June 26, 2005

The Body of Christ

History of the Church
Steve Lane

A. Review

Gossip, Doctrine, Pragmatism

B. Introduction

From the very beginning...
Acts 7: 54 - 8: 3

2 Kings 14: 4, 15: 4, 35
High Places

Idols: Anything I hold up that is an answer to my problem

Struggle and the necessity of suffering

John 15: 20
If they persecuted Me they will persecute you also

Matthew 5: 10
Persecuted because of righteousness

1 Corinthians 4: 12 - 13
2 Thessalonians 3: 4
2 Timothy 3: 12
Everyone who wants to live in a righteous life will be persecuted

Hebrews 11: 37

C. Overview: 33 AD - 370 AD

54 - 68
Nero
The great fire of Rome [64]

64 - 313
Revelation 2: 10
The church emerged from each wave more powerful and vibrant - while the mighty Roman empire continued its steady decline

Paul beheaded; Peter crucified

Jerusalem destroyed along with the temple in 70 AD

Domitia [81 - 96]

Justine Martyr, Polycarp, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Orengen

Roman and Byzantium (Nova Roma)

Contantine --> Constantinople (New Rome)

D. Pragmatism

"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church."
-Tertullian [196 AD]

Justine Martyr [150 AD]

Polycarp - Bishop of Smyrna [156 AD]
"Your fire burns for an hour and goes out, but the fire of coming judgement burns for eternity."

Perptua from Carthage in North Africa [203 AD]
"We were condemned to the beast, and we returned to the prison in high spirits."

"We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses."