Why Establish a local Christian Church Historical Society? 1. The study of the history of the Christian church will please the Lord.  Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. 2. The study of the history of the Christian church will demonstrate the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men.  Psalms 2. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. 3. The study of Church history will encourage the heart in times of distress and persecution. The Definition of Faith  Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

The Faith of Abraham and Sara  8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. The Faith of Isaac and Jacob  20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. The Faith of Joseph  22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. The Faith of Moses  24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith

they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. The Faith of Joshua and Rahab  30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. The Faith of Saints in General  32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 4. The study of church history will provide a different perspective on many religious practices both past and present. 5. The study of church history will reveal the origin of specific doctrines and the great issues that were at stake in the formulation of the creeds of Christendom. 6. The study of church history will instill a desire to leave a verbal legacy to the next generation.  Psalms 44:1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. 7. The study of church history will help to understand what other professing Christians believe and why they believe what they do. 8. The study of church history will trace the origin of the great doctrines of the faith as well as the heresies that they combated.

9. The study of church history will bring a renewed appreciation of the trials and tribulations that so many endured in order for the Church of the twentieth century to endure. 10. The study of church history will help the heart to remember to prepare for eternity by revealing how short time is.  James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

The Story of the Christian Church Historical Society Organizational Plan for the Local Community

I. Write Out a Purpose Statement  Example: The purpose of this Christian Church history society is to seek to discover what God has done in the lives of His people through that most glorious of all institutions, the Church. II. Welcome Others  Invite all who have a common interest in church history whatever their denominational affiliation might be. Note. The Story of the Christian Church Historical Society will not be the place to try and solve all of the theological problems of the ages. Rather, The Society is designed to understand how different doctrines, views, and religious practices originated. With that goal in mind a tremendous service can be done to the body of Christ as professing Christians begin to relate to each other in a new way. To understand others is not to endorse all that is said and done but to allow the heart to be gracious while contending for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. III. General Guidelines  Meetings should be informal and non-threatening in a relaxed family type of atmosphere. A home would be ideal.  Meetings should be held on a scheduled and regular basis. Once a month is suggested.  At least ninety minutes should be allotted for this meeting.  A presiding leader(s) should be designated along with a vice president, secretary and treasurer.  A simple format should be followed.  Opening (allow 15 minutes)  Song (optional)  Scripture Reading  Prayer  Introduction of the presentation for the evening  Main presentation (allow 45 minutes)  Cassette tape  Video  Book review

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Combination of video segment with handout (questions and answers) Guest speaker Research paper General discussion

 Announcement of next meeting: time, place, and topic.  Closing Prayer  Refreshments (allow 30 minutes) IV. Finances  In order to purchase material for the meetings and establish a resource library a free will offering could be taken and placed into an established account with a monthly or quarterly statement given. V. Resources Available  Books (free) A Glorious Institution: The Church in History (Vol 1.) From the Apostles to the Outbreak of the Reformation. A study guide is available. A Glorious Institution: The Church in History (Vol 2.) From the Reformation to the Modern Era. A study guide is available. A New Covenant for the Church: A Survey of the New Testament. A study guide is available. The Great Tribulation: A Historical Reality: A Study of Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 Note. You may request these works directly from the publishers: Mt. Zion Publication 2603 Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 or by writing to Stan Murrell, 833 Hawk Valley Drive, Leechburg, PA 15656 / 412-443-7851 / [email protected] The Sovereign Grace New Testament in Summary Note. This work which traces the doctrines of grace in the New Testament has been translated into English, Russian, Romanian and Spanish. All the works are offered free of charge and postage paid. For a free copy write to Stan Murrell, 833 Hawk Valley Drive, Leechburg, PA 15656 / 412-443-7851 / [email protected]

A CD with all of these writings and over 97 titles is offered.  Books to be Purchased  Videos to be Purchased  Seminar Speaker based on a Free Will Offering See details below for a Christian Church Seminar  CD (free)  Links to web sites The Hall of Church History http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/hall.htm

