This Week in Church History

Episode DescriptionJoin Bishop Andy Lewter and Bishop D. A. Sherron in this illuminating theological discussion as they delve deep into one of Christianity's most debated phenomena: the speaking in tongues as recorded in Acts chapter 2 during the Day of Pentecost. This scholarly conversation moves beyond denominational perspectives to examine the historical, linguistic, and theological significance of glossolalia in the early Christian church.Drawing from extensive biblical scholarship, archaeological evidence, and historical context, both bishops bring their academic expertise to bear on critical questions surrounding this pivotal moment in Christian history. They explore the distinction between the xenoglossia (speaking in known foreign languages) described in Acts 2 and contemporary practices of glossolalia, examining the original Greek text and its implications for understanding the apostolic experience.The discussion addresses the socio-cultural backdrop of first-century Jerusalem, the diverse linguistic landscape of the Roman Empire, and the strategic importance of the miraculous communication that occurred when devout Jews "from every nation under heaven" witnessed the apostles speaking in their native tongues. The bishops analyze the theological purpose behind this supernatural manifestation—whether it served as a sign for unbelievers, a reversal of the Tower of Babel narrative, or the inaugural moment of the church's universal mission.This episode offers a balanced, academically rigorous exploration that will appeal to theology students, biblical scholars, clergy, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this foundational Christian event. The conversation examines various interpretative frameworks while maintaining respect for different theological traditions and their approaches to pneumatology and charismatic gifts.

In this crucial bonus episode, our host delivers a masterful examination of one of history's most pivotal moments - the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem. This watershed event fundamentally transformed both Judaism and Christianity, creating the religious landscape we know today.Through detailed historical analysis, the episode explores how three years of Jewish independence under the Zealots came to a devastating end when Rome reasserted its dominance, destroying both the city of Jerusalem and the sacred temple. More importantly, it reveals how this catastrophe forced the early Christian church to make a critical decision that would shape its future: to separate itself from Judaism and emerge as an independent religion.Joined by Dr. D. A. Sherron, this episode provides essential context for understanding the development of Christian leadership structures, particularly the emergence of the episcopacy (bishop system) that arose directly from this historical crisis. This episode provides crucial background for understanding the development of both Christianity and Judaism in the post-70 AD world. It demonstrates how external political and military pressures shaped religious evolution, challenging common assumptions about gradual theological development. 

Join Harvard-educated Bishop Andy Lewter, Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, as he explores the rich tapestry of Christian history through scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom. In this compelling series, Bishop Lewter examines Christianity's origins within the complex landscape of first-century Jewish sectarianism, revealing how the early church emerged not as an independent movement, but as a branch within Judaism's diverse religious ecosystem.Discover the fascinating world of Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, and other Jewish sects that shaped the context in which Christianity was born. Through careful historical analysis, Bishop Lewter illuminates how understanding these ancient religious movements is essential to comprehending the development of Christian leadership structures, including the office of the Episcopacy.Each episode combines rigorous scholarship with accessible teaching, making complex historical concepts understandable for modern listeners. Whether you're a student of history, a church leader, or simply curious about Christianity's roots, this podcast offers fresh perspectives on how the past continues to inform our present understanding of faith and church governance.New episodes explore the intersection of ancient history and contemporary Christian practice, bringing 2,000 years of church history to life.

In this compelling opening episode, host, Dr. D. A. Sherron, sits down with Bishop Andy C. Lewter to examine one of history's most consequential claims: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through rigorous historical analysis and thoughtful theological reflection, they explore what the earliest sources tell us about that pivotal Easter morning and its earth-shattering aftermath.From the scattered testimonies of frightened disciples to the bold proclamation that would eventually reshape the ancient world, this episode investigates the evidence, the witnesses, and the revolutionary implications of Christianity's central claim. Bishop Lewter brings both scholarly rigor and pastoral insight to questions that have captivated believers and skeptics alike for two millennia.

Weekly series on Church History.  In this episode we review the life of Bishop Samuel Crowther, who was the first African to serve as a bishop in the Church of England (Anglican Church).

