Podcast appearances and mentions of david bercot

Tania Taylor enlisted in the United States Army along with her husband, Dean Taylor. They were stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, and during that time they came to believe in nonresistance and enemy love. She and her husband filed for conscientious objector status from the Army. After leaving the Army they joined a new church group with David Bercot. Tania tells of her childhood faith, her journey into and out of the Army, and her faith journey up to the present.Dean Taylor's book, A Change of Allegiance This is the 273rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Romans 9 is often used as an example for predestination and Calvinism. But does Paul actually teach predestination? Or did Calvin miss something significant in this passage? David Bercot explores the challenges of free will versus predestination, and shows a framework for what Paul was communicating in Romans 9.David Bercot's Romans commentary:David's previous episode on Romans:This is the 258th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Romans is often considered one of the hardest and confusing books of the New Testament. What is Paul telling us through this complex book? David Bercot breaks down what the early church believed about the book of Romans before the time of Augustine, and why it matters to our understanding of Romans today.David Bercot's Romans commentary: I Was An Anglican Priest. Here's Why I Left: This is the 256th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

David Bercot, an author, church historian, and founder of Scroll Publishing, a ministry that distributes material on the subjects of early Christianity and radical Christian discipleship, joins Warren McGrew and Leighton Flowers on today's broadcast to discuss whether or not Calvinism is historic Christianity.   Here you can find a list of all David Bercot's books: https://scrollpublishing.com/products-category/books-by-david-bercot/   To get your copy of Dr. Flowers new book, Drawn By Jesus, go here: https://a.co/d/6s767Ey   To SUPPORT this broadcast, please click here: https://soteriology101.com/support/   Subscribe to the Soteriology 101 Newsletter here: www.soteriology101.com/newsletter   Is Calvinism all Leighton talks about? https://soteriology101.com/2017/09/22/is-calvinism-all-you-talk-about/   DOWNLOAD OUR APP: LINK FOR ANDROIDS: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... LINK FOR APPLE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soterio...   Go to www.ridgemax.co for all you software development needs! Show them some love for their support of Soteriology101!!!   To ORDER Dr. Flowers Curriculum “Tiptoeing Through Tulip,” please click here: https://soteriology101.com/shop/   To listen to the audio only, be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or one of the other podcast players found here: https://soteriology101.com/home/   For more about Traditionalism (or Provisionism), please visit www.soteriology101.com   Dr. Flowers' book, “The Potter's Promise,” can be found here: https://a.co/d/iLKpahj   Dr. Flowers' book, “God's Provision for All” can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Provision...   To engage with other believers cordially join our Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1806702...   For updates and news, follow us at:  www.facebook/Soteriology101   Or @soteriology101 on Twitter   Please SHARE on Facebook and Twitter and help spread the word!   To learn more about other ministries and teachings from Dr. Flowers, go here: https://soteriology101.com/2017/09/22...   To become a Patreon supporter or make a one-time donation: https://soteriology101.com/support/   #LeightonFlowers #Calvinism #Theology

Strength to Strength welcomed David Bercot to discuss the purpose of studying the doctrine and practice of the earliest disciples of the faith.Jude, the brother of Jesus, tells us:I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.Jude 3b NKJVWhy can we not just read our Bible and be confident we've got it right?An interactive question-and-answer period follows.https://strengthtostrength.org/sacred-roots-why-study-the-early-christians/

Some claim that there are variations in the manuscripts that our English Bibles are translated from, and therefore this proves the Bible is false. Others say that the King James Version is the only true Bible. How should we think about these issues? What is a proper understanding of textual variants, and is the KJV a good translation? David Bercot presents a framework for how to think about these issues, and explores the history of some of the texts that English Bible translations are based on.The reference mentioned that is translated with word or work - Romans 9:28.This is the 240th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

This is a sample chapter from David Bercot's book “In God We Don't Trust.” David examines the history of the American revolution and contrasts it with the behavior that trust in God should produce.Get the audio book on any major platform.AudibleApple BooksPrint the ebook directly from Scroll Publishing Previous episode with David Bercot on this topicSample chapters previously released as audio on our podcast:What It Means to Trust The Other Triangle of EvilThe Myth of the Valley Forge PrayerThis is the 233rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

In episode 187, I interview David Bercot about his new commentary on the book of Romans. Purchase David Bercot's Commentary on Romans Rate/Review our Spotify Channel - Reclaiming the Faith Apple Podcasts Channel - Reclaiming the Faith New Book: The Final Abominable Temple Phil's Website – https://philsbaker.com Patreon Page - patreon.com/philsbaker The Faithful Podcast with Stephanie Baker Contact me – philsbaker@protonmail.com Omega Frequency - www.omegafrequency.com The Ante-Nicene Writings - https://www.biblestudytools.com/history/early-church-fathers/ante-nicene/

David Bercot. There are hundreds of commentaries on Romans in print today, and thousands have been written over the centuries. So what is the point of still one more commentary? The reason is that this is not “still one more commentary.” In this commentary, the reader will be seeing Romans through the eyes of the Christians who lived in the first few centuries after Romans was written. Some of these men personally knew the apostles. They all lived in the same culture in which Paul lived. Their native tongue was koiné Greek.This commentary enables the reader to share the same experience that a Christian living in the first four centuries would have experienced when hearing Romans explained on a given Sunday. You will hear the same explanations they would have heard. As you will see, those early Christians understood Romans quite differently than what most Christians do today. That is because they lived prior to the two major reinterpretations of Romans: that of Augustine and that of Luther. After hearing the early Christian understanding of Romans, the readers can then decide whether they think the entire church got Romans wrong from the very beginning—or if Christians today are badly misreading this important book of Scripture.https://strengthtostrength.org/romans-commentary/

Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip wrapping up the 30-part series based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. I'm not going to attempt a comprehensive summary, but instead offer a charge. Preach Christ John the Baptist heralded the Kingdom, Jesus preached the arrival of the Kingdom, and he sent his followers to do the same. The good news is that the kingdom is here, and all can enter to receive the life of Christ. Make that the core of what you preach. In other words, teach doctrine, but preach Christ. Explain the text and its meaning, but do not make the text the point - instead elevate Jesus. Convey your convictions, but do not let your personal agenda obscure Jesus. Contemplate these statements of the Apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 1.23 - “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” 2 Corinthians 4.5 - “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.” Galatians 1.16 - “to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.” When preaching, ask yourself how Jesus will be glorified by your lesson. What are your thoughts on the today's tip? Conclusion Next week I have some tips for when you are asked to speak outdoors. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  God bless, Malcolm Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.org Watch This Next: https://youtu.be/p3u9POMAsSw Subscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rss Get a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Connect with me! Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/) Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org) Question - What helps you to focus on preaching Christ? I am a qualified solutions focused coach. You can book a session with me either via the email above, or at the website: https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/ God bless, Malcolm

Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "Good speakers aren't born. They're made. And a congregation can play an enormous role in growing up a perpetual crop of good speakers." 144 Good notice Training and mentoring Further education "The first preachers of the gospel were men without any advanced education. However, they had received training from Jesus or his apostles. And they were a mighty army indeed!" 148 What are your thoughts on the ideas Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will wrap up the series Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 370 | “Plain Speaking - listeners' pet peeves” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "Whether you're someone who preaches regularly or only occasionally, here's some feedback that your listeners would like to tell you but probably never will." 139 Rambling Lack of eye contact Monotone Too many Scriptures Apologising at the start Wishy-washy Weird volume changes Chip on the shoulder Bad habits Grooming What are your thoughts on the points Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will explore growing good speakers. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 369 | “Plain Speaking - preaching with power: prophetic preaching” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Bercot emphasises the conversational nature of speaking, but there is a place for the prophetic, by which he means those speakers who convey a sense of dramatic urgency. "Typically, their goal is to convict their hearers of sin and for the need of repentance. They don't want to make their listeners comfortable; they want to make them uncomfortable. They often seek to bring their listeners to a life-changing decision right there and then." 135 Bercot offers the following thoughts. No scowling Prayerfulness Giftedness What are your thoughts on the points Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will explore listeners' pet peeves. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 368 | “Plain Speaking - preparing an expository sermon” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Bercot focuses on topical sermons because "they are usually the easiest for beginning speakers". However, he has a helpful chapter on expository sermons. Bercot offers six steps. 1 paragraph Natural divisions Propositions Connections Main theme Illustrations What are your thoughts on the steps Bercot proposes?  Conclusion Next time, we will explore preaching with power. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 367 | “Plain Speaking - make your devotionals special” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "A good devotional…should immediately capture your listeners' interest and sharpen their appetite..." Bercot offers the following thoughts. Short A stimulus 1 point 1 illustration Immediate application This recording comes out after I'm will have done something like this at one of our services in Watford. I want to help the congregation - and especially the children - to engage with the theme of the service, which is a special emphasis on the Lord's supper. At the beginning of the service I will be talking about favourite meals and sharing one of mine. I also have an illustration involving a voucher for the "just eat" service. What are your thoughts on the techniques Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will explore preparing an expository sermon. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 366 | “Plain Speaking - Reading Scriptures with Zest” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "...it's of utmost importance that when you read from the Bible, it enhances your sermon rather than detracts from it." 112 Bercot offers several tips. Five are below. Check your references Read an intelligible translation Repeat the Scripture reference Pause before reading Read with expression. For example, think of how different Matthew 5.3 sounds when we read it with meaning. What are your thoughts on the techniques Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will speak about the special place for devotionals. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Introduction  Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "Bloopers and memory lapses are no big deal...you can conquer the fear they've held over you."  Bercot offers the following advice.  Own Up If something minor goes wrong, don't draw attention to it. Otherwise the congregation will be unnecessarily distracted. Not so long ago I didn't have the page numbers printed on my sermon notes. I got the pages in a muddle. Rather than draw attention to the fact, I paused for a few moments to sort them out. I doubt anybody noticed. However, if it's obvious to everyone, acknowledge it. When you're having a conversation with a friend and your mind suddenly goes blank and you say, "I've completely forgotten what I was going to say next!", everyone laughs and no one thinks it's a big deal. If something like that happens when you are delivering a lesson, simply tell the congregation. Have a laugh together, and it will help your congregation to believe you are human. It can be bonding rather than problematic.  2. Plan ahead If you are especially nervous about the lesson, plan what to do if you get tongue-tied. Have a relevant Scripture, quote, or the lyrics of a hymn to hand. If your mind goes blank you can invite someone to read them, giving yourself a few moments to clear your head. What are your thoughts on the ideas Bercot raises? Conclusion Next time, we will explore reading Scriptures with zest! Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com  The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com  Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.   God bless, Malcolm  

