Tag Archives: #Bible

Christian Church History

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In a post not too long ago, I mentioned that I’m deeply involved in Bible studies-such as theology and the early Christian church history and other history research. In the latter for example, I’m focusing much on ancient cultural backgrounds; including the Old Testament and New Testament.

What led me to do a deep dive study in early Christianity history was a YouTube video by AOC Network. The channel has a video on the early Christians and it inspired me and deeply moved me to learn more about Christians in the first and second century AD. I approached my father about this subject and we talked about specifics and he handed me a book, Church History in Plain English by Bruce L. Shelley. He also printed off summaries of information on several saints during that time. I believe from his Logos  Bible study subscription. Such a great resource that many ministers, students of theology and laypeople use. Logos in Greek means word. I also asked him if he could give me more information on the Reformers. Since then I have added quite a few books about the Reformers to my reading pile. That subject is for other blog post topics.

As I started reading Church History in Plain English and read about the Saints, I felt a strong feeling of emotion within me and I began to other sources of research on the Christian Orthodox Church. I look forward to sharing more of my spiritual journey with you all in this endeavor. For now, check out the book description for Church History in Plain English and another book on, The Religion of the Apostles (Orthodox Christianity in the First Century) by Stephen De Young I have added to my to-read pile.Many of you might be inspired to check them out.

Stephanie Hopkins

God Bless

Church History in Plain English by Bruce L. Shelley

With more than 275,000 copies sold, this is the story of the Church for today’s readers. The third edition of Shelley’s classic one-volume history of the church brings the story of Christianity into the twenty-first century. This latest edition of the book takes a close look at the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity in the southern hemisphere, addresses the decline in traditional mainline denominations, examines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospel, and discusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world.

The concise book provides an easy-to-read guide to church history, with intellectual substance. The new edition of Church History in Plain Language promises to be the new standard for readable Church History.

The Religion of the Apostles (Orthodox Christianity in the First Century) by Stephen De Young

Rev. Dr. Stephen De Young, creator of the popular The Whole Counsel of God blog and podcast, traces the lineage of Orthodox Christianity back to the faith and witness of the apostles, which was rooted in a first-century Jewish worldview. The Religion of the Apostles presents the Orthodox Christian Church of today as a continuation of the religious life of the apostles, which in turn was a continuation of the life of the people of God since the beginning of creation.

Christian Theology

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In my last blog post, I mentioned that I was deeply involved in Bible studies-such as theology and the early Christian church history and other history research. In the latter, I meant to say my additional research, or study if you will, was centered on ancient cultural backgrounds. Last year I was gifted by my father the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. This is my third study Bible I have acquired and I am thrilled to have this edition to my growing theology library. My father also gifted me the Holman Illustrated Guild to Biblical Geography (reading the Land) by Paul H, Wright. In addition, I am blessed to be studying from my father’s theology library as well. Including his NIV commentaries of each book of the Bible.

When I was a child my first Bible was the King James version and on June 14, 1994, I received my first NIV study Bible from my parents. That particular version is the NIV Disciple’s Study Bible.

What I love about the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible I was gifted last year, is a richer look behind the scenes that I was looking for with my current Bible studies. I will most likely acquire the New King James version at some point in time. I can’t wait! Another version I want to read is the Geneva Bible. This Bible is significant of the Bible into English during the 16th century English Protestantism. Thankfully my father has a copy.

Recently I’ve also started to use my Bible App as another form of Bible reading. To listen through the Bible in a year and then repeat every year. At times, I will read along with one of my Bibles. I find that helps me with staying in the word and memorization. Other tools that help me for a better understanding during my Bible studies and research are the Oxford Bible Atlas and Holman’s Bible Dictionary. In a later post I will be sharing other theological and cultural books I’m studying from. If you are interested in historical backgrounds and a better or deeper understanding of context, I highly recommend the books above to start with.

Stephanie Hopkins

Christian Theology

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It has been quite a while since I’ve last read books on Christian Theology and I feel even more compelled today to come back to this genre.

I’m curious about the books I have listed below and will be reading them at some point in time. Have you heard of these books? Have you read any of them?

The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission (Biblical Theology for Life) by Christopher J. H. Wright

In, The Mission of God’s People, Wright shows how God’s big-picture plan directs the purpose of God’s people, the church. Wright emphasizes what the Old Testament teaches Christians about being the people of God. He addresses questions of both ecclesiology and missiology with topics like “called to care for creation,” “called to bless the nations,” “sending and being sent,” and “rejecting false gods.” As part of the Biblical Theology for Life Series, this book provides pastors, teachers, and lay learners with first-rate biblical study while at the same time addressing the practical concerns of contemporary ministry. The Mission of God’s People promises to enliven and refocus the study, teaching, and ministry of those truly committed to joining God’s work in the world.

Far as the Curse Is Found: The Covenant Story of Redemption by Michael D. Williams

God’s covenant with his people is an unfolding historical drama with personal and earthly dimensions that are often overlooked. In this study of the meaning and scope of the covenant, Michael D. Williams highlights the goodness of the physical realm and God’s redemptive intentions for his creation.

The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink

This classic work of Arthur W. Pink invites readers to discover the truth about seventeen attributes of God, including his sovereignty, immutability, patience, love, faithfulness, and much more.

More about The Attributes of God:

Bible scholar Arthur W. Pink became a prolific and highly influential evangelical author over the course of the twentieth century, beginning with his monthly magazine Studies in Scriptures. Many of his books began as articles in this small publication, including The Attributes of God. In this work, Pink sets out to reveal the true character of God. He believes that in order to truly know God, we must first submit to God and follow in his footsteps. The people that do know their God shall be strong (Dan. 11:32).

It is the author’s hope that those who listen to these words shall be blessed and see their lives transformed by the power of God.