The Four-Fold Disciple

Why study church history? Many Christians think of church history as just facts and dates, but it is essential for understanding theology, finding encouragement, and receiving warnings.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingDo Discipleship: https://emetministry.org/doing-discipleship-sources/My reading list:⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrettIn this video, Christian Barrett looks at three reasons church history matters:1. How church history shapes Christian theology,2. How the lives of early Christians encourage our faith,3. How church history warns us against repeating past errors.From the early church fathers to modern Christianity, church history helps us understand what Christians believed, how they lived, and how God has faithfully preserved His church.If you’ve ever wondered why church history matters, why Christians should study church history, or how church history strengthens faith, this video is for you.Jesus is building His church — and we are part of that story. Topics covered:– Why study church history– Church history and theology– Encouragement from church history– Warnings from church history– How we fit into Christian history00:00 – Why Study Church History (Not Just Facts)01:30 – Church History Shapes Christian Theology06:54 – Encouragement from Church History10:46 – Warnings from Church History13:50 – You Are Part of Church History#ChurchHistory#ChristianTheology#WhyDoctrineMatters#ChristianTeaching#Faith

Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingMore in Church History: https://emetministry.org/church-history-and-theology/In this video, Christian Barrett explores the life of Ignatius of Antioch, one of the most important Early Church Fathers and the bridge between the Apostles and the Apostolic Fathers. Ignatius served as a pastor in Antioch, wrote seven powerful letters on his way to martyrdom in Rome, and became famous for being thrown to the beast for his faith in Christ.Christian also discusses why Antioch mattered so much in early Christianity, what the early church looked like before later Roman developments, and why church leadership in this period was rooted in local churches rather than a centralized papacy. Along the way, he'll cover Emperor Trajan’s persecution, Ignatius’ fight against Docetism, and the major themes of each of his seven letters: unity, false teaching, submission to leaders, the Eucharist, and martyrdom.00:00 – Intro: Ignatius of Antioch00:23 – Ignatius: Bridge from Apostles to Apostolic Fathers02:25 – Why Antioch mattered in the Early Church05:00 – No Pope in Antioch (Early Church Structure)08:00 – The Early Church was built on Local Churches10:28 – Who was Ignatius of Antioch?11:37 – Roman Persecution & Emperor Trajan15:25 – Ignatius’ 7 Letters (Overview)16:10 – Ignatius vs Docetism (False Teaching)18:39 – Letter to the Ephesians: Unity in the Church20:48 – Letter to the Magnesians: Local Church + Leaders21:55 – Letter to the Trallians: Reject False Teaching22:54 – Letter to the Romans: Martyrdom & Rome24:51 – Letter to the Philadelphians: Clean in Christ25:20 – Letter to the Smyrnaeans: Eucharist & True Flesh of Christ27:35 – Letter to Polycarp: Run the Race#IgnatiusOfAntioch #EarlyChurch #ChurchHistory #ApostolicFathers #ChristianHistory #Christianity #Theology #BibleStudy #Discipleship #Martyrdom #AncientChristianity #Patristics #Antioch