Teaching Tip 364 | “Plain Speaking - how to handle speaker's fright” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  An old survey claimed that people fear speaking in public more than they fear death. That claim has been debunked, but it resonates because talking in front of other people is one of the very most exposed places to be. We are vulnerable. What do we do when our insecurities take hold? In short, we do not attempt to overcome it, but to use it to our advantage. Bercot offers five steps. Pray about it. Talk to God about you feelings, ask him to be with you experientially in this next lesson, and trust his strength will be available (Nehemiah 2:4-5).  Focus on your listeners.  Do not follow the terrible advice to imagine your audience naked! That's distracting in the extreme. Instead, remember they are your brothers and sisters, and they have turned up because they want to hear from you (at least—most of them!).  Prepare Thoroughly.  If you know that you know your topic, you can know you have something meaningful to say. “Thorough preparation and the confidence that derives from it squelches fear.” 103  Speak Extemporaneously.  You can use notes without being chained to them. Look up, engage with the people present, and see your notes as a support, not the substance of your lesson. You will speak with greater freedom and joy. Use Speaker's Fright. Use the increased adrenaline to sharpen your thinking and delivery. There is a sixth step, but we will go on that in the next episode. What are your thoughts on the five techniques Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will learn the secret to handling bloopers and memory lapses. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 363 | “Plain Speaking - landing your plane on time” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  “Your message may be nearly perfect in every other respect, but if you preach longer than you are supposed to, you can quickly lose the good will of your listeners.” 95 Bercot offers us four steps for us to take to ensure we land on time. Fit the topic to the time. How much time is allocated to your lesson? Will the topic fit that time? If your lesson is 10  minutes long, do not try to explain deep and complex passages of Scripture or Biblical issues.  Whittle to fit.  When you have your material selected ruthlessly cut out anything that is not absolutely necessary to the topic. You can always come back to the text or the subject another time and fill in anything you missed first time around.   Keep track as you go.  Have a clock or time where you can see it. The best place is on the wall at the opposite end of the room. Looking at your watch distracts your listeners, and it might send the message that you are in a hurry to leave!  Flexible outline.  You cannot always control events. Perhaps the service has to be altered at the last moment, and you suddenly have less time than you thought. Do yourself a favour and mark sections you can skip in advance. An asterisk, red mark or highlighter will do the trick.  One last thought. If you have said all there is to say, and you have not filled your time, do feel obliged to keep going. Stop, sit down or offer an opportunity for group discussion, sharing or Q&A. No one will begrudge you an early end. What are your thoughts on the four ideas Bercot raises?  Conclusion Next time, we will explore how to handle speaker's fright. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 362 | “Plain Speaking - five things that can spoil an otherwise good sermon” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  As a delicious dish can be ruined by one lousy ingredient, so a good lesson can be spoiled by small distractions. What might seem a minor detail to you as a speaker may appear majorly problematic to your hearers. Bercot offers us five issues to consider.  Mispronunciation. The odd word here or there is no big deal. However, if it is crucial to your topic it is a big deal. Mispronouncing an important word destroys your credibility and leads to significant distraction. Imagine a doctor mispronouncing the name of your medical condition. How would you feel? Poor Posture and Distracting Movements.  Stand and move in a manner appropriate to your context. Some church contexts suit more movement than others. How people are seated, the sight lines and amplification system will have an impact. In general, refrain from pacing ‘continually back and forth, like a zoo animal in its cage' (92), but also from being too stiff like an army sentry.  Inappropriate Dress and Slovenly Appearance.  Bend your preferences to the culture of the place where you will be speaking. You are not the focus; God is. You are up there to serve. Anything out of place—a suit where people wear jeans, or jeans where people wear suits—will distract your audience from the message.  Using ‘Word Whiskers'.  These are words of phrases also known as ‘fillers'. We want to avoid, “um”, “OK”, “you see”, “y'know” — especially when liberally sprinkled throughout a talk without meaningful purpose. The best way to work on this is to record yourself and write down such fillers. The best way to cut them out is to speak more slowly and pause, rather than ‘fill' with a 'word whisker'. Going Over Your Allotted Time. In almost 40 years of preaching, I have never—not once—annoyed my listeners by being too short. The opposite is not the case. More on this in the next episode.  What are your thoughts on the five issues Bercot addresses? What other problems have we missed?  Conclusion Next time, we will go on to look at landing your plane on time. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 361 | “Plain Speaking - Speak With an Interesting and Clear Voice” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  It is crucial to know what we are talking about and present it with confidence and conviction.  However, what difference does the quality of our voice make? Bercot makes this observation: “In daily conversation, we seem naturally to know how to make our voice pleasant and interesting. We rarely speak in a monotone when talking to friends. but somehow when we're in front of a congregation we forget to do what comes naturally. That's why every speaker needs to consciously speak with modulation.” 85 What does this look like? Modulation. We're talking about variety in pitch, volume, tone and emphasis. Read one of the parables. Can you imagine Jesus sharing it with no variation in his voice? A monotone? I hardly think so. Where do you think he might have placed emphasis—speaking louder, more softly or slowly? Take the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18. I'm pretty sure he relayed the Pharisee's prayer at high volume (“‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'” (Luke 18:11-12 NIV11), and the tax collector's at low volume (“‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'” (Luke 18:13 NIV11) Volume, Tempo, and Pausing.  Can you be heard by everyone in the room? Look at the back as you start speaking and take note if it looks as if they are straining to hear you. The bigger the group and the larger the room, the slower we need to speak. Sound tends to get garbled the further it travels. Pauses help your audience ‘breathe' as they listen. A small gap here and there in your lesson will help them to grasp your point. Use dramatic pauses sparingly but meaningfully.  See the example of Jesus in Mark 3:1-6 and imagine the effect of the silence. Enunciation.  I vividly remember the person who preached on the text, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11) His accent was strong. It sounded like he was saying, “Blessed are those who moan”. Once would not have been too bothersome, but it was the main phrase of the lesson and repeated multiple times. The congregation did not know whether to ask him to speak more clearly, try to ignore it, or laugh. It was embarrassing, distracting and avoidable.  What are your thoughts on cultivating an interesting and clear voice?  Conclusion Next time, we will go on to look at five things that can spoil an otherwise good sermon. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

