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).

Ambrose of Milan, Part 1: An Unexpected Election (The History of Christianity Podcast #142)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #142, titled, “Ambrose of Milan (Part 1): An Unexpected Election.”

Our Scripture for today is Isaiah 46:9-11 which reads: “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Ambrose of Milan. He said: “God ordered all things to be produces so that there would be common food for all, and so that the earth would be the common inheritance of all. Thus, nature has produced a common right, but greed has made it the right of a few.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Ambrose of Milan (Part 1): 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 4: Basil the Great (The History of Christianity Podcast #136)

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #136, titled, “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 4): Basil the Great.”

Our Scripture for today is Ephesians 3:14-16 which reads: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Matt Smethurst. He said: “Christianity is a history-anchored faith. We don’t teach a set of abstract principles or philosophical ideas; we teach the truth of a historical event. If you’re a Christian, then church history is your family history. Think about that. Studying church history is like opening a photo album and exploring your family heritage.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 4): Basil the Great” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

When the bishop of Caesarea died, the election of his successor became a focal point for the struggle between the orthodox and the Arian. Basil’s prestige was such that he seemed to be the most likely candidate. The Arian party found only one point at which Basil was vulnerable: his questionable health. The orthodox responded that they were electing a bishop, not a gladiator. Eventually, Basil was elected.

The new bishop of Caesarea knew that his election would lead to conflicts with the emperor, who was Arian. Soon Valens announced his intention to visit Caesarea. The Nicene party knew from bitter experience in other cities that Valens used such visits in order to strengthen Arianism.

Many imperial officers arrived at Caesarea in order to prepare Valens’s visit. The emperor had ordered them to subdue the new bishop through a combination of promises and threats. But Basil was not easy to subdue. Finally, in a heated encounter, the praetorian prefect lost his patience and threatened Basil with confiscating his goods, and with exile, torture, and even death. Basil responded, “All that I have that you can confiscate are these rags and a few books. Nor can you exile me, for wherever you send me, I shall be God’s guest. As to torture you should know that my body is already dead in Christ. And death would be a great boon to me, leading me sooner to God.” Taken aback, the prefect said that no one had ever spoken to him thus. Basil answered, “Perhaps that is because you have never met a true bishop.”

Finally, the emperor arrived. When he took a bountiful offering to the altar, thus showing his favor to the city, no one went forth to receive it. The emperor had to wait for the bishop, who finally accepted his offering, making it very clear that it was he who was favoring the emperor.

After these events, Basil was able to devote his time to his tasks as a bishop. He was particularly interested in organizing and spreading the monastic life, and in advancing the Nicene cause. Through a vast correspondence and several theological treaties, he made a significant contribution to the reaffirmation of trinitarian doctrine and the definitive rejection of Arianism. But, like Athanasius [ATH-A-NAY-SHUS], he was unable to see that final victory, for he died a few months before the Council of Constantinople confirmed the Nicene doctrine in 381.

Next time, we will continue looking at “The Great Cappadocians [KAP-PUH-DO-SHNZ] (Part 5): Gregory of Nyssa [NISSA].”

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 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 7: Further Trials (The History of Christianity Podcast #132)

Our Scripture for today is Psalm 68:4-5 which reads: “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from Dr. Don Sweeting. He said: “Church history is one of the most helpful studies in the preparation of Christian ministers. It gets us beyond our natural shortsightedness, faddishness and pride. It becomes a source of warning, wisdom and encouragement. It provides spiritual sparks to awaken us and lift our eyes so that we might have renewed hope. And it gets us beyond our own American evangelical amnesia.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Athanasius of Alexandria (Part 7)” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1). This section is titled, “Further Trials”.