The Negative Confession: Learning to Stand Against Error in Our Own Era

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 46) we discover the significance of the Second Scottish Confession, otherwise known as the Negative Confession. The signing of this document on January 28, 1581 reminds the church of her duty to not only stand up for what she believes in an era of error, but to also stand up for what she is against. We do this with firm confidence that our King stands with us when we stand with truth.

Episode 46- January 28, 1581, The Negative Confession
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

Charles II and the Fifth Monarchy Men

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 44) we meet the intriguing group of men known as the Fifth Monarchy Men. Who were they? What was their relationship to Charles II, King of England? And what does it have to do with Christians today?

Episode 44- May 29, 1660, Charles II and the Fifth Monarchy Men
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

The Morning Star of the Reformation

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 43) we learn about the erroneous charges leveled against “The Morning Star of the Reformation”, John Wycliffe. Learn how his influence spread into our own day, and why it is critically important for pastors to be bold scholars of truth.

Episode 43- May 22, 1377, The Morning Star of the Reformation
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

C.H. Spurgeon, the Christ Centered Preacher

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 42) we commemorate March 24, 1861. On this day, Charles Spurgeon preached his first sermon in the newly built Metropolitan Tabernacle. The first words of this first sermon reveal Spurgeon’s entire philosophy of ministry. There is much the church can learn in just these brief sentences.

Episode 42- March 24, 1861, C.H. Spurgeon, the Christ Centered Preacher
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

Patrick's Place: The First Martyr of the Scottish Reformation

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 41) we learn about a young preacher whose life was cut short. But from this stump came many fruitful branches of gospel preachers. Patrick Hamilton was the first martyr of the Scottish Reformation. He preached the pure gospel before George Wishart and John Knox. He wrote a work entitled Patrick’s Places, an affirmation that salvation is by grace alone in Christ alone. On this podcast we discover Patrick’s place in history.

Episode 41- February 29, 1528, Patrick's Place: The First Martyr of the Scottish Reformation
Dr. Andrew Smith

(Music on this Podcast furnished by Bensound, Mid-Air Machine)

John Chrysostom: The Golden Mouthed Preacher

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 40) we commemorate February 26, 398. On this date, John Chrysostom, the golden mouthed preacher of the early church, was ordained as Bishop of Constantinople. This expositor of the early Greek fathers left a legacy of bold preaching. His boldness led to blessing as well as sacrifice. His life and commitment to preaching sound theology, while also calling for holy living, is a reminder to all expository preachers that preaching Scripture faithfully always comes with a cost.

Episode 40- February 26, 398, John Chrysostom: The Golden Mouthed Preacher
Dr. Andrew Smith

(Music on this Podcast furnished by Bensound, Mid-Air Machine)

Luther's Deathbed Confession

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 39) we commemorate the death of the Reformer and fortress for truth, Martin Luther (1483-1546). What did he say in his remaining hours on this earth? Was his faith in Christ strong? Did he stand by the gospel he preached? Find out on today’s podcast.

Episode 39- February 18, 1546, Luther's Deathbed Confession
Dr. Andrew Smith

Music on this podcast: Bensound, A Whale on It’s Side

A Preaching Doctor Named Rogers

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 38) we remember the first “Marian Martyr”, John Rogers. Rogers was burnt at the stake on February 4, 1555. A biblical scholar and gospel soldier, Rogers’ martyrdom led the way for a long line of martyrs under Queen Bloody Mary. In this podcast, we also discover Rogers relationship with William Tyndale.

(Music on this Podcast furnished by Bensound, Mid-Air Machine)

Episode 38- February 4, 1555, A Preaching Doctor Named Rogers
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

George Whitefield: Preacher of the Fields

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 37) we commemorate January 14, 1739, the day George Whitefield was ordained to preach. Forced to forsake the ornate buildings of the Church of England, Whitefield was noted for his field preaching. Carrying a portable pulpit everywhere he went, Whitefield became the most celebrated preacher of the First Great Awakening to the glory of God. What can preacher’s today learn from Whitefield’s stamina, faithfulness, orthodoxy, and boldness in the task of preaching? Find out on this episode.

*At the 5 minute mark, I make a remark that may sound like I’m suggesting John Wesley wasn’t a hard worker. Much to the contrary. Wesley taught the unbiblical doctrine of perfectionism and therefore emphasized the work and diligence of a Christian. He was a hard worker to be sure. What I was trying to communicate was that what separated Wesley and Whitefield were their doctrinal differences not their industrious spirits, which they both shared. In spite of Whitefield’s affirmation of predestination, he yet possessed a hard working drive. He was not apathetic in spite of his Calvinism. He did not believe, but heartily rejected perfectionism, and yet he was driven in holiness and working with excellence to the glory of God.

Episode 37- January 14, 1739, George Whitefield: Preacher of the Fields
Dr. Andrew M. Smith

Music on this Podcast furnished by royalty free music: Mid-Air Machine, A Whale On It’s Side

Ulrich Zwingli's Most Important Decision

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 36) we unveil a decision that changed the course of history. Ulrich Zwingli is considered to be the father of the Swiss Reformation. But what sparked the fire of reformation in Switzerland? Find out on today’s segment.

Episode 36- December 11, 1584, Ulrich Zwingli's Most Important Decision
Dr. Andrew M. Smith