My Must-Read Christian Books (Theology, Discipleship, and Apologetics)https://emetministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Must-Read-List.pdf These are my must-read Christian books. These works on theology, discipleship, and apologetics are books every believer should read. These books have deeply shaped my thinking, ministry, and walk with Christ.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingThere are countless Christian books available today, but not all of them are equally helpful. In this video, I share my favorite Christian books, works I believe are essential reading for anyone who wants to grow in biblical theology, discipleship, and faithful Christian living.Providence interview- youtube.comwatch?v=8WXGM5SZIGc&themeREfresh=1 #ChristianBooks#MustReadChristianBooks#ChristianReading#ChristianTheology#Discipleship#ChristianLiving#FaithAndTheology#ChristianLibrary00:09- The number One Question I get asked06:12- Alvin Plantinga- Where the Conflict Really Lies- https://a.co/d/3oTxQWC07:58- Eusebius- Ecclesiastical History- https://a.co/d/bqXZsO509:31- Origen of Alexandria- On First Principles- https://a.co/d/6SjxWZX12:10- John Piper- Providence- https://a.co/d/9GSH1Tt 14:56- Herman Bavinck- The Wonderful Works of God- https://a.co/d/51HhuPz16:04- The Biggest Story Bible- https://a.co/d/fhPWPa617:50- Eric Metaxas- Bonhoeffer- https://a.co/d/iTrgwq918:45- Richard Wurmbrand- Tortured for Christ- https://a.co/d/4hRFf9B20:06- Nabeel Qureshi- Seeking Allah Finding Jesus- https://a.co/d/dm506eV21:03- Craig Blomberg- Jesus and the Gospels- https://a.co/d/gImoNiK22:07- John Owen- Overcoming Sin and Temptation- https://a.co/d/gXJ0Nyv24:50- Donald Whitney- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life- https://a.co/d/7MbdQ9h25:37- Courtney Anderson- To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson- https://a.co/d/0HRngFP27:09- Emily Foreman- We Died Before We Came Here- https://a.co/d/97Z5Va428:10- Augustine- Confessions- https://a.co/d/1hwlZfl29:26- Michael Licona- The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach- https://a.co/d/3P0g1nQ31:09- Francis Schaeffer- A Christian Manifesto- https://a.co/d/gfgR2gu 31:30- C.S. Lewis- The Abolition of Man- https://a.co/d/afjXgJg32:35- C.S. Lewis- Mere Christianity- https://a.co/d/fRUIyqp33:26- Justo Gonzalez- The Story of Christianity- https://a.co/d/fq48LaQ and ttps://a.co/d/aW8iVwh34:30- Mark Noll- Turning Points- https://a.co/d/hpwGDpB 35:26- Sinclair Ferguson- Devoted to God- https://a.co/d/g4xGbCl36:51- Charles Spurgeon- Soul Winner- https://a.co/d/gSTOjIt37:53- J.I. Packer- Knowing God- https://a.co/d/1ywd97I37:59- Mark Jones- Knowing Christ- https://a.co/d/8nSoNsi39:22- R.C. Sproul- What is Reformed Theology?- https://a.co/d/hjk9m3E40:01- Michael Lawrence- Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church- https://a.co/d/eLt9muT41:06- J.I. Packer- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God- https://a.co/d/gYcjOtp41:57- Anselm of Canterbury- Proslogion- https://a.co/d/aDLzpUx43:04- Greg Koukl- Tactics- https://a.co/d/51vSUFD43:55- R.C. Sproul- The Holiness of God- https://a.co/d/dcpvTG045:07- Alvin Plantinga- Warranted Christian Belief- https://a.co/d/d8sKk0g46:11- Peter J. Williams- Can We Trust the Gospels- https://a.co/d/a9aSEQu46:55- John Lennox- Can Science Explain Everything?- www.amazon.com/dp/1784984116?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MR5WCM1CPPWT57BGPCH9&bestFormat=true47:30- J.C. Ryle- Holiness- https://a.co/d/7XYmPY348:28- John Calvin- The Institutes of the Christian Religion- a.co/d/6mWNJEd50:00- Gregory of Nyssa- On the Human Image of God- https://a.co/d/0ywtYPp51:19- Gavin Ortlund- Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals- https://a.co/d/9JjKZS0