This is a lecture that was recorded at a ministry training event. David Bercot focused on how to explain the Trinity to those who are not Christians.Watch David's episode on how he was once a Jehovah's WitnessBercot's further teaching on the Trinity The history and full text of the Nicene CreedBercot's episode on Infant BaptismThis is the 213th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Teaching Tip 360 | “Plain Speaking - Speak With Life” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  What does it mean to ‘speak with life'? Well, does your lesson have ‘life' in it? Does it contain a spark? If so, it will fly from your mouth to your listener's heart and set it aflame. What does life look like in a speaker? Enthusiasm.  Bercot shares three healthy expressions of enthusiasm in a preacher. Gestures. Our bodies naturally move when we are excited about something and talking about it with a friend. As such, we should not really concern ourselves too deliberately as to our gestures. A lack of movement is likely a sign that we lack enthusiasm for our subject. No artificial use of gestures will fix that. However, pay attention to distracting movement (watching yourself on camera will reveal any problems in that area), and consider any points in your lesson that would be helpfully highlighted by movement. Confidence. Arrogance and confidence are poles apart. I'm guessing you wouldn't be engaging with this material if you were arrogant anyway, therefore let's focus on confidence. The right kind of confidence comes from good preparation, making your main point a personal conviction, avoiding hypocrisy, and trusting that God is with you—working through his Word by the power of the Spirit. Conviction.  Speak your mind. Jesus was gentle, merciful, and kind, but he was clear. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't be like the preacher who “almost said something.” Bear in mind that conviction can come across as overbearing, pompous, and harsh. Ask someone you consider safe as to how you come across when sharing your convictions.  What are your thoughts on speaking with life?  Conclusion Next time, we will go on to explore how to speak with an interesting and clear voice'. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 359 | “Plain Speaking - Listening to your Listeners” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  In the previous episode, we explored eye contact. What does this have to do with listening to our listeners? As Bercot says, 'When you make eye contact with your listeners, you'll soon find that they're communicating back to you.' 75  How does this help our speaking effectiveness? Let's discuss what to look out for and how to respond. Confusion. When you see frowns and puzzled looks you may not be explaining your point well. It might be time to try a different approach. You could use a fresh illustration, take a different angle, or simply stop and ask ‘Am I making myself clear?' By the way, the question needs to genuine. I have heard speakers say, “Does that make sense?”, but from insecurity rather than a genuine desire to hear an answer. Disagreement. Occasionally, you might see shaking heads and crossed arms—perhaps even listeners arguing over what you have said. If it happens, do not ignore it. You could ask what the issue is, or offer to address it personally after the service. Boredom. Signs of boredom include listeners glancing at their watches, yawning, looking around  the room, fidgeting and slouching. What do you do? Do not start shouting, rebuking your listeners or press on regardless. Instead, change something.  Ask a question. Get the group discussing the topic of your lesson with one another, lead a prayer, ask the worship leader to lead the congregation in an appropriate song, tell a meaningful story or illustration, speed up, slow down—or, in extremis, simply stop! Perhaps they have had enough. Excitement. Smiles, bright eyes, sitting on the edge of seats—these are the sights we long to see. Be grateful when you see this, and engage with those people using eye contact. They are God's blessing and strengthening to you. However, do not see it as a licence to add another 20 minutes to your lesson. Those smiles may well turn to frowns. What are your thoughts on listening to our listeners?  Conclusion Next time, we will go on to explore how to ‘speak with life'. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 358 | “Plain Speaking - Eye Contact” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  In the previous episode, we explored conversational preaching. What part does eye contact play? As Bercot says, 'None of us enjoy conversing with someone who rarely looks at us.' 72  How do we maintain healthy eye contact? Look at people. Make eye contact with specific people - briefly. Don't stare at someone.   Move around. Look at people in the front row, the back row, the balcony, the left, the right—neglect no part of the room.  Include the camera. If the lesson is being streamed live to people online, look directly at the camera from time to time.  What else do we need to consider? Screens. If you are reading text from a screen, take your eyes off the screen periodically to look at the people in the room. Notes. It is OK to look at your notes, but do not do so for long. Aim for a glance.  Start and stop. You want the best connection with the congregation in the introduction and conclusion. Stories. When sharing a story, it is essential to maintain connection with your listeners. Nothing deflates the power of your illustration more than looking down at your notes just as you get to the punchline! What are your thoughts on eye contact? How do you feel about it? Conclusion Next time, we will go on to explore how to listen to our listeners. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 357 | “Plain Speaking - Speak Conversationally” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  In the previous episode we explored being ourselves when speaking. As Bercot says, 'The ultimate expression of being yourself is speaking conversationally.' Why does this matter, and how do we do it? Domination is deadly. Have you ever been at a party where you've been cornered by a bore? You know the kind of person. The one who speaks at you, does not recognise social cues, tells you everything they want you to hear, but shows no interest in you or your interests. Perhaps you've even been that person! No one enjoys that experience. Inconsiderate preaching can be like that - but it doesn't have to be and should not be. Congregations that are talked at switch off. What a tragedy! Conversation is connection. Good conversation connects people. ‘We' are talking, not one person. Most blocks  of Jesus' teaching look short, and allowed for interaction with the person or persons present. His  model is helpful for us. If God desires connection with us — and he does — then our speaking about him is best when it reflects this connection. How do we develop the art of conversational preaching? Bercot says, ‘The secret to speaking conversational in public is to focus on ideas, not on words.' 70  He suggests that our lesson outline should remind us of the ideas we want to convey, and not the precise words we want to use. We can trust the words will come if the ideas are clear. This is what happens in conversation.  What are your thoughts on speaking conversationally when we teach and preach? Do you see it as important? Conclusion Next time, we will go on to explore the importance of eye contact. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 356 | “Plain Speaking - Be Yourself” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Are you trying to sound like someone else when you speak? Please don't. You have a personality for a reason. Be yourself.  Reading the public teachings of Jesus and Paul, it is clear they spoke differently. If the book of James is a collection of sermons as many scholars think, they also ‘sound' very different from Jesus. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel are different in style as well as content.  Imagine if every preacher sounded exactly the same. Not only would we find it hard not to get bored, but something more profound would be lost - authenticity. 1. Authenticity. Learning from other speakers is valuable, but attempting to be them is not. Your congregation knows you and wants to hear from you - not an AI version of yourself. 2. Distractions. If your ‘natural' style includes mumbling, shuffling or staring at the ceiling, it is crucial to work on improving your delivery. You can do this without losing the core of who you are.  3. Nerves. Don't over-focus on your style. Pay attention to any distracting habits, but avoid self-consciousness by remembering that your lesson is about God, he is with you, and the congregation are eager to learn.  What are your thoughts on being ourselves when we teach and preach? Someone said that preaching is ‘truth through personality'. Do you agree? Conclusion Next time, we will go on to explore how speaking conversationally. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching. Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 355 | “Plain Speaking - your speaking notes” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Different philosophies exist about the value or otherwise of using notes when you speak. What does Bercot think? He follows this process: Type up a detailed sermon outline Print it off and read it through making sure it makes sense Highlight key points (words) of the message Type a new version of the message using only the highlighted points His goal is to get to the point where he doesn't need his notes. This is called extemporaneous speaking. Advantages of this approach include: Better engagement with the congregation because we are not tied to our notes Better connection with the congregation because it's more like a conversation Better conviction in speaking because the points have been embedded in our mind and heart What are your thoughts on his approach? What is your method, and why do you do it that way? Conclusion Next time we will go on to explore how our speaking can be authentically our own. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 354 | “Plain Speaking - rousing introductions and conclusions” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "The introduction and conclusion of your sermon are like the appetiser and dessert of a meal.” Although a starter and a pudding are optional, they certainly add something special to a meal! A good introduction needs to accomplish two purposes according to Bercot: Capture your hearer's interest -  Let your hearers know the subject of your message -  “The introduction should provide listeners with a reason to listen. Your introduction should raise the question you are going to answer, create the tension you are going to resolve, or point to the mystery you are going to solve.” Andy Stanley, ‘Communicating for a change' A helpful conclusion accomplishes two things according to Bercot: Provide a brief summary of what has been said -  Stir your listeners to action -  “You should conclude, and the conclusion should produce a feeling of finality. Like an able lawyer, a minister asks for a verdict.” W. Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (p. 223). Baker Academic.  Now put everything together — your introduction, main points, sub points and conclusion. How is it looking? Do all the parts connect to one another logically and make sense? Conclusion Next time we will go on to look at the topic of speaking notes. Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

