Church History

In this episode, we reflect on the legacy of martyrs throughout church history, culminating in the profound impact of Charlie Kirk's life and untimely death.

Join us as we explore the stories of courageous individuals like Stephen, Ignatius, and Jim Elliot, who chose to speak truth in the face of persecution. We examine how their sacrifices shaped the church and continue to inspire believers today.

This episode is a call to live boldly for Christ, reminding us that the cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is eternal.

Chapters:

(02:08) The story of Stephen reminds us that words matter.

(06:56) Emperors tested the earliest Christians and ultimately martyred

(13:31) Perpetua was one of the first great female Christian witnesses

(15:15) The Diocletian persecution was Rome's fiercest strike against Christianity

(23:41) Jim and Elizabeth Elliot stand as the brightest examples of costly discipleship

(27:59) Around 380 million Christians worldwide live under high levels of persecution

(36:25) If you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, the story of martyrs is not just history

(40:32) Charlie Kirk entrusted his life to Jesus at an early age

Episode Sponsor:

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The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Karl Barth, a theologian who challenged the foundations of liberal theology during the tumultuous times of World War I. Discover how Barth's experiences shaped his revolutionary ideas that redefined modern Protestant thought, culminating in his magnum opus, the Church Dogmatics.

Join Lorelee Siemens as we explore Barth's journey from a curious child in Switzerland to a bold voice against Nazi ideology, and learn how his theology continues to influence the church today.

Chapters:

(05:34) Barth revolutionized Protestant theology with his influential 1914 book Crisis Theology.

(10:18) Barth and Bruner debate Christian theology ahead of World War II.

(18:04) Barth's theology challenged Christians to remember that the Church's loyalty belongs to Jesus.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

Faith and Fury: The Church's Role in World War I: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35078519/faith-and-fury-the-churchs-role-in-world-war-i

Chasing Joy: The Transformative Journey of C.S. Lewis: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35089061/chasing-joy-the-transformative-journey-of-c-s-lewis

The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable life of Oswald Chambers, a man who transformed despair into hope during the First World War. From his childhood prayers in Scotland to his impactful ministry in Egypt, Chambers' journey is a testament to unwavering faith and devotion.

Chapters:

(01:08) Oswald dreamed of becoming an artist after moving to London.

(04:32) Oswald converted to Christianity after hearing Charles Hayden Spurgeon.

(10:59) Oswald felt God calling him into ministry at Edinburgh University.

(15:19) Oswald decided to attend an obscure Bible college in Scotland.

(20:24) Oswald prayed for the filling of the Holy Spirit.

(31:53) Oswald proposed to Biddy Hobbs in 1910.

(37:05) Life at the Bible Training College was full of people coming and going.

(39:48) Oswald preached on obedience ahead of the Great War.

(49:37) Oswald devoted his life to helping wounded soldiers in Egypt.

(55:22) Biddy Chambers wanted to create a book based on Oswald's sermons.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee

https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor

In this episode, we delve into the profound life of J.R.R. Tolkien, the beloved author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Join Lorelee Siemens as she explores Tolkien's journey through faith, loss, and war, revealing how his experiences shaped the enchanting world of Middle-earth.

From his early childhood in South Africa to his transformative years at Oxford and the impact of World War I, discover how Tolkien's steadfast faith and friendships influenced his legendary storytelling. This episode is a tribute to the enduring power of hope and fellowship in the darkest of times.

Chapters:

(05:03) Arthur Tolkien, who worked as a bank manager in Africa, died in 1896

(10:38) Father Francis Morgan adopted Ronald and Hillary Tolkien when they were 12 years old

(14:50) Tolkien remained steadfastly devoted to the Catholic Church throughout his life

(17:30) In 1914, Ronald Tolkien was 22 years old, a student at Oxford

(22:23) Ronald Tolkien was on the Western Front during World War I

(28:42) In 1926, Ronald Tolkien met Clive Staples Lewis at Oxford University

(35:15) Ronald Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford during WWII

(43:24) The Lord of the Rings was never meant to be a Christian allegory

(45:32) By the 1950s, the friendship between Ronald Tolkien and Jack Lewis had shifted

(47:39) After Tolkien died in 1973, his family carried on his legacy

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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Armenian Genocide: Aurora's Fight for Freedom https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35084508/armenian-genocide-auroras-fight-for-freedom

Faith and Fury: The Church's Role in World War I: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35078519/faith-and-fury-the-churchs-role-in-world-war-i

The Russian Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35063416/how-faith-survived-when-empires-fel

In this episode, we journey through the remarkable life of C.S. Lewis, exploring his transformation from a young boy named Clive to a titan of literature and theology.

Set against the backdrop of a changing world, we delve into his childhood, the profound losses he faced, and the eventual awakening of his faith. Discover how joy, grief, and imagination shaped the man who would create beloved stories that continue to inspire generations.

Chapters:

(00:00) Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898

(04:35) Lewis' childhood home was filled with books

(07:04) Lewis' mother died of cancer in 1908 at the age of 10

(11:56) Lewis was transferred to a new school in 1911

(16:44) fascinated with mysticism during military training in 1914

(20:45) Lewis entered the trenches during the Battle of Arras in 1917

(26:46) rejected Christianity at Oxford because he didn't believe in God

(32:36) Lewis believed in God after years of debate over religion

(37:26) Lewis gave his life to Jesus Christ and was a Christian

(43:06) Lewis wrote a series of children's books about Christianity

(48:18) Jack wrote Grief Observed after losing his beloved wife Joy

(50:03) On November 22, 1963, the world changed. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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Lorelee Siemens continues the story of the harrowing journey of Aurora, a young Armenian girl who survived the genocide and sought refuge in America. This is part 3 in the series.