Is Gen Z on the verge of a revival? A recent article from The Gospel Coalition suggests something surprising is happening among college students and young adults: a renewed openness to the gospel, church, and Christian community.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingDiscpleship Sources: https://emetministry.org/doing-discipleship-sources/In this video, Ross Geiser and Christian Barrett break down what’s behind this quiet revival, why discipleship matters now more than ever, and why college students don’t just need Christian conversations, but the local church. We’ll also talk about the rise of young men in the church, why ministry must return to the basics, and whether 2025 marked a turning point for Gen Z and Christianity.00:05 – Is Gen Z Experiencing a Quiet Revival? (The Gospel Coalition)02:45 – Why College Students Are Open to the Gospel Again10:12 – Why Discipleship Matters More Than Ever for Gen Z15:00 – Why College Students Need the Local Church20:00 – Why Ministry Must Get Back to the Basics26:00 – Why People Are More Open to Christian Conversations30:04 – The Surprising Rise of Young Men in the Church35:26 – Could a Gen Z Revival Be Coming in 2025?#GenZ #GenZRevival #QuietRevival #Christianity #Jesus #CollegeMinistry #YoungAdults #Discipleship #LocalChurch #Revival #FaithAndCulture #CampusMinistry #ChristianLiving #SpiritualAwakening #Gospel

In 2026, I’m deleting social media from my phone and committing to reading the Bible more than ever. This video explains why—and how these choices shape spiritual formation.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingAs the new year approaches, many people talk about resolutions that rarely last. In this video, I share two intentional challenges I’m committing to in 2026—not for productivity or self-help, but for spiritual formation.The challenges:1. Deleting social media from my phone2. Reading the Bible more intentionally throughout the yearChapters: 00:19 – Why New Year’s Resolutions Usually Fail04:15 – My 2026 Challenge: Reading the Bible More11:45 – Why I’m Deleting Social Media from My Phone15:10 – What It Means to Be a Witness of the Light in 202618:38 – Emet Campus Ministries and the Mission AheadGoal Setting Sheet: https://emetministry.org/setting-godly-goals-strategic-growth-plan/Follow us: on Instagram instagram.com/emetministries#2026Goals#DeleteSocialMedia#BibleReading#ChristianDiscipline#FaithAndCulture#DigitalDetox#ChristianLiving

Why are Americans leaving Christianity, and why do some stay?In this video, Christian Barrett breaks down Pew Research data on religious decline, Catholicism, Protestantism, and the rise of the “religious nones.”Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingPew Study: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/12/15/why-some-americans-have-left-catholicism-while-others-stay/Pew Research has released new data explaining why Americans are leaving religion, why some remain Catholic or Protestant, and why the number of religiously unaffiliated Americans continues to grow.In this video, Christian walks through the data and explain:1. Why Americans leave Christianity2. The importance of Christian community3. The rapid rise of the religious “nones”4. Why some people stay Protestant5. Why others remain Catholic6. The top reasons people abandon religion altogether7. Trends shaping the future of Protestantism and Catholicism8. Why family discipleship matters more than everChapters: 00:15 – Pew Research: Why Americans Are Leaving Christianity02:06 – Why Christian Community Matters More Than Ever06:26 – The Rise of the Religious “Nones” Explained07:17 – Why Protestants Stay Protestant08:19 – Why Catholics Stay Catholic09:05 – The Top Reasons Americans Leave Religion15:19 – The Religious Background of Americans Today16:54 – Is Catholicism Dying in the United States?20:47 – Major Protestant Trends in America24:24 – Catholic Trends You Need to Know29:45 – Why Family Discipleship Is the Future#PewResearch#LeavingChristianity#ChristianityInAmerica#ReligionTrends#Catholicism#Protestantism#ReligiousNones#FaithAndCulture#ChurchTrends

Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingWhat is Christmas really about? In Luke 2:1–20, the Shepherds leave their flocks and run to Bethlehem because they believed something extraordinary: God had come to save His people.In this Christmas sermon from Westwood Church in Evansville, IN, Christian Barrett explores:1. What the shepherds believed from the Old Testament2. Why the angels worshipped3. Why the Savior had to come in the flesh4. Why the Savior had to be God5. What it means that Jesus is “God with us”The angel’s announcement—“For unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”—was not new information, but the fulfillment of everything God had promised in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. From Genesis 3:15 to Isaiah 9:6–7 and Micah 5:2, Scripture points to a Savior who would be both truly man and truly God.This message reminds us that Christmas is not about sentimentality or tradition, but about the gospel:Jesus Christ came in the flesh, lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose again to conquer sin and death.If you are not a Christian, this message is an invitation to receive Christ by faith—the greatest gift of all. If you are a Christian, it is a call to stop striving and to rest in Jesus, pondering Him daily rather than only at Christmas.Main Passage: Luke 2:1–20Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 2:14–18; Isaiah 9:6–7; Micah 5:2Subscribe for biblical teaching centered on ChristShare to help others hear the true message of Christmas#ChristmasSermon #Luke2 #GodWithUs #Incarnation #JesusChrist #Gospel #Shepherds #ChristianTeaching #ChristmasTruth

Is Catholicism really growing? Across TikTok, YouTube, and X, Catholic and Orthodox content seems to be exploding — but is this a true religious shift or just a digital trend? In this video, Christian Barrett explores why Catholic conversations are increasing, whether Catholicism is actually growing statistically, and what all of this means for Protestant churches today.In Part 1, he analyzes the rise of Catholic and Orthodox voices online, the renewed interest in tradition, liturgy, and authority, and what’s driving the digital “Catholic moment.”In Part 2, he examines what’s actually growing in Christianity and why Protestantism — especially evangelical and non-denominational churches — continues to shape most conversions worldwide. We also discuss what Protestants must recover: depth, discipleship, theology, formation, and historic rootedness.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingMy reading list:⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrettChapters:00:00 – Is Catholicism Really Growing?00:22 – Why Catholic Content Is Exploding Online04:18 – Are Catholicism and Orthodoxy Actually Growing in Real Numbers?12:03 – What’s Really Growing in Christianity Today?15:40 – What the Rise in Christian Interest Means for Protestants17:XX – The Protestant Opportunity: Depth, Discipleship, and FormationCatholicism growth, Catholic revival, Protestant church decline, Orthodoxy trends, is Catholicism growing, why Catholicism is growing, Catholic TikTok, Protestant vs Catholic, Christian trends 2025, Christian conversions data, theology, church history, Emet Ministries#catholic #protestant

In Colossians 4, Paul writes from prison — yet his words overflow with freedom, joy, and purpose. Christian Barrett explores how believers can live fully for Christ, regardless of their circumstances.1. Learn how to pray steadfastly and speak graciously2 . See how Paul models faithfulness in captivity3. Discover what it means to partner in the gospel with othersKey Passage: Colossians 4:2–18The “captive life” isn’t about chains — it’s about being bound to Christ’s mission. Paul shows us that true freedom is found in surrender and service to Jesus, even when life feels limiting.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingFollow us: on Instagram instagram.com/emetministriesmy reading list:⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrettSubscribe for more gospel-centered sermons and Bible studies through Colossians, Ephesians, and the letters of Paul.#Colossians4 #CaptiveLife #CaptiveToChrist #FreedomInChrist #PrayerAndMission #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching #Faithfulness #GospelPartnership #Discipleship #PaulInPrison #ChristianEncouragement

In this message from Colossians 3, Jeff Knight explores how believers are called to set their minds on things above, put off the old self, and put on the new self—becoming renewed in the image of Christ.1. Learn how to live out your identity in Christ2. Discover the habits that lead to spiritual renewal3. Understand what it means to be “clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, and love”Key Passage: Colossians 3:1–17This sermon unpacks Paul’s vision for the new life—a life where Christ is all and in all. Whether you’re fighting old habits or longing for transformation, this passage calls us to live from the victory already won.🙌 Subscribe for more sermons, Bible studies, and living a gospel-shaped life.Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingFor more resources, visit emetministry.orgFollow us: on Instagram instagram.com/emetministriesmy reading list:⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrett#Colossians3 #NewLifeInChrist #PutOnTheNewSelf #ClothedInChrist #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching #SpiritualRenewal #Discipleship #GospelTransformation #FaithInAction #ChristIsAll