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.