 Teaching Tip 353 | “Plain Speaking - organising and sculpturing your material” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  “If you want to be an effective speaker, you have to organise your material. Otherwise, your listeners won't be able to follow where you're going... If it isn't organised it will…sound to the congregation as if you're just rambling.” 52 Two steps are necessary according to Bercot: Organise your material into three parts: An introduction, a middle and an end.  Review your material and divide into main points and minor points that support the main ones: Throw away anything that is not relevant. It's what writers call, "killing your darlings". Can you insert ‘therefore', or, ‘and' between your points and it make sense? The diamond shape can be a useful model. Bercot uses the illustration of making a sculpture. At the beginning a sculptor has a block of material and his or her job is to cut away everything that is not necessary to the final form.  Conclusion Next time we will go on to speak about introductions and conclusions Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

David Bercot explains why he was an Anglican priest, why apostolic succession was initially convincing, and how he ultimately left and joined the Anabaptists. What is it about the High Church traditions that are appealing? How does this fit with the teachings of the Ante-Nicene fathers, and are the Anabaptists correct in their interpretation of the early church writings?Scroll PublishingBercot's series on infant baptism.Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.Bercot's Episode: I Was Once A Jehovah's WitnessSign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Teaching Tip 352 | “Plain Speaking - Illustrations make a sermon memorable” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Illustrations are important for three reasons according to Bercot: They help your listeners to understand - they gave your listeners an ‘a-ha!' moment.  They engage your listeners - it's like adding flavouring to a meal. Chilli, salt, pepper….. They aid your hearers to remember what you said - illustrations linger long in the memory after the facts have been forgotten and link the facts back to your mind. I still remember illustrations I heard used nearly 40 years ago. DA, 84/85 -Rom 12.1, living sacrifice - “The trouble with living sacrifices is that they tend to squirm off the altar.” Did Jesus use illustrations? Did he ever! He employed illustrations from contemporary events, nature, story (parable), kinetic aids such as small children and much more.  One final tip: Illustrations from books and contemporary news sources are fine, but the best illustrations are almost always personal. Conclusion Which of the illustrations that Jesus used do you connect with the most? Why do you think illustrations are so powerful? Do you find the use of illustrations easy or hard, and why? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: organising and sculpturing your material Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 351 | “Plain Speaking - building your sermon” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  “These steps are flexible and can be adapted to your own preferences. But to be an effective speaker, you will want to follow some plan." Page 37 Six steps according to Bercot: Praying for guidance - including listening. Why are we afraid of silence? “Silence gave me space to remember that my most urgent spiritual questions are not necessarily the ones that will endure.” Tish Warren, ‘Prayer in the Night' Researching - reference tools (bestcommentaries.com  / accordancebible.com ) Reflecting and brainstorming - what else is important to explore regarding this topic? Water at the well - Bible's story regarding water, other scriptures about ‘living water'. Illustrating my topic - more on that next week Organising - more on that in an upcoming episode Sculpturing - more on that in another episode Even a cursory examination of the sermon on the mount indicates that Jesus didn't put it together casually. We are not looking for a formula, but for practices that will help us to be disciplined in our preparation. Conclusion Do you agree with these steps? Which of the steps are easy for you? Which of the steps are hard for you and why? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: illustrations make a sermon memorable Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 350 | “Plain Speaking - Having a goal” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Every meaningful activity has a goal. The nature of the goal will vary, but the goal will be clear to those involved. Bercot uses the illustrations of playing volleyball and building a house. There is no point gathering to play or build without a goal in mind. Is this applicable to speaking in church? Yes, because God's word is ‘alive and active' — it does things. Our hope in speaking about God is surely to be effective (Acts 14.1). No, we are not reducing preaching to a formula, but we are recognising that a lesson aimed at nothing is sure to hit it.  Let me illustrate with a personal example. At the time of recording I am preparing a lesson on Abraham. It is part of the “A New Thing” series (Isaiah 43). The topic is “A New Thing”, the character used to illustrate God doing a new thing is Abraham, the goal is to help my listeners learn from the faith of Abraham as he embraced God doing a new thing in him with the hope that they will embrace whatever new thing God has in mind for them. The lesson content will be shaped by the theme, therefore I will be focussed on the instances of ‘new things' in Abraham's life, such as his departure from Harran (Genesis 12:5). Conclusion How do you feel about discerning a goal for your lesson? What helps you to discover a goal for a lesson? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: building your sermon  Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 350 | “Plain Speaking - Having a goal” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Every meaningful activity has a goal. The nature of the goal will vary, but the goal will be clear to those involved. Bercot uses the illustrations of playing volleyball and building a house. There is no point gathering to play or build without a goal in mind. Is this applicable to speaking in church? Yes, because God's word is ‘alive and active' — it does things. Our hope in speaking about God is surely to be effective (Acts 14.1). No, we are not reducing preaching to a formula, but we are recognising that a lesson aimed at nothing is sure to hit it.  Let me illustrate with a personal example. At the time of recording I am preparing a lesson on Abraham. It is part of the “A New Thing” series (Isaiah 43). The topic is “A New Thing”, the character used to illustrate God doing a new thing is Abraham, the goal is to help my listeners learn from the faith of Abraham as he embraced God doing a new thing in him with the hope that they will embrace whatever new thing God has in mind for them. The lesson content will be shaped by the theme, therefore I will be focussed on the instances of ‘new things' in Abraham's life, such as his departure from Harran (Genesis 12:5). Conclusion How do you feel about discerning a goal for your lesson? What helps you to discover a goal for a lesson? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: building your sermon  Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 348 | “Plain Speaking - Preparing seven days a week” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  It has been said that before the speaker prepares their lesson, God prepares the speaker. How does this happen? One way is in noticing what God is up to. What is he doing around you and in you? He is at work seven days a week. When we talk about ‘preparing seven days a week' we're not referring to working on our lesson outline and content, but to becoming more aware of God acting in our world. How do we do this? Pray to be aware — I record voice memos on my watch Make notes on what you see, read and hear — books, podcasts, YouTube, conversations. I snap photographs on my phone and look back through them. Obsidian is where I keep notes and ideas.  Collect objects — I have a file Conclusion What is the best way for you to notice and record God ‘speaking' to you? