Ambrose of Milan, Part 5: The Bishop and the Throne (The History of Christianity Podcast #146)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #146, titled, “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 5): The Bishop and the Throne.

Our Scripture for today is Daniel 2:21 which reads: “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Ignatius of Antioch. He said: “It is right, therefore, that we not just be called Christians, but that we actually be Christians.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 5): The Bishop and the Throne” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

Eventually, with the apparent connivance of Justina, Maximus invaded Valentinian’s [VAH-LEN-TIN-EE-UHN’s] territories. Part of the arrangement was probably that Maximus would rid the empress of the annoying bishop of Milan [MEE-LAHN]. But the Eastern emperor, Theodosius [THEE-UH-DOH-SHEE-UHS], intervened and defeated Maximus. When Valentinian [VAH-LEN-TIN-EE-UHN] was killed, probably by some who sought his power, Theodosius [THEE-UH-DOH-SHEE-UHS] intervened once again, and thus became sole ruler of the empire.

Ambrose of Milan, Part 3: An Unexpected Election (The History of Christianity Podcast #144)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #144, titled, “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 3): An Unexpected Election.”

Our Scripture for today is Romans 15:4 which reads: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Jerome. He said: “Let the divine scripture be always in your hands, and give yourself so frequently to prayer that such shafts of evil thoughts as ever assail the young may thereby find a shield to repel them.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 3): An Unexpected Election” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

Ambrose of Milan, Part 2: An Unexpected Election (The History of Christianity Podcast #143)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #143, titled, “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 2): An Unexpected Election.”

Our Scripture for today is Psalm 78:2-4 which reads: “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Tertullian [TER-TUHL-LEE-AHN]. He said: “The more often we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is seed.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Ambrose [AM-BROZE] of Milan [MEE-LAHN] (Part 2): An Unexpected Election” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

The Great Cappadocians, Part 6: Gregory of Nyssa (The History of Christianity Podcast #138)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #138, titled, “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 6): Gregory of Nyssa.”

Our Scripture for today is 1 Corinthians 12:13 which reads: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Charles E. Fuller. He said: “To know the Word of God, to live the Word of God, to preach the Word, to teach the Word, is the sum of all wisdom, the heart of all Christian service.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 6): Gregory of Nyssa [NISSA]” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

Although he was a quiet and humble person, his writings show the inner fire of his spirit. And his careful explications of Nicene doctrine contributed to its triumph in Constantinople.

After that great council, Emperor Theodosius [THE-UH-DOH-SHUS] took him as one of his main advisors in theological matters, and Gregory was thus forced to travel throughout the empire, and even to Arabia and Mesopotamia. Although there was great value in this work, Gregory always saw it as a hindrance, keeping him away from the life of contemplation.

Finally, being assured that the Nicene cause was firmly established, Gregory returned to the monastic life, hoping that the world would leave him alone. In this he was so successful that the date and circumstances of his death are not known.

Next time, we will begin looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 7): Gregory of Nazianzus [NAH-ZEE-ANN-ZEE-NAHS].”

Let’s pray.

—PRAYER—

Dear friend, simply knowing the facts about Christian history without knowing the One on Whom this faith is based will do you no good. If you do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, may I encourage you to get to know Him today. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can be a part of the church in this life and in the life to come. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Until next time, remember that history is truly His story.

The Great Cappadocians, Part 5: Gregory of Nyssa (The History of Christianity Podcast #137)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #137, titled, “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 5): Gregory of Nyssa [NISSA].”

Our Scripture for today is John 1:12 which reads: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Martin Luther. He said: “If Church history teaches us anything, it is that we cannot afford to be a vacillating Church. We minister to a people who are in great need of hearing truth, we dare not make any attempt to soft pedal that glorious truth.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 5): Gregory of Nyssa [NISSA]” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, “The Story of Christianity (Volume 1)”.

The Great Cappadocians, Part 3: Basil the Great (The History of Christianity Podcast #135)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #135, titled, “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 3): Basil the Great.”

Our Scripture for today is Psalm 18:30 which reads: “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from John Woodbridge and Frank James III, who wrote in their Church History book: “The history of the church reminds us that Christians can be culprits of foolishness as well as bold titans for truth. They can be egoistic and self-serving; they can be humble and generous. A single individual can embody conflicting traits. We may find it disconcerting to discover that our heroes are sometimes flawed. [But] God works through sinners to accomplish his good purposes.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 3): Basil the Great” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

The Great Cappadocians: Macrina, Part 2 (The History of Christianity Podcast #134)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #134, titled, “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ]: Macrina [MA-KRI-NUH] (Part 2).”

Our Scripture for today is Zechariah 14:9 which reads: “The Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Greg Peters. He said: “Church history is not on par with the Scriptures nor is church history as authoritative as the Scriptures. However, it is essential that the history of the Christian church be used in the formulation of theology since it is a record of God’s works and actions in the world. Because God is sovereign and providential over all of his creation, there is no area of human or creaturely activity that is beyond his control or supervision.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ]: Macrina [MA-KRI-NUH] (Part 2)” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

Athanasius of Alexandria, Part 6: A Theological Agreement, Part 2 (The History of Christianity #131)

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Our Scripture for today is Matthew 7:13-14 which reads: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Athanasius of Alexandria, Part 5: A Theological Agreement, Part 1 (The History of Christianity #130)

Our Scripture for today is Hebrews 9:28 which reads: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Martin Luther. He said: “If Church history teaches us anything, it is that we cannot afford to be a vacillating Church. We minister to a people who are in great need of hearing truth, we dare not make any attempt to soft pedal that glorious truth.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Athanasius of Alexandria (Part 5)” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1). This section is titled, “A Theological Agreement – Part 1”.

Athanasius of Alexandria (Part 3): The Early Years (The History of Christianity #127)

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Many young believers have no concept of the hundreds of years of history that Christianity had gone through since the time of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. The purpose of this broadcast is to dispel this notion by sharing with listeners the history of Christianity from the ministry of Jesus Christ all the way up until the present day in an easy-to-understand format. You don’t have to worry: this is not a lecture. This is a look at the basic facts and figures of Christian history that every believer and every person needs to be aware of.

Our History of Christianity Scripture Passage today is Daniel 2:21 which reads: “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from John Chrysostom. He said: “Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Athanasius of Alexandria (Part 3): Through Many Trials” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1)

Eusebius of Nicomedia and the other Arian leaders knew that Athanasius was one of their most formidable enemies. They soon began to take steps to assure his downfall, circulating rumors that he dabbled in magic, and that he was a tyrant over the Christian flock in Egypt. As a result, Constantine ordered him to appear before a synod gathered at Tyre, where he was to answer to grave charges brought against him. In particular, he was accused of having killed a certain Arsenius, a bishop of a rival group, and having cut off his hand in order to use it in rites of magic. A chronicle with a flair for the dramatic reports that Athanasius went to Tyre as ordered, and after hearing the charges brought against him he brought into the room a man covered in a cloak. After making sure that several of those present knew Arsenius, he uncovered the face of the hooded man, and his accusers were confounded when they realized that it was Athanasius’s supposed victim. Then someone who had been convinced by the rumors circulating against the bishop of Alexandria suggested that perhaps Athanasius had not killed Arsenius, but had cut off his hand. Athanasius waited until the assembly insisted on proof that the man’s hand had not been cut. He then uncovered one of Arsenius’s hands. “It was the other hand!” shouted some of those who had been convinced by the rumors. Then Athanasius uncovered the man’s other hand and demanded: “What kind of a monster did you think Arsenius was? One with three hands?” Laughter broke out through the assembly, while others were enraged that the Arians had misled them.

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