Tag: Church History

Reviews

“A History of Evangelism in North America” edited by Thomas P. Johnston – A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

A History of Evangelism in North America is a collection of essays by various authors edited by Thomas P. Johnston. The goal of this collection is simple: “The goal was to offer a breadth of concurrent evangelism methodologies, which in some cases includes considerable interactions between the subjects. The result portrays God’s oversight of evangelism as North American Christians sought to obey Christ’s Great Commission in their generation.” This collection of biographical sketches and historic movements rekindles one’s passion in evangelism. I received a free copy of this collection from the publisher, Kregel Publications, in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews

“Irenaeus on the Christian Faith: A Condensation of Against Heresies” by James Payton, Jr. — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

Irenaeus on the Christian Faith is James Payton’s condensation of the church father’s magnum opus, Against Heresies. Irenaeus, a theologian of the second century, presents a defense and presentation of the Christian faith against Gnosticism. In Book I of Against Heresies, Irenaeus painstakingly describes the gnostic teaching. He responds negatively in Book II by offering a thorough refutation. He then responds positively in Books III-V by presenting what Christians believe from the Apostles’ Teachings (Book III) and from the words of Christ (Book IV). Book V serves as an addendum, where Irenaeus adds “further teaching” from Christ and the Apostles. James Payton finds Irenaeus’ presentation of the Christian faith beneficial and edifying even for believers who are a couple millennia removed from the dangers of first century Gnosticism.

Reviews

“The Church: The Gospel Made Visible” by Mark Dever

L. Jared Garcia

In The Church, Dever’s premise is that “wrong ecclesial teaching and practices obscure the gospel while right ecclesial teaching and practices clarify it” (Loc 103). Furthermore, Dever argues that the Bible is sufficient for life and doctrine, including practical ecclesiology through clear commands or reasoning from biblical principles (Loc 191). For example, the practices of… Continue reading “The Church: The Gospel Made Visible” by Mark Dever

Research

Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 3

L. Jared Garcia

This is now part 3 of 4 on a mini-series of posts introducing the worship practices of the early church. I have introduced the idea that the worship in the early church—though different from today’s forms, methods, and procedures—remains the same in its essential activities. This is true in at least three major areas: the… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 3

Research

Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 2

L. Jared Garcia

In the previous post, I introduced the idea that the worship in the early church—though different from today's forms, methods, and procedures—remains the same in its essential activities. This is true in at least three major areas: the day of worship, the place of worship, and the elements of worship. Previously, I introduced the day… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 2