As Aurora navigates the complexities of her trauma and the challenges of sharing her story, we explore themes of courage, faith, and the importance of remembering history. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the importance of honoring the stories of those who have suffered.

Chapters:

(02:50) Aurora escaped the Armenian genocide two years ago

(10:13) Aurora signed a contract to appear in Ravished Armenia

(17:36) Promoters believed Aurora's presence would draw more attention to the Armenian genocide film

(23:04) Only an 18-minute fragment of the film survived

(24:25) The Ottoman Empire was devastated after World War I and completely collapsed

(26:45) Few Christians even know about the Armenian genocide today

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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The Russian Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35063416/how-faith-survived-when-empires-fel

In this gripping episode, we continue the harrowing journey of Aurora Mardiganian, a young Armenian girl who survives the horrors of the Armenian genocide.

From the depths of despair to finding hope in a monastery, Aurora faces unimaginable challenges, including violence and slavery. As she fights to reclaim her identity and seek safety, we witness her transformation from a victim to a warrior.

Join us as we delve into this powerful narrative of resilience, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.

Chapters:

(02:40) Aurora hid from Chechen bandits in a Kurdish monastery for two weeks

(08:08) Peace in the monastery shattered

(13:18) Aurora was bought again by an Ottoman governor from her hometown

(19:28) Aurora's uncle Gazar was still alive after the war

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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In this poignant episode, we recount the harrowing tale of Aurora Mardiganian, a young Armenian girl whose life was irrevocably changed during the Armenian genocide. Join Lorelee as she navigates the dark history of this tragic event, shedding light on the personal stories behind the statistics. Aurora's journey of survival, loss, and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering those who suffered. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the depths of history and the strength of the human spirit.

Chapters:

(02:05) The Ottoman Empire lasted from the year 1299 until 1922

(03:44) World War I erupted in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

(05:54) During World War I, Ottoman troops turned against Armenian Christians

(09:56) Aurora and Lucine crept through town trying to escape

(15:46) Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were rounded up by Turkish soldiers

(27:42) Aurora and her cousin survived a massacre that had taken many others

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The Role of the Orthodox Church in Ending Ottoman Rule In Greece: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34696025/the-role-of-the-orthodox-church-in-ending-ottoman-rule-in-greece

The 2nd and 3rd Crusade: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2169158/the-2nd-and-3rd-crusade

Faith and Fury: The Church's Role in World War I: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35078519/faith-and-fury-the-churchs-role-in-world-war-i

The Russian Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35063416/how-faith-survived-when-empires-fel

In this poignant episode, we recount the harrowing tale of Aurora Mardiganian, a young Armenian girl whose life was irrevocably changed during the Armenian genocide. Join Lorelee as she navigates the dark history of this tragic event, shedding light on the personal stories behind the statistics.

Aurora's journey of survival, loss, and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering those who suffered.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the depths of history and the strength of the human spirit.

Chapters:

(02:05) The Ottoman Empire lasted from the year 1299 until 1922

(03:44) World War I erupted in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

(05:54) During World War I, Ottoman troops turned against Armenian Christians

(09:56) Aurora and Lucine crept through town trying to escape

(15:46) Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were rounded up by Turkish soldiers

(27:42) Aurora and her cousin survived a massacre that had taken many others

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee

https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The Role of the Orthodox Church in Ending Ottoman Rule In Greece: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34696025/the-role-of-the-orthodox-church-in-ending-ottoman-rule-in-greece

The 2nd and 3rd Crusade: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2169158/the-2nd-and-3rd-crusade

Faith and Fury: The Church's Role in World War I: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35078519/faith-and-fury-the-churchs-role-in-world-war-i

The Russian Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35063416/how-faith-survived-when-empires-fel

In this episode, we embark on a profound exploration of the Church's role during World War I. As we delve into the events leading up to the war, we uncover the complexities of faith amidst conflict, examining how the Church responded to the call of nationalism and the moral dilemmas faced by believers.

From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the spiritual fracture within congregations, this episode sheds light on the intersection of faith and war, revealing the struggles and resilience of the Church during one of the darkest chapters in history.

Chapters:

(02:27) The Holy Roman Empire was founded in 962, sprawling across central Europe

(08:03) At the outbreak of World War I, most powerful leaders were cousins

(09:13) The shooting of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife sparked WWI

(13:51) President Woodrow Wilson declared United States would remain neutral in European conflict

(18:24) An explosion in New York on July 30, 1916

(22:34) President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany

(27:26) A German American Christian coal miner is lynched by a mob in 1918

(33:18) Churchs were under pressure to preach patriotism during World War I

(37:31) November 11, 1918 marks the 11th anniversary of the end of WWI

(41:00) An estimated 15 to 22 million people died during the Great War

(43:20) The trauma of war and plague tore at the very foundations of faith

(43:48) Christendom was once a political and spiritual empire of Christian nations

(44:47) How did the church respond during World War I? Historians face major obstacles

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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