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: Choosing the right topic  Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 347 | “Plain Speaking - Preaching is organised conversation” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Speaking in a congregational setting is not making a speech. That's for politicians and professional orators. Preaching is more like having a conversation. Having a conversation is much less stressful that ‘making a speech'. Let me illustrate. Imagine you are in the fellowship at the end of a church service. Someone asks you how you became a Christian. You start telling them. It is easy. You don't need a script. You hardly need to think about what to say. It just comes out. Also imagine that as you tell your story to that person that another person joins you, then one or two more. By the time you finish you have a small crowd around you. Does that change anything? Not really. Perhaps you speak a little louder, but otherwise it is still a conversation. That's what we are talking about when we say that preaching and teaching are conversations. “…preaching is simply organised conversation.” Having said that there are a few ways in which preaching differs from conversation: Prayer - what does God want me to say? Preparation - a new story needs organising Point - what specific point does God want me to make for this group on this day? Delivery - what adjustments do I need to make to my conversational style given the circumstances in which I will deliver this lesson? Conclusion Do you agree with my assertion that speaking to a church is a ‘conversation'? In what way is it similar and in what way different? How can this idea help you in your speaking? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: Preparing seven days a week Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 346 | “Plain Speaking - Anyone can learn to speak effectively” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Some people think speaking in public is a gift given to a few. I contend the opposite. I believe that almost everybody can speak effectively. How do I know this? Can you carry on a conversation? Are you able to have a chat with your spouse, friend, neighbour? In addition, do you have the Holy Spirit? Then you have enough to be an effective speaker “…good preaching is simply a form of structured conversation.” 14 Perhaps you've heard the old saying, “If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.” What's happening between our ears is more important  As a youngster I learned to sing. I joined a local parish church choir and was surprised how easy it was. I had a wonderful choir master who understood the psychology of singing as well as the practicalities. He convinced me I could sing, and as a result, I sang. If you have doubts about your ability to speak effectively, will you pray for the confidence to try? And, will you seek out a competent teacher to help you take steps to improve? Conclusion Is there anything preventing you from praying to be an effective speaker? Who could you ask to help you become an effective speaker? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: Preaching is organised conversation Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 345 | “Plain Speaking - Don't settle for mediocrity” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Too much preaching and teaching is mediocre. A travesty! The Holy Spirit is not a limitation on your effectiveness as a speaker - he is an unlimited resource More likely, your lack of passion is the problem. We need to find the fire. How do we grow in our desire to speak about God for the benefit of other people?  Five things can help us according to Bercot: Understanding the privilege.“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors...” 2 Corinthians 5:20 Understand the responsibility. If we do not speak — who will? It might be those who speak in error, from false motives or for personal gain.  Understand the impact. Lives are changed by the Word of God, but it must be spoken for people to hear it, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 Understand the support. “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:10-11 Understand the value of training. In Matthew 10:8 Jesus sends his followers out to proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heavena has come near'. He gives them instruction before they set out, and provides feedback once they return.  When we understand the privilege, the responsibility and the impact, the support and the value of training our desire the preach and teach will grow.  We will never settle for mediocrity. Conclusion What helps your desire the speaker? What resources of inspiration could you access? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: Anyone can learn to speak effectively  Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 1 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  My first preaching experience: Half a sermon; profound sense of being an imposter; doing the opposite of the advice I was given. I was not asked again for a long time! What God wants is more important than what you want, your peers want, those who evaluate you want, and your listeners want.  Three necessary things according to Bercot: The anointing of the Holy Spirit. More on this next week, but what does it mean to you to rely on the Spirit in your speaking? The desire to learn to preach. Note, desire is not the same as confidence. It is an inner motivation, not about presentation skill or experience.  Some basic training on how to prepare an effective message. Note, it is important to avoid the extremes. God can use the untrained, but why would you want to ignore the resources available to you. Training is hugely valuable, but your confidence should be in God and his word, not your training.  “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” (Matthew 10:27 NIV11) Jesus would not command them to do that which he was not prepared to equip them for. Conclusion Do you believe God will equip you? Do you a real desire to speak God to people? Are you willing to be trained? Has today's tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so. Next week: Don't settle for mediocrity Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 343 | “Plain Speaking - Introduction” | Malcolm Cox Introduction How would you like to be more effective in your preaching and teaching? If, like me, you want to grow as a speaker of God's word, then I have a resource for you.  It's a new year, so it's time for a new series of Teaching Tips. In a change from the normal approach I will be recording 2-minute tips based on chapters from the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  From the rear cover of the book: “Although many books have been written about preaching and teaching, most of them are addressed to seminary-trained pastors. They're not aimed at the churches that don't use professionally schooled ministers. That's what is different about this book. The New Testament Christians had no seminaries, but they raised up effective preachers and teachers. The Holy Spirit can use ordinary Christian men today to preach and teach just as He did back in the first century. Plain Speaking takes the reader through all of the steps of developing and delivering effective sermons and devotional messages. Some of the topics covered are: • Choosing the right topic • Building your sermon • Where to find illustrations • Organising your material • Preparing rousing introductions and conclusions • Making eye contact with your listeners • Controlling speaker's fright • How to make your devotionals special • Pet peeves of listeners Although packed with practical information, Plain Speaking is written in an easy-to-read, conversational style.” Conclusion Each week will give you something practical you can implement in your next lesson. Why not bookmark these recordings and set time aside to listen to them? After all, it's got to be worth two minutes of your time, hasn't it?  Next week: It doesn't take a seminary education to preach Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life. Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Strength to Strength welcomed David Bercot to discuss his book on the 20th anniversary of the first edition.Join us for an interview/discussion of what led to the writing of this book, some of the concepts shared in this book, as well as David's journey into his understanding of the centrality of this message.If you're a skeptic that Jesus' message of the “Kingdom of God” is central to understanding God's work in the world today, this Talk is for you.Resources:Book by David Bercot: “The Kingdom That Turned the World Upside Down” available on Scroll Publishing and on AmazonAudio message by David Bercot: “The Kingdom of God” available on Scroll Publishing and on YouTube