What is Church History? Church history is the study of important individuals, special events, and major institutions in the visible Church of Jesus Christ down through the ages. The New Testament expression of the Church began with unusual power on the day of Pentecost, when the Lord was pleased to add great numbers to the body of believers in His name. People then began to organize themselves, for the purpose of carrying on the various ministries ordained by Christ during His time on earth. These ministries include the edification of the saints, and fulfilling the great commission to make disciples of all nations (Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:19-20). As the Church grew in power and prestige, various institutions were created to facilitate its work. Unfortunately, the world, the flesh, and the devil infiltrated the principles and practices of the kingdom. False doctrines were taught and embraced; truth and error became mixed. The Church’s struggle for spiritual survival became desperate, as the historical narrative reveals. However, despite all the assaults on the Church pat and present, it remains a glorious institution. How God has protected His people is part of The Story of the Christian Church Seminars. What is The Story of the Christian Church Seminars? These seminars are designed to share what the Lord has done with particular people, places, and events within the vast history of the Church. It is custom tailored to the interests and needs of your particular group, brought to your location, and delivered at a time and place of your choosing. Such a seminar can be aimed at different audiences:  members of the local church, for their edification  the local community as part of an outreach to unchurched neighbors  sponsorship in co-operation with several churches together, for mutual encouragement (Church history often is an area upon which different local churches can unite).  a topic (or topics) from over 50 subjects available can be selected to match the needs of your particular group. Important truths can be brought out from the historical lessons, and applied to today. Financial Arrangements. The Story of the Christian Church Seminar is conducted on the basis of a free will offering.

Please pray often for our time together

PART ONE

SUGGESTED GENERAL TOPICS TO BUILD A CHURCH SEMINAR AROUND Each lecture is designed to be about 45 minutes in length  A History of the Second Coming  American Revolution  Anabaptist:The Radical Reformation  Assisi: Francis of  Augustine  Baptist, The  Bernard of Clairvaux  Bible: How We Got Our Bible  Booth, William and Catherine  Bunyan, John  Calvin, John  Camp Meetings and Circuit Riders  Carey, William  Christianity and the Civil War  Chrysostom, John  Columbus and Christianity  Comenius, Jan Amos  Converting the Empire  Cranmer, Thomas  Crusades, The  Celtic Christians: A History  Edwards, Jonathan

 Everyday Faith in the Middle Ages  Finney, Charles Grandison  Heresy in the Early Church  Jesus of Nazareth  Knox, John: The Thundering Scot  Lewis, C.S.  Livingstone, David  Luther, Martin  Money in Christian History  Moody, D. L.  Orthodox Christianity: History of  Orthodoxy, Eastern  Paul, the Apostle and His Times  Persecution in the Early Church  Pietism  Puritans: The American Puritans  Russia: A Millennium of Christianity  The Rise of Fundamentalism  Slavery and Christianity  Slavery and Christianity  Spiritual Awakenings: North America  Spurgeon, Charles Haddon  Taylor, Hudson  The Testimony of the Early Church  Tyndale, William  Waldensians  Wesley, John  Whitefield, George  Wiberforce, William  Women in the Early Church

 Women in the Medieval Church  Wycliffe, John  Zinzendorf and the Moravians  Zwingli,Ulrich

PART TWO VIDEO FILMS Many of the lectures are designed to be accompanied by an appropriate film or an overhead presentation Film Minutes Film Minutes  A.D. 360  America’s Great Awakening 37  An Empire Conquered 52  Bonhoffer, Dietrich 60  Bunyan, John 30  Carey, William 56  Comenius 73  Cromwell 139  First Fruits 60  Huss, John 55  Jesus of Nazareth 371  Luther, Martin 120  Midnight Cry, The 90  Othodox Christianity 90  Paul, I 26  Peter and Paul 194  Radicals, The 100  Shadowlands 73

 Spurgeon Tonight 56  Standing in the Storm 60  Taylor, Hudson 85  Trials of the Early Church 180  Tyndale, William 90  Wesley, John 30  Wilberforce, William 35  Wrestling With God 100  Wycliffe, John 175  Zwingli and Calvin 28

PART THREE DISCUSSION Handouts will be given when appropriate Ten to twenty minutes should be allowed for this segment

CONFIRMATION Please print all information Church: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Pastor: ______________________________________________________________________ Date of seminar(s):_____________________________________________________________ Title of lecture(s):______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Time of seminar(s):____________________________________________________________

Specific directions to site:____________________________________________

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Will you be able to supply the following?  

