Chris and Casey discuss the adult life, ascendancy, and reign of Constantine in the early 300s over what once was the Roman Empire. They highlight the truth about his conversion, practice of Christianity, and imperial policies. Lastly, they note the benefits of his reign, its corrupting influences on professing Christians and Christianity, and we can learn about our Christian views and treatment of government, society-wide religion and morality, and our own practice of the Way of Jesus.

Recommended resources:

Church History by Eusebius

The biography of Constantine by Lactantius

The Reformers and Their Stepchildren by Leonard Verduin

The Pastor: Does He Exist? by David H. J. Gay

Chris and Casey discuss the first main period of Christian persecution in history. Beginning with the Jerusalem saints and the martyrdom of Stephen, they survey the main persecutions and well-known martyrdoms of early Christianity. They note the reasons, methods, and results of the persecution of these believers. Among the notable figures discussed are some apostles, Polycarp, and the most notorious Roman emperors who enforced state-sponsored persecution on Christians. As well as the good results that came, they highlight the misuses and abuses of persecution and martyrdom by the early worshipers of Jesus.

Recommended Resources:

The Acts of the Apostles

The Church History of Eusebius

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Journal of Perpetua

the histories of Tacitus

the letter of Pliny the Younger to the emperor

Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Chris and Casey discuss the lives, work, and legacies of the main apprentices of the Apostles, and the invention and advancement of the "bishops" of assemblies. The main topics covered are the importance of the top 3 apostolic fathers, their hand in the prominence of "bishops," and the deleterious effects this corruption of New Testament leadership had on early Christianity, as well as in most of our western churches. We also recognize our King's hand working through the good and bad choices of the 2nd century body of Christ.

Recommended resources on this topic:

The Pastor: Does He Exist? by David H.J. Gay

1 Clement

The Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

The Didache

The New Covenant Answer to Western Christianity by Christopher G. VanDusen

Chris and Casey discuss the nature, practices, and organization of the Christians during the time of the apostles (the 1st century AD). They note the spiritual, familial, and progressive characteristics of these believers, as mainly described in the New Testament. Also, they explain how the final common practices and structure of these assemblies (aka churches) are not merely historical facts, but ideal examples for most Christians today. Some key topics discussed are Christian leadership, mutual service of believers, the Lord's Supper, and the discipline of sinning brethren.

Recommended resources on this topic (all on amazon.com):

The New Covenant Answer to Western Christianity by Christopher VanDusen

New Testament Church Dynamics (available on sermonaudio.com) by Stephen E. Atkerson

The Pastor: Does He Exist? (available on sermonaudio.com) by David H.J. Gay

Chris and Casey discuss the beginning, advancement, and establishment of the new covenant people of God from Pentecost to the death of the last apostle. They note major lessons we can learn from their great example of zeal, faithfulness, and courage in the face of persecution, and how similar our American situation is today.

Chris and Casey describe who they are, why a Christian-based history podcast is needed, and what they plan to share with you in the future.