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Scriptures cited in this podcast:Luke 23:39-43John 20:16-17Philippians 2:9-11John 14:1-3John 3:13Acts 2:34Further:The audio series, What Happens After We Die? contains 3 hours of material, comprising 4 lessons:After Death: Have We Got it all Wrong?In Their Own Words: What the Early Christians TaughtHow Can This Be? Problems and ObjectionsHeaven, Hell, Hauntings & Everything Else: Conclusion and PerspectivClick HERE to order this intriguing series.Read the article by New Testament professor N.T. Wright, asserting that Christians do not go to heaven when they die.The position taken in this podcast, that the dead are neither in heaven nor in hell, but in Hades, is supported by the writings of the early church. See, for example, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, by David Bercot.

This is part 11 of the Early Church History class. Have you heard of the Roman emperor Constantine? He had a massive impact on Christianity. Not only did he end the brutal persecutions of his predecessors, but he also used the Roman government to actively support the Church. However, his involvement also resulted in significant changes that eventually led to the merger between Church and State called Christendom. In this episode you'll learn about the good and the bad effects of Constantine's involvement in Christianity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQDFaIh2SsY&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2lk3B0I7Pa77hfwKJm1SRI&index=11 Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts —— Links —— More podcasts about Constantine Get Kegan Chandler's book, Constantine and the Divine Mind Find out more about this summer's Family Camp here. More Restitutio resources on Christian history See other classes here Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Today, we're looking at one of the most influential people in church history: Constantine (272-337). Also called Constantine the Great or Constantine I There would be 10 more emperors named Constantine. Constantine 11th was the last Roman emperor who died when the Muslims conquered Constantinople in 1453. Constantine's “Edict of Milan”[1] 303-313 - The Great Persecution 313 - Toleration granted to Christians and all religions Restore confiscated property Constantine's Favoring of Christianity Exemption from public office Tax exemption Use of cursus publicus Printing of Christian scriptures Closing of law courts on Sundays Abolition of face-branding as a punishment Constantine and Churches Donated 3,000 bags of money to church in African provinces Rebuilt and enlarged damaged churches Built new churches, especially through his mother, Helena Helena also allegedly finds the true cross (relic). Constantine's Government Appointed government officials that were Christians Sought advice from Christian bishops on decisions Shared his table with Christians Had bishops accompany soldiers Christian Attitude Toward Military Prior to Constantine Jesus and his apostles taught to love enemies (Matthew 5.5, 9, 38-48; 1 Thessalonians 5.15; Romans 12.14, 17-21; 1 Peter 3.8-11) Didache 1.3-4; Justin Martyr, First Apology 39, Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.34, Tertullian, On Idolatry 19, Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition 16.17-19, Origen, Against Celsus 5.33, Cyprian, Epistle I: To Donatus 6, Arnobius, Against the Heathen 1.6, Lactantius, Divine Institutes 5.8.[2] Preston Sprinkle: “Despite the presence of Christians in the military, it is clear that no single Christian writer before Constantine sanctioned the use of violence, not even toward bad guys.”[3] Constantine's Vision Had been a worshiper of Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun) Allegedly saw something above the sun Had a dream in which Christ told him to use his initials, chi rho (also called, labarum), on his soldiers' shields (“in this you will conquer”) At the battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine defeated Maxentius, fished his body out of the river, decapitated him, and paraded his head through the city on a stick. Christian Leaders Seek Favor Christians requested the emperor to persecute other Christians. Constantine's Edict Against the Heretics Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, Cataphrygians Currying imperial favor to defeat one's Christian enemies became a standard tactic. The Constantinian shift initiated a new stage in church history—Christendom, the idea that a society or nation could be Christian. Before long, all infants would be baptized, making everyone a member of the church by birth. Everyone would be raised Christian. The government would pay clergy their salaries. How many of these so-called Christians followed Christ? Evangelism was no longer needed. The kingdom had come. The Roman Empire became the holy Roman Empire and was seen as God's kingdom on earth. Review Constantine's involvement in Christianity brought several significant changes, both good and bad, initiating the “merger” of the church and the state known as Christendom. Constantine ended the persecution of Christians, issuing the Edict of Milan (along with Licinius) in 313. Constantine donated large sums of money to rebuild churches, build new churches, and support clergy. Constantine's favoritism of Christianity incentivized people to join the church. Christians changed from discouraging military participation to blessing it. Christians pursued the emperor's favor to persecute pagans, Jews, and other Christian sects with different beliefs. Constantine's desire to have Christian advisors in his entourage caused some Christians to begin identifying the Roman Empire as God's kingdom on earth. Rather than strict obedience to the teachings of Christ, Christendom came to lower the requirements for all, while the zealous left, pursued monasticism whether as isolated hermits or in communities. [1] Scholars point out that the “Edict of Milan” was really a letter sent from Nicomedia. [2] More quotations in David Bercot, Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs. [3] Preston Sprinkle, Fight (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2013), 212-3.

