294 How We Got Here...And Where We're Going Next

Through our study of the Patristic Period, we’ve seen how the earliest Christians followed Jesus, defended the truth, structured the church, and lived out Scripture.  Tiffany and Pastor Jeff reflect on the most important themes from the historical theology series and how the faith of the early church continues to speak to Christians today.  They also introduce the questions that will guide the next series: Where did Scripture come from? How were the books of the Bible recognized? Why were some writings excluded? And why can we confidently trust the Bible we hold today?  **Chapters:** **01:40 People and Writings from the Patristic Period** We revisit early church fathers such as Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Papias, and Irenaeus, along with writings including the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas. **03:45 Why Church History Still Matters** The earliest Christian writings reveal how believers wrestled with questions about following Christ, worship, evangelism, caring for one another, and defending the truth. **05:00 Church History as the Blueprints of the Christian Faith** The New Testament provides the foundation, while early Christian writings help us understand how believers first put biblical truth into practice. **06:05 The Early Church’s Focus on Jesus Christ** Despite suffering and theological challenges, early Christians continually returned to Christ’s death, resurrection, return, and the hope believers have in Him. **09:05 The Unchanging Mission of the Church** Cultures, buildings, technology, and methods change, but the church’s calling to preach Christ, teach Scripture, proclaim the gospel, and care for God’s people remains the same. **11:05 Did the Church Decide Which Books Belonged in the Bible?** Tiffany and Pastor Jeff explain the important distinction between creating Scripture and recognizing the authority Scripture already possessed. **13:25 What Today’s Christians Can Learn from the Early Church** The challenges faced by early believers remind Christians to remain rooted in Christ, grounded in Scripture, and faithful amid persecution, false teaching, and cultural change. **14:30 Introducing the Next Series: How Did We Get the Bible?** The next series will explore the canon of Scripture, lost books, the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocrypha, early church councils, and why Christians can trust the Bible. *“ Christianity isn’t built on myths or legends. It's rooted in historical events, faithful witness, and above all, the revelation of God to mankind.”*  – Pastor Jeff Cranston 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!