Weekly podcast that celebrates the life of Maria Woodworth Etter, one of the pioneering woman preachers of the Pentecostal movement.

The weekly podcast of Bishop Andy C. Lewter.  This week Bishop Lewter explores the impact of Francis Asbury on the growth and expansion of the Methodist Church in America.

Hey Friends, here is our "This Week in Church History" podcast that reviews the Great Ejection of 1662 where more than 1000 ministers voluntarily preached a farewell sermon and surrendered their pulpits rather than comply with the English Parliament's Declaration for the Uniformity of Prayers, Sacraments and Ceremonies of 1662.  This would give rise to the birth of the English Dissidents that would results in a number of groups such as Anabaptist, Pilgrims, Puritans, Presbyterians, Congregationalist and other reformations eventually migrating to America and forming colonies and later the United States.

This Week in Church History: Weekly podcast of Bishop Andy C. Lewter, Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.  This week Bishop Lewter celebrates the life of Walter Raushenbush, the Father of the Social Gospel which had an impact on Martin Luther King, Jr. Bishop Desmond Tutu, James Cone and Liberation Theology.

Weekly podcast of "This Week in Church History" by Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min., Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.  This week Bishop Lewter celebrates Biblical scholar Albert Schweitzer and his work, "The Quest for the Historical Jesus" (1906) which gave rise to the discourse on the Historical Jesus versus the Christ of Faith.

This Week in Church History:  William Tyndale graduates from Oxford University with a Masters degree that he would use to translate the Bible into English from the original Hebrew and Greek languages, the first person to do so.  His work would give rise to a number of English Bibles such as the Great Bible, Bishop's Bible, Geneva Bible and the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.  For more information such as this visit us at https://fullgospel.teachable.com or https://bishop.teachable.com where we have over 60 online courses for your review and consideration.

Weekly video podcast that reviews the history of the Christian Church with Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.  This week we examine the christological conflict between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius of Constantinople and whether Mary was "Theotokos" or "Christotokos".

This Week in Church History, 1525 AD, Martin Luther weds katharine Von Bora thus establishing a model for marriage and family in the Protestant Reformation

This week in Church History King James II signed the Declaration of the Liberty of Conscience that repealed the penalties for those not following the Anglican Church in England.  This would lead to religious tolerance and later religious freedom in America.

Remembering the killing of 9 worshippers at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, we go back to "This Week in Church History" when in 1822 a local slave revealed the plans of Pastor Denmark Vesey to strike a blow against slavery.  Join us online at https://stcu.teachable.com for a listing of our online courses.  Members of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship are encouraged to visit us at https://fullgospel.teachable.com

Samuel Sharpe was a Baptist Deacon who organized a work stoppage protest against slavery in 1832 on the island of Jamaica.  His actions helped to compel the British Parliament to outlaw slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.  He was executed in 1832 but today his image appears on the 50 dollar bill in Jamaican currency.

In this episode we celebrate the life of Michael (Mark) Satttler who was an early leader of the Anabaptist Movement.  He was captured by Catholic authorities, tortured and burned at the stake.  He is responsible for constructing one of the first "confessions" of the movement that identified basic beliefs of the Anabaptist that continues until today

This week, May 1st-8th, 2022 we remember Count Nicholas Von Zinzindorf, who was the founder of the German Protestant group known as the Moravians.  The Moravians were the group encountered by John Wesley on his voyage from England to the colony of Georgia to evangelize the Native Americans and African slaves.  Their dogma and doctrines led to the birth of the Holiness and Pentecostal movements at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.

This week in Church History was the death of Pope Sylvester II, 946 AD to 1003 AD, who began as Gerbert D' Aurilliac and climbed the ranks of the church until he was elected pope, the first native Frenchmen to do so.  Throughout his life he was an educator, astronomer, mathematician and was responsible for inventing the first mechanical clock, returning the abacus to western Europe and introducing the Arabic-Hindu numerals that we use today.  He was an ally to Otto I, political advisor to Otto II and tutor of Otto III all of who served as emperors to the Holy Roman Empire.