Our focus for this episode is the collection of second-century Christian literature known as the Apostolic Fathers. In total, there are 11 authors in this collection, 9 of whom we will briefly cover today. You'll learn about the earliest Christian documents outside the New Testament, two of  which were possibly written even before the last book of the New Testament. What did Christians write about? Although the Apostolic Fathers is far from cohesive, they do give us a great window into some of the dominant threads of Christian thought in the generation after the apostles died. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyJwqv-Y87M&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2lk3B0I7Pa77hfwKJm1SRI&index=4 —— Links —— More Restitutio resources on Christian history More classes here Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— The Apostolic Fathers is a collection of Christian writings primarily from the second century. The Didache Epistle of Barnabas 1 Clement Shepherd of Hermas Epistles of Ignatius Fragments of Papias 2 Clement Epistle of Polycarp Martyrdom of Polycarp Fragment of Quadratus Epistle to Diognetus Sources for APF (Apostolic Fathers) Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org) Michael Holmes' translation (available in English or English in parallel with Greek) Didache (60-150) Jewish-Christian document partly focused on righteous living and partly on church order (baptism, communion, fasting, hospitality, etc.) citations: Didache 9.1-3; 8.1; 2.1-2 Research Recommendation David Bercot's A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs Epistle of Barnabas (70-132) author referred to as Psuedo-Barnabas allegorizing method of interpreting scripture, especially the Old Testament citation: Barnabas 10.11-12; 1 Clement (80-100) letter written from Roman leader to help church of Corinth resolve a dispute citations 1 Clement 59.4 Shepherd of Hermas (100-150) freed slave writing on holiness and repentance citation: Shepherd 59.5-7 Epistles of Ignatius (108-160) bishop in Antioch arrested and brought to Rome where he faced martyrdom three recensions survive: long, middle, and short Long Recension To the Ephesians To the Magnesians To the Trallians To the Romans To the Philadelphians To the Smyrnaeans To Polycarp To Mary of Cassabola From Mary of Cassabola To Tarsians To Antiochenes To Philippians To Hero Middle Recension To the Ephesians To the Magnesians To the Trallians To the Romans To the Philadelphians To the Smyrnaeans To Polycarp Short Recension To the Ephesians To the Romans To Polycarp citations: Ephesians 7.2; Polycarp 3.2 (both from middle recension) Fragments of Papias (130) preferred oral testimony to written[1] wanted to get to the truth of the matter bishop in Hierapolis Citation: Papias 3.3-4 2 Clement (130-160) neither a letter nor was it written by Clement anonymous sermon citation: 2 Clement 9.1-6 Polycarp to the Philippians (135-160) the Philippians had requested Polycarp to discuss righteousness Martyrdom of Polycarp (155-175) narrates story of Polycarp's capture, interrogation, and public execution in Smyrna sets precedent for future martyrs Review The Apostolic Fathers is a diverse collection of Christian books from the 2nd century major focus Christian morality identity vis-à-vis Judaism variety of views about Christ authenticity (Papias) and unity (Ignatius, 1 Clement) [1] See also Richard Bauckham's Jesus and the Eyewitnesses.

Strength to Strength welcomed David Bercot to explore the books of the Old Testament apocrypha.These books from the so-called intertestamental period, largely written in Greek, have had a strong influence throughout the history of the church. This extended to Anabaptism in Europe, and significantly was a part of the King James Version of 1611. The Apocryphal books were often printed with the KJV up until about the 19th century.David explores the history and controversy surrounding these books, and offers a great perspective for our consideration today.An interactive question-and-answer period follows.

As our board and staff were together recently, we hammered out a vision statement.   “Using digital media to encourage allegiance to Jesus's sacrificial kingdom.”  We also discussed operation improvements. Until now we have run this podcast by seasons and currently we are in Season 4.  Going forward, we will not be using seasons. We will instead release episodes biweekly and avoid extensive season breaks.  With more time between episodes, this is a good chance to check out our other podcast. “https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen  (Essays for King Jesus)” consists of professionally narrated essays from our blog.  Also you can listen to the audiobook we produced last year in partnership with David Bercot. Find In God We Don't Trust on Apple books or search any major audiobook platform. If you are interested in helping to financially support Anabaptist Perspectives, you can https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate (donate here) or join our https://anabaptistperspectives.org/partners  (monthly partner program). Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement over the last four plus years!  If you don't want to miss an episode, subscribe on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy53LNDq447vE37AwioUvkg (YouTube) or your https://anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen (favorite podcast app)!    This is an update episode from Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connect with us on https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (Facebook) https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ (Read essays from our blog) or listen to them on our podcast, https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen (Essays for King Jesus) Subscribe on your https://anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen (podcast provider of choice) https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ (Support us) or https://anabaptistperspectives.org/about (learn more about us!) The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

In Episode 131, David Bercot is back on Reclaiming the Faith to discuss Constantine the Great. Here, we discussed the events that led up to the Church being enamored with Constantine, what exactly happened on the Milvian Bridge in AD 312, and the effects his reign had on Christianity.  Find all of David Bercot's books here: https://scrollpublishing.com/products-category/books-by-david-bercot/   David Bercot's series on Paul's Letter to the Romans: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqT0pXOZS5AAYFV9MtoKdl1dK-YboVrWs   Faithful Witness: The Early Church's Theology of Martyrdom    https://www.amazon.com/Faithful-Witness-Churchs-Theology-Martyrdom/dp/B09K21NSPC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=          Phil's Website – https://philsbaker.com Patreon Page - patreon.com/philsbaker Apple Podcasts Channel - Reclaiming the Faith Contact me – emailphilsbaker@gmail.com BDK - www.omegafrequency.com The Ante-Nicene Writings - https://www.scrollpublishing.com/store/more-CD-ANF.html