Looking Ahead to September: God at Work After Pentecost
As August draws to a close, I am looking forward to beginning a new Monday series in September. For the past several months, our Monday studies have focused on theophanies—those significant moments when God revealed Himself in Scripture.
We have also been considering the truth that God is active in human history, working through His people and accomplishing His purposes.
Beginning in September, our Monday series will continue that theme by moving from the of theophanies into the history of the early church.
The new series, “God at Work After Pentecost: The Early Church,” will trace the story of Christianity from Pentecost, approximately AD 30, through the conversion of Constantine and the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire in AD 326.
The book of Acts gives us the beginning of this story. The Holy Spirit came upon the believers, the gospel spread from Jerusalem into the surrounding regions, and the church continued to grow despite opposition, persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom.
But the story did not end when the biblical record of Acts concluded.
God continued to work through the ordinary faithfulness of pastors, teachers, missionaries, martyrs, parents, and congregations.
The early Christians faced false teaching, political pressure, cultural opposition, and internal struggles. Yet the gospel continued to advance.
This series will explore how God sustained His church during those early centuries. We will look at important events, influential leaders, difficult challenges, and the ways Christians remained faithful to Christ in changing times.
The purpose will not simply be to review historical facts. Church history reminds us that Christianity is not merely an idea or a private belief. It is the continuing story of God’s work in the world through the people who belong to Jesus Christ.
Women of Faith in Church History
Along with the Monday studies, I will also be introducing a feature highlighting Christian women in history.
Throughout the centuries, God has used women in many different ways—as evangelists, missionaries, teachers, writers, hymn writers, pastors’ wives, mothers, educators, reformers, and servants of the poor and suffering.
Their stories deserve to be remembered, not because every person was perfect, but because God often works through imperfect people who are willing to trust and serve Him.
One of the women we will consider is Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, the evangelist and founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
Known for her energetic preaching and innovative use of radio and other forms of communication, she ministered during a period when many people were searching for hope, healing, and spiritual direction.
Her story includes both significant accomplishments and difficult controversies. As with every historical figure, we should examine her life carefully and thoughtfully. Even so, her ministry offers an opportunity to consider the ways Christian leaders have used the opportunities available in their own time to proclaim the gospel.
Sister Aimee will be one of several Christian women whose lives and ministries we will explore. Some will be well known, while others may be new to many readers. Together, their stories will remind us that faithful Christian service has taken many forms and that God has worked through women in every generation.
Continuing Features
The Sunday Morning Bible Study will continue each week. These studies will remain a place to slow down, read Scripture carefully, and consider how God’s Word applies to our lives today.
The blog will also continue featuring midweek articles about:
Christian leaders and historical figures
Significant books and authors
Hymns and the stories behind them
Christian women whose faith influenced the church
Lessons from church history and the lives of believers
These recurring features provide opportunities to learn from the past while seeking to live faithfully in the present.
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
The fOld Testament history of God work will continue in Joshua and then move on to Judges and the following books of history. Our new study of he history of the early church may seem like a significant change, but the central theme remains the same:
God is at work in history.
He worked through Israel’s battles, answered prayer, and fulfilled His promises. He worked through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He worked through the early believers as they carried the gospel into the world.
And He continues to work today.
The church has faced many challenges throughout its history, but Christ has remained faithful to His promise:
“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”—Matthew 16:18, KJV
As we begin this new series in September, I invite you to join me in looking at the early centuries of Christianity. We will remember those who came before us, learn from their faithfulness and failures, and consider what their stories teach us about following Christ in our own generation.
Thank you for reading, studying, and walking through these biblical and historical themes with me. I look forward to continuing this journey together.
September will begin a new chapter: “God at Work After Pentecost: The Early Church.”
Comments