Overhead Projector: Yes No

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VCR: Yes No

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TV: Yes No

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Extension Cord: Yes No

Financial Arrangements: The Story of the Christian Church seminars are conducted on the basis of a free will offering. Please pray often for our time together A BRIEF SUMMARY OF SEMINAR FILMS AMERICA’S GREAT AWAKENING This program recreates the fire of George Whitefield, the zeal of Samuel Davies, and their pursuit of the rights to worship according to one’s conscience and convictions. (37 minutes) AD The earliest experiences of the Christian church after the ascension of Christ are dramatized in this series dealing with events AD 30-69. (360 minutes) AN EMPIRED CONQUERED The early days of Christians in Rome were both thrilling and treacherous. This program follows five disciples of Christ who were severely persecuted and martyred for their beliefs. (52 minutes) BONHOFFER, DIETRICH Realizing the dangers of the Nazi threat, this young German pastor became a leader in the Confessing Church and a member of an underground movement to overthrow Hitler. The result was his martyrdom. (60 minutes) BUNYAN, JOHN This authentic sample of 17th century preaching by Puritans re-enacts the preaching of Bunyan. (30 minutes)

CAREY, WILLIAM Often called "The Father of Modern Missions" the life of William Carey is retold. (56 minutes) COMENIUS The struggles and triumphs in the life of this mighty figure in the history of the Church is retold. (73 minutes) CROMWELL Richard Harris stars in this historical epic as Oliver Cromwell who rose to be the "Lord Protector" of England and influenced the course of Western Civilization. (139 minutes) FIRST FRUITS Under the leadership of Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, the Moravians launched the modern Protestant mission movement.

HUSS, JOHN Committed to Christ, John Huss paid the ultimate price to advance the cause of the kingdom. (55 minutes) JESUS OF NAZARETH The life of Christ is faithfully portrayed. (371 minutes) LUTHER, MARTIN The life of Luther is reconstructed in this dramatic drama, Here I Stand. (120 minutes) MIDNIGHT CRY, THE In the fall of 1844, several thousand American were convinced by the preaching of William Miller that the world would be destroyed at the second coming of Christ which was to take place on October 22, 1844. That period in history is recreated. (102 minutes) ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY There are between 180 and 215 million Orthodox Christians around the world. The life, teachings, and traditions of the Orthodox Christians are considered in this presentation. (90 minutes) PAUL, I From a prison cell, Paul gave to Timothy and the world the principles of discipleship. (26 minutes) PETER AND PAUL

Though Peter was crucified and Paul was beheaded, they became pillars of the Christian Church and Western civilization. (194 minutes) RADICALS, THE The orgins and agony of the Anabaptist in 16th century Europe is presented. (100 minutes) SHADOWLANDS A biography of C.S. Lewis (73 minutes) SPURGEON TONIGHT This film documents the life and message of the "Prince of Preachers." (56 minutes)

STANDING IN THE STORM The story of J.A. Comenius, "The Father of Modern Education." (60 minutes) TAYLOR, HUDSON The early years of Hudson Taylor’s life is reconstructed from his arrival in Shangai to the death of his first wife Maria. (85 minutes) TRAIL AND TESTIMONY OF THE EARLY CHURCH From the times of Christ to Constantine the very existence of the Church was threatened as this documentary demonstrates. (180 minutes) TYNDALE, WILLIAM A true story of heroism and betrayal. (90 minutes) WESLEY, JOHN The powerful preaching of John Wesley helped to bring revival to a troubled nation. (30 minutes) WILBERFORCE, WILLIAM Wilberforce was used of the Lord to help abolish slavery in 18th century Britain. (35 minutes) WRESTLING WITH GOD Alexander Campbell sought to rediscover God’s truth in the "Restoration Movement." (100 minutes) WYClIFFE, JOHN John Wycliffe was driven by a desire to give the common people the Scriptures in their own language. (75 minutes)

ZWINGLI AND CALVIN The Swiss Reformation was led by these two great men of God. (28 minutes)

About the seminar leader Stanford E. Murrell has been a student of history for several years reflected in several earned degrees. He now lives with his wife in Apollo, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), where he is pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. His published works include The New Covenant: A Survey of the New Testament and, A Glorious Institution: The Church in History (two volumes) published by Mount Zion Publications 2603 W. Wright St. Pensacola, Florida 32505. Phone: (850) 438-6666. A Study Guide and correspondence course is available for each work. These books are available free of charge upon request.